SwitchON Foundation has been named as a finalist in Solution Search, a global contest designed to surface, spotlight and accelerate innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Our organization was chosen from a pool of 100 submissions across 33 countries and is eligible for two $25,000 grand prizes – the Judges’ Prize, which is determined by a panel of experts and the People’s Choice award, which relies on public voting. Voting is open to everyone, and people can vote once per day till June 11.
The Innovative Solution:
SwitchON has supported more than 10000 small and marginal farmers from 6 states to grow organically. We promote conservation of water quality in smallholding farms through 100% elimination of synthetic chemical inputs (fertilizers and pesticides). Our program identifies a cluster of marginal farmers facing water quality issues in a particular location, mobilizes them and gives them training on organic farming. After continuous practice of organic agriculture, they have not only experienced improved groundwater and surface water purity, but also good soil health, local biodiversity and a two-fold rise in income.
Promoting Inclusiveness in Organic Agriculture:
SwitchON reaches out to small and marginal farmers (owning land below 1 acres) who are suffering losses from traditional agricultural practices. We created an organized, registered cluster of organic farmers. Compared to traditional farming, the organic farmers were able to reap higher benefits. We are able to create a better market linkage for their produce which helps the farmers to create their own identity, gain profits which in turn creates a better income base for them. Due to no use of chemical fertilizers, there was also lesser use for purchase of inputs. The social status of the farmers was improved by enabling rural poor to benefit from agricultural development, giving respect to indigenous knowledge and practices along with modern technologies, promoting gender equality in labour, full participation of vibrant rural communities to enhance their confidence and mental health.
Meeting the Sustainable Development Goals:
We work with small, marginal and women farmers and help them to grow food sustainably, diversify their cropping patterns and earn good profits, which meets SDG 1 (eradicate poverty), SDG 5 (achieve gender equality) and SDG 2 (end hunger) . Lastly, our project promotes economic use of water and improves the groundwater quality by eliminating the use of inorganic chemicals, which meets SDG 6 (Availability of Clean Water).
Economic Sustainability of the Solution:
Our motive is to create a sustainable solution which would be beneficial for the primary producers- farmers and also target conservation of water. Sustainable agriculture, organic agriculture requires very less inputs hence the cost of purchasing them is reduced compared to traditional agriculture. Due to this, the quality of yield is also good with a higher market price. These days and in the times ahead, the demand for organic products is rising. Hence, it is profitable for farmers to be able to do organic farming. It has also been seen that farmers were able to earn better profits on their produce compared to the products derived from inorganic farming.
Now it’s your turn to contribute towards addressing the challenge of water pollution by simply voting for us. If SwitchON wins the contest, the award money will be used to reach out to more farmers from remote places and they will be trained on organic farming and groundwater management, free of cost! Thus, you will not only help the planet by voting for us but also impact a larger number of farmers who are not as privileged as we are.
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