Project improves food security using sustainable practices

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Bosco Reach Out, located in Joropara, Meghalaya, India, have been able to develop and strengthen the Mama Margret Bosco Model Vegetable Garden for Agriculture Training thanks to donor funding. The funding was provided by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

The Garo Indigenous community, where the project took place, is a rural village with hilly terrain and plains with rich flora and fauna, rivers, and lakes. The people cultivate rice, lentils and other products, while also keeping cattle, goats, pigs and chickens for their livelihood.

The garden was established to provide training for eco-friendly and organic vegetable cultivation. The funding promoted sustainable agricultural practices among rural farmers, strengthened their knowledge and skills, improved household food security, and provided fresh vegetables for those attending the training center.

A Salesian explained, “The garden serves as a practical learning site where farmers, trainees, youth, and other community members can observe and learn different techniques of vegetable production, including land preparation, seed selection, nursery management, composting, organic manure application, mulching, pest and disease management, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.”

As part of the crop establishment activities during this project, approximately 8,000 pineapple saplings were planted on about 1 acre of land. In addition, approximately 1 ton of ginger seed material was planted on another 1-acre plot. These plots were established as demonstration areas to promote practical learning and showcase suitable cultivation practices to farmers.

The existing nursery was also strengthened and renovated to support the production of healthy and high-yielding brinjal, cabbage, cauliflower, knol-khol, carrot and radish seedlings for the vegetable garden. The improved nursery will ensure a reliable supply of quality planting materials.

Alphons Marak is one of the direct beneficiaries of the agricultural training program. Before participating in the program, he had limited knowledge of improved and sustainable cultivation practices. Through the training, Marak gained valuable knowledge about land preparation, crop selection, planting techniques, organic manure and sustainable farming practices.

Inspired by the knowledge he gained, Marak used the skills on his own farm. Following the training, he developed and cultivated approximately 1 acre of horticultural land. The experience has not only increased his confidence in farming but has also encouraged the adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices.

A Salesian noted, “Marak now serves as an example to other farmers in the community, showing that knowledge gained through training can be translated into practical action and improved livelihood opportunities.”

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Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India