At a time when the need for self-reliant development is being increasingly emphasised in India, small farmers from weaker sections including Dalits and Adivasis have come up with promising initiatives. They have shown how despite all the constraints, food production and yield can increase even on very small farms using natural farming and low-cost methods, an achievement that bodes well for sustainable rural livelihoods, availability of healthy food and protection of the environment, including meeting the challenge of climate change.

Maali Ram’s small home and farm have been attracting many local people impressed by what this Bhil (tribal community) farmer has achieved with the help of his wife Dulkibai and other family members. When I recently visited this farm located in Kataron Ka Khera village in Pratapgarh district (Rajasthan), what impressed me most was the high level of creativity and intensity of involvement in his farming. On their small farm of a little over one acre, Maali Ram and Dulkibai have nearly 200 fruit and other trees, including guava, papaya, amla, lemon, jackfruit and chandan (sandalwood).

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Multi-layered pattern is used for growing over 15 vegetables. Natural farming methods are used in all this as well as grain, legume, oilseed and spice cultivation. Cows, bullocks, goats and poultry are integral parts of the farm and their excreta as well as other waste are used while preparing manure and natural pest repellants. Emphasis is on one activity or resource being of assistance to some other activity or resource, and of waste being minimized to be used as a resource.

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A traditional well is just about able to meet the water needs of the farm. Maali Ram’s creativity has come into play since he started turning his three-bigha farm into natural farming, one bigha at a time to avoid disruption. Alongside his shift........

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