Project Title: Integrated Community Empowerment Programme (ICEP) through Promotion of Scientific Agricultural Systems (PSAS)
Donor: DKA Austria
Project period: June 2023 to May 2026
Target Group: 500 women farmers
Program Location: Dharhara and Jamalpur Blocks of Munger Dt.
The “Promotion of Scientific Agricultural Systems” (PSAS) project in Jamalpur, Munger, Bihar, is designed to empower marginalized communities, with a particular focus on women farmers from tribal, Mahadalit, scheduled castes, and other backward classes. This initiative is committed to enhancing food security, increasing agricultural productivity, and facilitating access to government schemes for improved livelihoods. By promoting scientific agricultural practices, the project aims to create sustainable and resilient farming systems that uplift the socio-economic status of these communities.
Purpose of the Project / Program Overview:
The “Promotion of Scientific Agricultural Systems” (PSAS) program seeks to promote environmentally friendly livelihoods and improve the socio-economic conditions of marginalized communities, with a specific focus on women farmers. By introducing scientific agricultural practices, the program seeks to:
- Enhance agricultural productivity
- Increase access to nutrition-rich food
- Encourage the use of traditional medicines
- Reduce post-harvest losses
- Empower women farmers to make informed decisions regarding farming techniques, seed selection, and marketing
Additionally, the program seeks to promote higher education and employability among adolescent girls and youth from marginalized communities through skill development programs.
Objective
- Increased agricultural productivity by 30% for small, marginal, and sharecropping farmers through the adoption of scientific farming practices, improved crop varieties, and organic fertilizers.
- 40% of women farmers gained access to nutrition-rich food and embraced traditional medicines for minor ailments.
- 500 farmers obtained access to government schemes, reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing their bargaining power in the market.
- 300 dropout and out-of-school adolescent girls continued their higher education, resisting early marriages and benefiting from government initiatives.
- 200 dropout and out-of-school adolescents were mainstreamed through skill development programs, with 25 individuals securing employment in various fields, such as data operation and beautician services. These outcomes collectively improved livelihoods, food security, and socio-economic well-being of marginalized communities.
Achievements
- 700 women engaged in scientific farming and received trainings.
- 90 demonstration plots promoted modern farming techniques.
- 84 WFG members established nutrition gardens, earning Rs. 82,065 from vegetable sales.
- 72 herbal gardens were created, leading to the use of herbal medicine.
- Adolescent girls continued higher education and skill development, with some finding employment.