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Sahaja Samruddha have been witness to so many who have been inspired to take the knowledge of the benefits of sustainable agriculture as a movement to their brethren. Today we not only became an umbrella for all practitioners of sustainable agriculture to come together, it has also inspired more than 300 farmers across Karnataka to take up organic farming.

Networking

Sahaja Samrudha has created innovative and constructive partnerships with like-minded farmer groups and organizations to initiate organic farmer associations in Kolar, Channapatna and Mandya of Karnataka. Its network has also spread with organizations across southern states of Andhra Pradesh Tamil nadu and Kerala. Forum has created media linkages and encouraged farmers to pen in articles of their experiences, innovations and hard earned lessons.


Conservation of Agro biodiversity

Sahaja Samrudha believes that conservation of local varieties is of paramount importance to reduce the farmers' dependency on market for their seed requirements. As a collaborative effort individual seed savers and organizations keen in conservation in Karnataka and communes residing in remote forest villages in Kollegal of Chamarajnagar Dist have been identified and on-farm conservation of diverse landraces has been implemented. Continuous conservation and multiplication of popular paddy landraces like Mysore mallige, HMT, Salem sanna and Chinnaponni has resulted in increase in quantity of seeds that have spread in thousands of acres. SS has played a major role in reviving rare varieties like Devanhalli chakkotha, Raja bale, Kempu bale and many vegetables, which were on the verge of extinction. Also nine varieties of rare medicinal rice varieties were identified and conservation efforts on-farm have been initiated.


Conservation of Hallikar - An Indigenous Cattle Breed of Karnataka

The traditional approach of breeding is aimed at meeting the requirements of local communities keeping in view of the local resources. This is one of the main reasons for high adaptability of indigenous breeds. The replacement of local breeds by exotics has caused a loss to genetic variability. A special stress has been be emphasized and a programme has been developed to carry on on-farm conservation of the Hallikar indigenous breed in Karnataka. This would enhance the ability of the animal to remain adaptable to the local environment.


 

Organic village

Govt of Karnataka decided to implement organic farming concept in Karnataka and SS in collaboration with Department of Agriculture chose to implement organic farming project in Bylur, Arepalya and neighbouring villages in Kollegal taluk.

Government of Karnataka selected Sahaja Samrudha for implementing organic village programme in Kollegal taluk.

 

After field visits, base line survey and farmer meetings Sahaja Samrudha identified Bylur, Arepalya and GM Doddi village for the project Hulikadu savayava Krishikara Koota formed to implement the programme at grassroots. This body will implement the organic village programmes under Sahaja Samrudha and Department of Agriculture guidance.


Guardians of the seed

Seed Savers Network, Australia visited Sahaja Samrudha project villages in Kollegal for video documentation of seed savers experiences for their forthcoming Documentary film 'Guardians of the Seed'. Sahaja Samrudha Association extended their support and collaboration with Sahaja Samrudha on building seed savers networks in south India.



 

Plight of Indian Farmers in the Globalization Era

A day lecture was organized on 8th August 2007 on 'Plight of Indian Farmers in the Globalization Era', at Institute of Agricultural Technologists (IAT), Bangalore. Sahaja Samruddha in collaboration with IAT and Thanal, Kerala organized the mega event. The programme was inaugurated by Prasanna, well-known Theatre Personality, and Mr. Devinder Sharma, a distinguished writer, thinker and researcher, is widely respected for his views on food and trade policy, was the guest speaker.
 
He addressed the august gathering on issues concerning the politics of sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, trade and food security, poverty, the crisis of our country and farmer suicides.

 
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Sahaja Samrudha - 'Nandana', No.7, 2nd Cross, 7th Main, Sulthanpalya, Bangalore - 560 032, Karnataka, India
                                       Phone: +91 80 2365 5302      Mobile: (0)98808 62058      Email:sahajasamrudha@gmail.com