Caritas Valvuthayam recently held a dynamic “Climate-Smart Agriculture” training in the villages of Karampakulam and Veppankulam in the Mannar District, reaching 40 dedicated farmers. Organized through “Empowered Households: Fostering secure sustainable livelihood and nourishing environments for families’” (OBOS) project, this initiative equipped local farmers with crucial sustainable farming techniques and included a cross-learning field visit to meet successful farmers in a nearby village.
Participants gained practical insights into climate-resilient agriculture through topics including:
- Packing Cultivation: Optimizing space with innovative crop arrangements to boost plant health and soil quality.
- Drip Irrigation: A water-efficient method that conserves resources while ensuring plants receive direct hydration, crucial during dry seasons.
- Intercropping: Growing complementary crops side-by-side to enrich soil, support biodiversity, and minimize pest issues.
- Seasonal Calendar Management: Leveraging seasonal patterns to enhance planting and harvesting efficiency for reliable crop production.
- Upper Model Farming: Layered farming techniques to maximize land use and sustainability, particularly beneficial in limited space.
As beneficiaries of the OBOS project, these 40 farmers are now better prepared to address the impacts of climate change on agriculture. The OBOS project’s mission focuses on food security, environmental conservation, and economic resilience for rural communities. This training, combined with a field visit, fostered collaboration and knowledge-sharing, encouraging local farmers to adopt practices that will help them improve yields and sustain their families.
