Kendujhar is a one of the Tribal dominated districts of Odisha (44.5%) with the extensive presence of Iron ore Mines in the global map. The overall HDI of the district shows 0.530 and ranks 24th in the state-579, similarly, GDI ranking is 20th in the state as per the 2004 Human Development Report. In Food Security Outcome Index, the district ranks at 19th 0.415. Almost 69 percent of the population depends on Agriculture as their primary livelihood, more than 35% of the workforce comprises of agricultural laborers implying vulnerable economic status.
• About 82% of the farm household belong to the smallholder category implying unsustainable practices making agriculture a subsistent practice for survival rather than a viable livelihood option. Low-intensity farming practices in the absence of knowledge and skill for high-intensity farming leading to low productivity
• The unsustainable agriculture practices like heavy exploitation of land, water, mono-cropping, chemical inputs have put these resources in danger. Through generations, per capita, land availability is lowering fast putting pressure on poor farmers to produce more for survival.
• The farming community, especially the marginal and small farmers will adopt intensive sustainable farm practices which are eco-friendly and cost-effective. These practices based on traditional wisdom combined with new technologies and innovations will allow the natural resources to be maintained at the same time radically advancing the productivity and the quality of the crops.
• Smallholder farmers are able to leverage their potential in collectivization in a cluster mode which will include the SMART village concept. Agri-entrepreneurs promoted amongst the local youths will form a support ecosystem for the small farmers for better production of high value mixed crops.These agri-entrepreneurs will be change-makers who will induce radical positive improvements in farmer’s performance in terms of better productivity, sustainable use of natural resources, good margin which will lead to a dignified and positive lifestyle for the villager farmers and agriculture labors.
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