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Sustainable Agriculture & Horticulture

Natural Farming. A Sustainable Path Forward.

READS supports farmers to explore natural and low-external-input farming practices suited to local conditions. Activities may include preparation and use of locally made bio-inputs, composting, indigenous seed practices, mixed cropping and soil-health improvement.

Our Focus Our Work

Pillar I

Sustainable Agriculture & Horticulture

Supporting farmers with improved practices, crop diversification, orchard development and natural farming.

  1. 01Agriculture
  2. 02Natural FarmingYou are here
  3. 03Horticulture
All four pillars

Our Focus

Encouraging Sustainable Farming Practices.

Explore READS' work related to natural farming through verified initiatives, community activities and agricultural practices.

Restoring Living Soils and Ecological Balance

The NABARD JIVA initiative in Shankargarh-II block, Balrampur district, promoted natural and resource-efficient farming practices, including locally prepared bio-inputs and improved farm management.

In December 2024, a Participatory Rural Appraisal under the JIVA project was organised in the villages of Jamhore and Bhuneshwarpur in Shankargarh block to involve farmers in planning.

READS' organisational information indicates the JIVA project completed on 30 June 2026.

Practices Promoted

  1. 01Preparation and use of locally made bio-inputs.
  2. 02Composting.
  3. 03Indigenous seed practices.
  4. 04Mixed cropping and soil-health improvement.

Our Work

Supporting Farming Communities.

READS' natural farming activities and experiences from farming communities, shown through READS' own field photographs.

  • Farmers and READS staff gathered with a banner at a JIVA farmer samagam
    NABARD JIVA

    JIVA Farmer Samagam

    Farmers and READS staff at a JIVA project gathering in Shankargarh-II block.

  • A farmer preparing seed treatment and bio-inputs beside a mustard field
    Bio-Formulations

    Indigenous Seed Treatment & Bio-Inputs

    Seed treatment and locally prepared bio-inputs with participating farmers.

  • Farmers preparing raised beds on a regenerative natural farming plot
    Soil Ecology

    Soil Health & Plot Preparation

    Plot preparation for soil-health improvement and mixed cropping.

Villagers drawing a village map on the ground during a participatory planning exercise
Training

Participatory Rural Appraisal

Farmers in Jamhore and Bhuneshwarpur villages of Shankargarh block took part in a Participatory Rural Appraisal under the JIVA project (December 2024).

Related Areas

Explore Related Focus Areas.