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Farmers’ Organization Building in West Bengal
State: West Bengal NGO: Development Research Communication and Service Center (DRCSC) Summary: The Development Research Communication and Services Centre (DRCSC) works closely with farmer’s group Kisan Swaraj Samity (KSS) to mobilize West Bengal farmers, provide training in sustainable agriculture, and advocate for farmers’ rights to ensure income security and sustainable livelihoods. |
Details:
Organized in 2010, KSS emerged from the inspiration of a nationwide Yatra (primarily Kisan Swaraj Yatra). DRCSC is one of the members of the network. The Padayatra was driven by a collective realization that the prevailing agricultural model and policies have caused enormous crises: decreasing soil fertility, contaminated water and food, and financial distress to farmers as low prices cause cycles of high risk and high debt. Farmers feel their profession is losing dignity, and distress migration is increasingly common.
As a peasant organization, the core objectives of KSS are:
Notable Achievements:
Organized in 2010, KSS emerged from the inspiration of a nationwide Yatra (primarily Kisan Swaraj Yatra). DRCSC is one of the members of the network. The Padayatra was driven by a collective realization that the prevailing agricultural model and policies have caused enormous crises: decreasing soil fertility, contaminated water and food, and financial distress to farmers as low prices cause cycles of high risk and high debt. Farmers feel their profession is losing dignity, and distress migration is increasingly common.
As a peasant organization, the core objectives of KSS are:
- Income security for all farmers: Ensure agriculture is a viable and dignified profession and individuals are not driven out of farming due to financial distress.
- Ecologically sustainable farming systems: Preserve productive natural resources to sustain livelihoods.
- People’s control over natural resources: Maintain people’s control over land, water, forests, seeds, and knowledge as a key to viable and sustainable livelihoods.
- Women’s rights as farmers: Ensure women have equal rights as farmers and equal access to financial resources.
- Non‐toxic, diverse, nutritious and adequate food for all: Make nutritious, adequate food that is safe to eat available to all people.
Notable Achievements:
- Women’s membership in KSS has increased, and female farmers are actively participating in decision making.
- In 2018, over 1,100 people participated in a climate-resilient sustainable agriculture orientation program.
- KSS members ensure proper implementation of government programs by constantly collaborating with block-level government officers.
- In June 2018, KSS started a bi-weekly, poison-free farmers market in the Nadia district to sell vegetables, cereals, pulses, spices, oil, and other products, sold directly by farmers to consumers.