Farming for the Future : Maharashtra Agroecological and Natural farming Chapter ( MANCH)

This project aims to rebuild and revitalize a movement in the state of Maharashtra in India  to help farmers make the necessary transition to agroecology  and sustainable food systems. The state of Maharashtra in Western India is one of the largest and most industrialized states with several different agro -ecological zones. Around 50% of the working population continues to be dependent on agriculture and its allied sectors for a livelihood. These sectors continue to be challenged by changes in land use and weather patterns, youth leaving agriculture, the feminisation of agriculture and high farmer suicide rates in some parts. Global and national policies have contributed to the skewed development in the sector. The state unfortunately is also amongst the largest pesticide consumers in the country as well as of antibiotics in humans and animals.

The project aims to bring existing networks and organisations  working on agroecological practices together on to a larger state level platform  which will work across the state in different geographies and agroecological zones and across diverse groups and communities to enable a safe transition to agroecological practices and farming systems for the future.

This initiative will focus around youth and women farmers using learning , sharing, innovation and action to strengthen and support  them to transit  and stay  in agroecological practices. Using the agroecological principles of co-production , recycling and resilience it will build on farmers knowledge to help create a repository of good practices to address emerging problems related to livestock and agriculture.