Last week, Development Alternatives, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Rudraprayag, organised a one-day Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) training programme in Bashti village, an intervention village in Agastyamuni Block of Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. The programme brought together 90 farmers from across the region to strengthen their capacity to respond to climate variability and adopt sustainable agricultural practices suited for hilly terrains.

The training focused on improving soil health through practical measures such as composting, the use of organic manure, and reduced tillage practices aimed at enhancing moisture retention and long-term soil productivity. Participants were also introduced to climate-resilient crop options, including finger millet (ragi), barnyard millet, and climate-tolerant wheat varieties that are well adapted to the agro-climatic conditions of the hills.

Another key component of the programme was Integrated Pest Management (IPM), where farmers learned about the use of bio-pesticides and trap crops as alternatives to chemical inputs. These practices were discussed in the context of reducing input costs, protecting soil and water resources, and promoting safer farming systems.

The sessions were designed to be highly participatory, encouraging farmers to share their existing practices, local knowledge, and on-ground challenges. Veteran farmers, along with the master trainer from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), demonstrated traditional techniques such as terrace farming and explained how these can be effectively blended with modern climate-smart agricultural practices.

The programme reaffirmed Development Alternatives’ commitment to promoting climate-resilient and sustainable livelihoods by enabling farmers to adopt locally relevant, scientifically informed solutions that enhance productivity while conserving natural resources.