Collective harvest in Vidarbha

The solution was simple: collective farming to reduce costs and hike benefits and split both across the board. 8220;We did not want subsidies or government help. We just wanted to be shown the right way,8221; says Pote who has seen the results like thousands of farmers in the region.

Through joint purchase of farm inputs like seeds and fertilisers and collective sale of their soyabean crop, the 80-odd farmers in Pesapur were able to make Rs 130 more per quintal than they normally did. Margins have gone up by 10 to 15 per cent and the programme has ensured that no farmer committed suicide in these villages since.

Also called Swayam Poorna, the arrangement calls for major interventions like increasing profits through collective bargaining, organic farming, non-farm activities and promotion of farmers8217; self-help groups. Since the project8217;s success lies in getting as many farmers on board as possible, NABARD has roped in local NGOs and banks to support and spread the initiative. The NGOs are tasked with coordinating and convincing farmers to form self-help groups SHG that can jointly undertake agricultural activities.

H Murthy, secretary of one such NGO in Wardha 8212; the Nageshwara Charitable Trust 8212;says: 8220;We noticed that a farmer is driven to suicide only when he feels utterly helpless and alone. But if he is part of an SHG, the farmer has avenues to discuss his problem and find solutions collectively.8221; NABARD, in turn, provides regular training on soil testing, treatment, fertilisers, seeds, technology, agricultural produce marketing and avenues of non-farm activities like dairy and poultry.

8220;Recently, we underwent a three-day training programme that taught us about collective farming, organic farming and better plantation methods,8221; said Ramesh Dhokale 46. Using this knowledge, we were able to get seeds for Rs 400 a bag, compared to the earlier Rs 450-500, leading to much higher profits.8221;

Collective farming has also enhanced their staying power, giving them better bargaining opportunities. 8220;Even though a lot of our cotton crop was destroyed this year due to heavy rainfall, we did not resort to distress sale. We collectively held out stocks. While we did not make a profit, we were at least able to avoid major losses that could drive farmers to commit suicide,8221; adds Pote.

It8217;s been a similar case in Amravati, where the local NGO 8212; Apeksha Homeo Society 8212; has been able to enlist support from more than 4,000 farm families. 8220;Our farmers have been able to save on all fronts, particularly commissions made to middlemen and transportation costs. Now seeds and fertilisers are delivered to farmers at their doorstep, while the produce is also lifted by the processor from the village mandi,8221; says Dr Madhukar Gumble, director of the NGO.

While the scheme has been launched in these two districts currently, NABARD plans to scale it up rapidly. 8220;Banks have been showing interest in financing these farmer SHGs which is an encouraging sign,8221; says N Srinivasan, chief general manager of NABARD.

8220;We expect a 35 per cent jump in income for those working in non-farm activities through this scheme, while for farmers, the benefits will be that of more security and certainty of income.8221;