Farming is not survival. Farmers aspirations today are to touch the sky. Advanced technologies need to be brought to work for these smallholder farmers to match their aspirations. Gen Y farmer is one who is driven by their enterprise, they collaborate, they innovate and they succeed through perseverance and risk taking.
We celebrate the journey of these Gen Y farmers and in the process create an environment that energizes many more to embark on this journey.
Vriddhi has extended support to organizing these events in Kendujhar Orissa in partnership with Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives.
In 2016, we focussed on Gen Y as a forum where experts met and dialogued with farmers on areas of common concern. There was an element of celebration as farmers were acknowledged for their different contributions to agriculture in the area.
In 2018, the Gen Y was redesigned as an agriculture summit for farmers. There were thematic sessions, awards for farmers and a focus on making it possible. It was a convening that brought together service providers, experts, farmers to discuss how precision farming can be accelerated in Harichandanpur block in Odisha. It was accompanied by a farmers fair where different agencies and entrepreneurs showcased their products. The successes of farmers were celebrated through a film that was screened. This helped create substantial demand for precision agriculture.
These convenings provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to align to one common purpose. In the duration of the program, to imagine what it would take for them to join that common purpose? This inspires and my making an alternative reality considered by all in that convening, helps in taking the first steps towards that reality.
