Programs
- Sadguru Gnanananda Awards
- Fellowships for Social Change Agents
- Fellowship and Awards for Agripreneurs
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Fellowship and Awards for Agripreneurs
Natural Farming is an ecological and chemical-free agricultural approach that integrates crops, trees, and livestock to enhance biodiversity and soil health. By promoting biological activity in the soil, it creates an environment where plants, animals, and other living organisms can thrive alongside food production systems. Internationally, it aligns with regenerative agriculture—a strategy aimed at restoring ecosystems, improving soil health, and sequestering carbon in plants and soils to combat climate change.
In India, natural farming has its roots in traditional agricultural practices. However, the widespread adoption of chemical fertilizers and pesticides over recent decades has caused severe environmental degradation and health challenges. To address this, the Indian government has launched initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (2015), which provides financial incentives to farmers transitioning to natural farming. NGOs and farmer cooperatives have also been instrumental in promoting this sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternative.
Natural farming offers numerous benefits: it promises increased farmer income, restored soil fertility, improved environmental health, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. While still in its early stages, natural farming is gradually gaining acceptance and momentum among Indian farming communities.
Responding to increasing demand from farmers and rural entrepreneurs, MSDS has restructured the Fellowship Programme in 2023 to specifically support agripreneurs. MSDS is also recognizing and awarding agripreneurs and farmers actively engaged in natural farming. The Trust honors individuals contributing to the advancement and adoption of this vital agricultural practice, helping to ensure a sustainable future for both farmers and the environment.
Awards are given to different categories of people who contribute to the field of natural farming.
- Are your eligible for Fellowship? Check here
- If you wish to apply for fellowship, please Download Application (pdf) / Download Application (Word doc)
- If you have any queries, write to info@msdstrust.org
