Farmers' Clubs in Rural Areas for Better Agricultural Practices and Livelihoods

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) promotes the establishment of Farmers' Clubs in rural areas under the Farmers’ Club Programme to improve agricultural practices, livelihoods, and rural development. These clubs serve as informal forums for farmers to coordinate with banks for credit flow, enhance their knowledge and skills on modern farming practices, and undertake socio-economic developmental activities in their respective villages. Swabhiman Samiti, in collaboration with Poorvanchal Gramin Bank and NABARD, has initiated 52 Farmers Clubs in block Khadda and Nebuwa Naurangia in District Kushinagar , with notable achievements in terms of farmers adopting sustainable farming technologies and enhancing their access to credit facilities.

Published: by Swabhiman Samiti

Farmers' Clubs in Rural Areas for Better Agricultural Practices and Livelihoods

Funding Organization :
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
Project Budget :
15,60,000
Time Period :
2012 to 2015
Status :
Achieved

Project Budget and time period:

The total cost of the project was Rs. 15,60,000. which was fully funded by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). the time period of project was 01 april 2012 to 31 march 2015.

Five Principles of the Farmers' Club Programme

The Farmers' Club Programme is based on the following five principles that guide the club members on the appropriate use of credit, improvement of productivity, and financial sustainability:

Credit must be utilized according to the most appropriate methods of science and technology.
The terms and conditions of credit must be fully respected.
Work must be carried out with skill to increase production and productivity.
Part of the additional income created by credit must be saved.
Loan installments must be repaid on time and regularly to recycle credit.

Functions of the Farmers' Clubs

The Farmers' Clubs have several functions that aim to empower farmers, enhance their knowledge and skills, and promote socio-economic development in rural areas:

Coordinate with banks to ensure credit flow among its members and forge better bank borrower relationship.
Organize at least one meeting per month and invite non-members to attend the meetings, depending on the need.
Interface with subject matter specialists in various fields of agriculture and allied activities, such as extension personnel of Agriculture Universities, Development Departments, and other related agencies for technical know-how upgradation. Experienced farmers who are non-members from the village/neighboring villages could also be invited for guest lectures.
Liaison with Corporate input suppliers to purchase bulk inputs on behalf of members.
Organize/facilitate joint activities like value addition, processing, and collective purchase of inputs and farm produce marketing, etc.; for the benefit of members.
Undertake socio-economic developmental activities like community works, education, health, environment and natural resource management, etc.
Market rural produce and products.

Swabhiman Samiti's Farmers' Club Programme Achievements

Swabhiman Samiti has successfully initiated 52 Farmers' Clubs in various villages, with the following notable achievements:

Base level orientation program:Conducted 152 Orientation on base level Programmes to educate farmers on modern farming practices.

Meet with expert program: Conducted 216 Meet with Expert Programmes for FCs in 26 villages to enhance farmers' knowledge and skills on sustainable agriculture.

Farmers adopting System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technology: 62 farmers in 21 villages have adopted SRI technology, which significantly increases crop yields while using less water and seed.

Self-Help Groups (SHGs): 806 members in 40 SHGs have been formed by 16 Farmers' Clubs, empowering women farmers to undertake sustainable agricultural practices and improving their access to credit facilities.

Affiliation with District horticulture department: 48 farmers in 16 villages have been affiliated with the district horticulture department, enhancing their knowledge and skills on horticulture practices.

Kisan Credit Card:475 farmers gate KCC facility in 30 village enabling them to access timely and affordable credit for their agricultural activities.

The Farmers' Club Programme has been a significant achievement in promoting rural development and empowering farmers. The programme aligns with the organization's goal of creating a self-reliant and prosperous rural economy through collective action and community participation.Through the Farmers' Clubs, Swabhiman Samiti has been able to mobilize farmers, promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices, and provide access to credit and technical assistance. The organization has also been able to foster a sense of community among farmers, which has helped them to work together to address their common challenges.