How can small-scale farmers thrive despite having limited land and resources?
In India, where more than 86 percent of farmers are classified as small-scale or marginal (NITI Aayog 2023), how to create sustainable livelihoods is more relevant than ever. These farmers form the backbone of India’s agricultural economy, yet they often face persistent challenges—low productivity, depleted soil health, and limited access to reliable markets.
Community-led initiatives and scientifically informed agricultural practices, however, are beginning to change this narrative.
This blog explores how thoughtful interventions—particularly in the areas of soil enrichment, capacity building, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnerships—are transforming the lives of smallholder farmers. The story of Sampangiramaiah, a farmer from Medahatti village in Karnataka, offers a powerful example of this transformation.
What challenges do small farmers face in India today?
Small-scale and marginal farmers—who constitute more than 85 percent of India’s agricultural population—typically own less than two hectares of land. Despite their critical role in the nation’s food system, they face structural challenges that severely constrain their productivity and economic security:
- Depleted soil fertility: Excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers and the negligence use of organic fertilizers leave many fields nutrient-deficient.
- Water scarcity: Erratic rainfall, declining groundwater levels, and inadequate irrigation infrastructure lead to frequent crop failures.
- Limited access to modern techniques: Many farmers continue to use outdated agricultural methods due to lack of training and exposure to innovations.
- Inaccessible credit: With minimal access to institutional finance and dependence on high-interest informal loans, farmers often fall into cycles of debt.
- Volatile markets: Unpredictable pricing and the influence of intermediaries reduce profit margins, discouraging long-term investment in farming.
How can science-backed sustainable practices help?
To improve yield and ensure long-term productivity, moving toward sustainable agricultural practices is crucial. One such approach is the Package of Practices (PoP):
| Component |
Role in Farming |
| Micronutrients |
Boost crop growth and improve quality and quantity of produce |
| Organic Manure |
Revives soil health and microbial activity |
| Fungicides & Insecticides |
Prevent disease outbreaks and reduce losses |
| Technical Guidance |
Ensures correct and timely application |
One of the effective way to improve soil quality by using the Combining these interventions with traditional methods like old water tank tank silt application creates a holistic farming model that enhances productivity and improve soil biological, physical and biological properties.
What is tank silt and how does it improve the soil?
India is home to more than two million traditional water bodies, many of which remain underutilized due to years of silt accumulation. Desilting these tanks restores their water-holding capacity and yields nutrient-rich silt that can be repurposed for agricultural use. The soil that is excavated during the desilting of village ponds or community water tanks offers several agronomic benefits when applied to farmland:
- Improved moisture retention enhances the soil’s ability to hold water, particularly valuable during dry spells.
- Increased organic matter boosts soil aeration, supports microbial life.
- Enhanced nutrient content naturally supplies key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, enriching soil fertility.
India Water Portal explains how tank silt rejuvenates degraded soil.
A real-world example: How did Sampangiramaiah’s farm transform?
Sampangiramaiah, a farmer from Medahatti village, Karnataka, faced low yields due to poor soil and limited resources. As part of a CSR project supported by First American (FAI) India and implemented by S M Sehgal Foundation, he adopted:
- A comprehensive Package of Practices (PoP)
- Tank silt application to improve soil health
- Ongoing technical support during the crop cycle
Before vs. After Comparison:
| Metric |
Before (Conventional Practice) |
After (Improved Practice) |
| Yield per acre (Hyacinth bean) |
26 tonnes |
31.5 tonnes |
| Soil health |
Low fertility, compacted |
Nutrient-rich, well-aerated |
| Income |
Modest |
Significantly higher |
“The package of practices and the use of tank silt have made a real difference,” shares Sampangiramaiah.
Why does farmer training matter in sustainable agriculture?
Farming success depends not just on inputs but also on knowledge and skills:
- Timely decisions ensure the right schedule for sowing, irrigation, and pest control.
- Reduced waste results from efficient use right inputs at the right time, like fertilizers and pesticides.
- Increased confidence results from support from experts that boost farmer morale.
Workshops, demo farms, and one-on-one guidance are vital for technology adoption.
How do community-led initiatives support small farmers?
Farmer training is the backbone of sustainable agriculture. This is more than supplying better seeds or fertilizers; farmers are empowered with the knowledge to make informed decisions for their land, crops, and communities. For small-scale and marginal farmers, hands-on training often leads to lasting, meaningful change.
What training does:
- Bridges the knowledge gap: Many rural farmers still depend on age-old practices that no longer align with changing soil or climate conditions. Practical training introduces improved methods such as crop rotation, integrated pest management, and organic farming that increase yields while protecting the environment.
- Enables timely decisions: Knowing when to sow, irrigate, fertilize, or manage pests is critical. With the right guidance, farmers learn to read weather patterns, monitor crop stages, and respond with greater accuracy—minimizing loss and improving productivity.
- Ensures smarter use of inputs: Demonstrations and expert-led sessions help farmers use fertilizers, pesticides, and water in the right amounts. This protects soil health, avoids unnecessary spending, and limits waste.
- Builds confidence: Training gives farmers the tools to plan and track their work. They gain the confidence to try new approaches, make independent decisions, and adapt to challenges. Those skills drive sustainable growth.
- Encourages community learning: Trained farmers often share what they’ve learned with others. Group sessions and demonstration plots help spread knowledge and inspire collective improvement within villages.
For Sampangiramaiah in Medahatti village, ongoing technical support through the FAI India and Sehgal Foundation partnership initiative made all the difference. It wasn’t just the tools—it was the consistent guidance, timely advice, and real-time problem-solving that helped him increase his yields in a sustainable way.
What are the long-term gains from blending tradition and innovation?
When traditional wisdom is complemented by scientific knowledge, the results are transformative:
- Climate resilience: Soil enriched with organic matter is better at withstanding droughts and floods.
- Sustainable incomes: Higher yields mean better marketability and profits.
- Healthier ecosystems: Reduced chemical use protects water bodies and biodiversity.
Farmers like Sampangiramaiah are pioneers in this integration, proving that transformation is possible with the right tools.
Can CSR help rural agriculture scale up?
Yes! CSR initiatives are increasingly becoming key drivers in transforming rural agriculture. By providing financial support, technical training, and community mobilization, CSR-backed projects bridge gaps that small farmers alone cannot overcome.
These efforts create sustainable models that can be replicated across regions, as seen in the CSR partnership between First American (FAI) India and S M Sehgal Foundation, which supported farmers like Sampangiramaiah in adopting advanced agricultural practices.
| CSR Role |
Impact on Small-scale Farmers |
| Financial Support |
Subsidised inputs (seeds, fertilizers, equipment) reduce burden |
| Technical Expertise |
Field-level training and crop cycle guidance improve productivity |
| Infrastructure Development |
Investment in irrigation, storage, or soil health (e.g., tank silt) |
| Community Engagement |
Mobilization through SHGs and FPOs ensures local ownership |
| Replicable Pilot Projects |
Scalable models tested before large-scale implementation |
What steps can help replicate this model elsewhere?
- Identify local issues: Soil type, water sources, and farming practices vary by region.
- Engage communities: Inclusion ensures better ownership and maintenance.
- Offer handholding: Training and real-time guidance build trust.
- Ensure market linkages: Help farmers sell surplus produce at fair prices.
Can small farmers become sustainable entrepreneurs?
Yes! And many already are. By integrating sustainable practices, training, and access to resources, small farmers can:
- Improve yield and profitability.
- Contribute to food security.
- Act as environmental stewards.
With government and CSR support, this model can empower lakhs of farmers.
A roadmap for transforming lives through agriculture
The story of Sampangiramaiah from Karnataka showcases how simple yet targeted interventions, such as PoP, tank silt use along with continued support, can elevate the lives of smallholder farmers.
Scaling such efforts across India has the potential to make agriculture a viable and sustainable livelihood. The future depends on collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and recognizing farmers as key agents of change.
About the Author
Pawan Kumar
Principal Lead for Agriculture Development
Pawan Kumar is the Principal Lead for Agriculture Development at Sehgal Foundation, with over 27 years of experience in scaling NGO and CSR initiatives. An Oxford-educated development professional, recognized as one of the top agri-food pioneers by the World Food Prize Foundation in 2024, Pawan has a strong track record in organizational growth, fund mobilization, and sustainable development.
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