Project Overview

The Farmer’s Action for Sustainable Agro-Based Livelihood-2 (FASAL-2) project is a transformative initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods of 1,500 marginal farming households in the Naugarh Tehsil of Siddharthnagar District, Uttar Pradesh. With a total project cost of 2,17,65,565, the project seeks financial support of 93,40,692 from SDTT, along with contributions from local sources and other donors. The project spans seven gram panchayats, including Ajgara, Hathiwartal, Fulwaria, Kudia, Bhitia, Kataki, and Tal Natawa, and focuses on empowering the rural population through sustainable agricultural practices, community capacity building, and resource optimization. By organizing farmers into 35 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and 50 Farmer’s Clubs, the project aims to foster collective action and promote economic resilience in the region.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the FASAL-2 project are:

1. Improving Livelihoods: Enhance the livelihoods of 1,500 households in Siddharthnagar by promoting sustainable agricultural and allied practices.
2. Income Enhancement: Increase the annual income of 750 households to ₹25,000 by the end of the project, with the remaining 750 households achieving a 25% income increase.
3. Energy Alternatives: Reduce dependency on cattle dung (Kanda) for cooking fuel by 50% through composting and alternative energy sources.
4. High-Value Crops: Promote high-value cropping systems to maximize returns from small landholdings.
5. Community Empowerment: Strengthen community institutions and build the capacity of farmers to ensure sustained economic growth.

Background and Rationale

The FASAL-2 project targets farmers in Siddharthnagar, a region characterized by low agricultural productivity and inadequate access to resources. The rural population faces significant challenges including poor soil health, limited irrigation, and reliance on traditional farming methods. With small landholdings and low-income opportunities, many families rely on unsustainable practices. High migration rates, limited access to government schemes, and underdeveloped market systems further exacerbate the situation. The FASAL-2 project aims to address these challenges by introducing sustainable farming practices, promoting efficient resource use, and creating strong community institutions to ensure long-term growth.

Planned Outreach

The FASAL-2 project plans to reach:

• 1,500 households across 7 gram panchayats in the Naugarh Tehsil, Siddharthnagar District.
• The project will cover a variety of agricultural practices, from high-value crops to livestock management, benefiting the farming communities directly.
• 35 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will be established, alongside 50 Farmer’s Clubs to foster collective action and enhance economic activities in the region.

Key Strategies

To achieve its objectives, FASAL-2 will adopt the following key strategies:

• Community Mobilization: Form SHGs and Farmer’s Clubs to organize farmers and facilitate collective action.
• Capacity Building: Provide technical training to farmers on modern and sustainable farming techniques.
• Resource Optimization: Promote efficient irrigation, composting, and energy alternatives to reduce environmental impact and improve resource use.
• Crop Diversification: Encourage the adoption of high-value cropping systems, such as pulses and vegetables, to increase farm income.
• Market Linkages: Build community federations to enhance market access and facilitate collective marketing for better financial returns.