Agriculture Environmentally Friendly Approaches

Environmentally Friendly Approaches

We support farmers to find a healthy balance between agricultural profitability and environment sustainability.

Solar Pumps for Irrigation

We promote solar irrigation pumps so that farmers can irrigate crops affordably and sustainably - converting solar energy into electricity to run the pumping system, replacing erratic grid supply and pollution-causing diesel-powered versions.

Responsible Use of Chemical Pesticides/
Fertilisers

We educate farmers and promote ecofriendly crop production techniques. We also promote mechanical and biological methods of pest and disease management, and meet crop nutrient requirements through bio fertilisers, compost and nutrient recycling.

Enhancing Soil Health & Productivity

We promote practices that help enhance soil health and the organic carbon sequestration of soil, like the use of compost, incorporation of crop residue, minimum utilisation of chemicals, crop rotation, green manure and intercropping. Better soils mean more productive and sustainable agriculture, which protects the soil for future generations.

Water Conservation

We promote water efficient irrigation practices so water can be optimised and farmers can achieve better production. Micro irrigation, optimum use of water as per crop stage and need, ridge and furrow irrigation, alternate furrow irrigation methods and laser leveling are just some of the methods we use. We also work to conserve water by promoting farm ponds, deepening community ponds, and installing farm bunds.

Native Species Plantation on Farms

We promote the planting of native species of trees in and around the farms to enhance the biodiversity and habitat for beneficial organisms that support farming. Native species also support in carbon sequestration and contribute to reducing the impact of climate change.

Crop Residue Management

We work with farmers addressing the challenge of burning crop residue by promoting the in situ or ex situ management practices - mixing of crop residue in soil to help in nutrient recycling, or collecting and selling of non-usable crop residue to provide an additional source of income.

MACRO IMPACT

11,54 hectares

covered under Micro Irrigation

4

Lift Irrigation installed

> 40,000

farmers trained in soil health improvement

> 1.2 million

native trees planted

> 30,000

farmers reached for crop residue management

IMPACT STORIES

agriculture knowledge

Crop Residue Management in Punjab

Crop residue is a critical issue in rural Punjab with many farmers involved in stubble burning - increasing pollution and affecting the nearby cities. Since 2018, ACF initiated a behaviour change communication campaign creating awareness amongst farmers on the issue of stubble burning. Farmers from 800 villages have stopped burning covering 18,000 acres in Ropar, Punjab.

farmer training

Micro Irrigation Helps Tackle Salinity

Kodinar, Gujarat, was a water stressed region where the majority of farmers flood irrigate crops which had led to salinity ingress in the region. To tackle the problem ACF started mobilising the farming community into learner groups - educating them on the judicious use of water in crop irrigation.

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animal husbandry and dairying

Farmers Adopt Cow-based Farming

927 farmers are embracing the use of cow dung and urine to replace costly chemical inputs which impact soil health, and to increase their yield and profitability - thanks to a series of trainings and exposure visits facilitated by ACF. With the introduction of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, while produce has increased, the chemicals have damaged soil health and the overall system of farming.

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farmers empowerment

Converting Waste into Money

Farmers burning chaff in the field after harvest was a common sight in Rabriyawas, Rajasthan. This was harmful to the environment, the soil and for health. There was also financial cost to farmers. So they started selling biomass to local brick manufacturers only to realise that the middlemen were taking full advantage leaving them with minimal income. However, since 2012, the Rabriyawas FPO has supplied 1.81 lakh MT of biomass to ACL creating a profit of Rs. 50 lakhs and an additional livelihood for farmers. This model is now being implemented in 4 more locations helping ACL save USD 200 million by replacing expensive coal with local biomass.