1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Approach

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)

Save Soil Movement

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)

Conscious Planet - Save Soil (Save Soil)

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

25/10/2024

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Reference(s) to Questionnaire(s) on SLM Technologies

2.1 Short description of the Approach

The approach focuses on supporting farmers to increase productivity by increasing soil biology and organic matter content, primarily through plant residue and animal waste. Awareness and advocacy are followed by training programs and support for adopting regenerative agricultural practices.

2.2 Detailed description of the Approach

Detailed description of the Approach:

The Save Soil Farmer Training and Handholding approach seeks to combat soil degradation by promoting practices that increase soil organic matter content to 3% or above. The objectives include enhancing soil health through boosting organic matter, which improves underground water storage, green cover, biodiversity, and food security. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques, this approach aims to restore soil health through simple, adaptable methods such as tree-based agriculture (agroforestry), organic mulching, crop rotation, cover cropping, and using natural composts that increase soil organic matter while minimizing disturbance. The approach focuses on marrying ecology with economy, ensuring that regenerative practices are both economically and environmentally viable.
Widespread implementation begins with awareness and advocacy, followed by training programs for farmers and support for adopting regenerative agricultural practices. Initially, farmers were sceptical due to the time required for soil regeneration compared to simply adding synthetic inputs. However, the long-term benefits—such as improved soil health, stable yields, and reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers—have led to increased acceptance. Over the past 20 years, this approach has transformed agriculture in Tamil Nadu, focusing on farm economics and agroecology. Training, support, and resources have been offered to help farmers adopt regenerative agriculture for major crops in the region.
The strategy of the approach is to start with medium-sized landholders first, who can take risks and later serve as volunteer trainers. This "raindrop model" spreads knowledge effectively, empowering farmers to educate others, which builds trust and accelerates adoption. Farmers receive training in crop management, livestock care, efficient water use, and pest control, while model farms serve as educational hubs showcasing regenerative techniques.
Over 45,000 farmers have been trained in regenerative farming techniques, 400+ WhatsApp groups linking 88,000 farmers have been formed, and thousands of consultations provided through helplines. A vibrant community now exists comprised of over 250 lead farmers driving natural farming adoption across Tamil Nadu. A dedicated team of 160 field executives conducted 33,000 individual on-farm consultations in 2023, providing personalised support to farmers, including soil and water testing and recommending regionally-appropriate tree varieties. Production and distribution of high-quality organic saplings to participating farmers at a nominal cost encouraged greater participation. 229,000 farmers across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have transitioned to tree-based agriculture, with 116 million saplings enabled by farmers and community participation. Women's empowerment is emphasized, with many nurseries operated by women, contributing to their economic upliftment and community involvement.

2.3 Photos of the Approach

2.4 Videos of the Approach

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied

2.6 Dates of initiation and termination of the Approach

2.7 Type of Approach

• project/ programme based

2.8 Main aims/ objectives of the Approach

The aim is to transform agriculture by focusing on farm economics and agroecology, starting with the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka (in and around the Cauvery River Basin). Challenges of vanishing farmers and degrading soils are addressed by training and supporting farmers in scientific regenerative agriculture techniques, with a vision to make regenerative agriculture mainstream through a people's movement. The objective of this approach is to serve as both an economic model for farmers and a method for large-scale ecological impact, aiming to revive soil, revitalize rivers, and increase farmer income across the tropical world.

2.9 Conditions enabling or hindering implementation of the Technology/ Technologies applied under the Approach

3.1 Stakeholders involved in the Approach and their roles

3.2 Involvement of local land users/ local communities in the different phases of the Approach

	Involvement of local land users/ local communities	Specify who was involved and describe activities
initiation/ motivation	interactive	Volunteers helped to identify problems, investigate causes, search for solutions, initiate pilot projects, and create a plan to address issues.
planning	interactive	The chosen concept enters the planning phase, during which volunteers engage with various stakeholders to create a strategy and plan of action.
implementation	interactive	The program is implemented by volunteers on the ground, carrying out targeted activities to achieve the specific outcomes and goals that have been set.
monitoring/ evaluation	interactive	The project is monitored by higher-level management to ensure its effectiveness, integrity, and adherence to the core objectives.

3.3 Flow chart (if available)

3.4 Decision-making on the selection of SLM Technology/ Technologies

Specify who decided on the selection of the Technology/ Technologies to be implemented:

• mainly SLM specialists, following consultation with land users

Explain:

SLM experts suggest solutions for the land, and farmers decide if they agree, with experts offering alternative suggestions until the farmer is satisfied.

Specify on what basis decisions were made:

• evaluation of well-documented SLM knowledge (evidence-based decision-making)
• research findings
• personal experience and opinions (undocumented)

4.1 Capacity building/ training

Was training provided to land users/ other stakeholders?

Yes

Specify who was trained:

• land users
• field staff/ advisers

• Volunteers

If relevant, specify gender, age, status, ethnicity, etc.

Farmers, Volunteers : Both men and women in an 80:20 ratio, with individuals aged between 20 and 50 years.
Staff : Both men and women in a 50:50 ratio, with individuals aged between 20 and 50 years.

Form of training:

• on-the-job
• farmer-to-farmer
• demonstration areas
• public meetings
• courses

Subjects covered:

The training covered a wide range of subjects related to regenerative agriculture, including preparation of inputs, crop specific practices for all the major crops and vegetables in the region, value addition of farm produce, livestock management, marketing and sales, a complete knowhow on timber species, seed selection, input preparation and application, biological pest management, harvesting techniques, value addition, and marketing strategies for many timber species.
On-ground farm visit support is provided to choose the right tree species depending on soil type, soil depth and water availability and post plantation support for tree growth and care is provided.
Apart from educating farmers in regenerative agriculture, some of the farmers are also trained to produce and distribute saplings in their own farms providing them another livelihood opportunity, they are provided with buybacks arrangement and performance incentives.

Comments:

Training was conducted by several resource leaders, including experts invited to train field staff and volunteers. Volunteers are also participating in courses offered by international organisations such as the Soil Food Web School. In addition, volunteers were given opportunities for site visits to interact with farmers and understand on-the-ground realities. Hands-on experience was provided through extended work on model farms to grasp the nuances of regenerative practices. Public meetings and awareness campaigns, like Rally for Rivers and Cauvery Calling, were organised over 2-3 months, involving a large number of volunteers to spread mass awareness of upcoming initiatives.

4.2 Advisory service

Do land users have access to an advisory service?

Yes

Specify whether advisory service is provided:

• on land users' fields
• at permanent centres

Describe/ comments:

We have 11 trained staff who visited 1490 farmers all across the state out of which 1006 were fully transitioned and 484 were transitioning in this financial year alone for handholding and guidance. They also identified over 630 lead farmers and over 207 expert farmers. 206 farms have the possibility to conduct training programs and 173 farms have the possibility of an awareness video shoot.

Farmers have access to multiple advisory services through our initiatives. We offer a dedicated farmer helpline, along with on-ground consultations, to provide direct assistance and guidance. Additionally, our WhatsApp group serves as a continuous platform where farmers can ask questions and share knowledge.

For queries that extend beyond routine advice, we escalate the matter to connect the farmer with a relevant expert within our team or with experienced model farmers in our network. This layered advisory approach ensures that all farmers receive tailored support, whether for everyday inquiries or specialized issues, helping them make informed decisions for their agricultural practices.

160 on-ground executives are doing on-ground consultations across the project region. In the last financial year, more than 32,000 consultations happened, farmer helpline team of 20-25 volunteers resolved more than 10,000 queries and 50,000 farmers are nurtured daily via more than 200 Whatsapp groups.

4.3 Institution strengthening (organizational development)

Have institutions been established or strengthened through the Approach?

• no

4.4 Monitoring and evaluation

Is monitoring and evaluation part of the Approach?

Yes

If yes, is this documentation intended to be used for monitoring and evaluation?

No

4.5 Research

Was research part of the Approach?

Yes

Specify topics:

• sociology
• economics / marketing
• ecology
• technology

• Policy

Give further details and indicate who did the research:

Volunteers under the guidance of agricultural experts, scientists, economists, and agronomists completed the research

5.1 Annual budget for the SLM component of the Approach

Indicate the annual budget for the SLM component of the Approach in US$:

6200000.00

Comments (e.g. main sources of funding/ major donors):

Major donations are secured from corporate partners through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, with a commitment typically made on an annual basis. As such, we engage in annual fundraising efforts to secure continued support for the project. Another source is Institutional Fundings.

5.2 Financial/ material support provided to land users

Did land users receive financial/ material support for implementing the Technology/ Technologies?

Yes

If yes, specify type(s) of support, conditions, and provider(s):

Subsidised Saplings provided by Save Soil - Cauvery Calling Campaign

5.3 Subsidies for specific inputs (including labour)

• agricultural

Comments:

Subsidizing saplings play a major role in helping farmers transition to tree-based regenerative agriculture.

5.4 Credit

Was credit provided under the Approach for SLM activities?

No

5.5 Other incentives or instruments

Were other incentives or instruments used to promote implementation of SLM Technologies?

Yes

If yes, specify:

The training is provided at a bare minimum cost just to ensure their full participation. A regularly updated, free, online knowledge repository of best practices is created for farmers to make use of at any point of time

Farmers who are trained in running distribution nurseries are provided incentives on each sale of sapling. There is also an assured buy-back arrangement, guaranteeing a market for the produced saplings

Incentive of Rs 125/ sapling from the Government of Karnataka to farmers in the first 3 years for up to 400 saplings per hectare, based on sapling survival rates.

6.1 Impacts of the Approach

6.2 Main motivation of land users to implement SLM

6.3 Sustainability of Approach activities

Can the land users sustain what has been implemented through the Approach (without external support)?

• yes

If yes, describe how:

The approach is taught to farmers over an extended period using a variety of methods and technologies. During the transition, farmers receive comprehensive support, from purchasing inputs, getting subsidized saplings to marketing their produce. Costs are significantly reduced, and soil quality continues to improve, leading to tangible ecological and economic benefits. The movement is gaining momentum, reducing the risk of reverting to unsustainable practices due to peer support and shared success. The younger generation is increasingly interested in sustainable farming, and improvements in health further incentivize farmers to continue these practices, ensuring long-term sustainability without external support.

6.4 Strengths/ advantages of the Approach

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Reduced Costs: The overall cost of agricultural inputs and operations is decreasing due to reduced dependency on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, making farming more economical.
Improved Quality and Quantity of Produce: Farmers have observed significant improvements in both the quality and the quantity of their produce, which has led to healthier crops and higher yields.
Better Market Prices: Due to the high quality of the produce, farmers are able to command better prices compared to conventional methods, increasing their profitability and improving their livelihoods.
Insurance: Long-term timber trees on farmlands acts as an insurance and security in times of need
Reduced Drudgery: The adoption of regenerative practices has made farming less labor-intensive and physically demanding, thereby reducing drudgery and improving the overall quality of life for farmers and their families.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Healthier Produce for Consumers: The produce grown using the Save Soil approach is healthier for consumers, being free from harmful chemical residues and rich in nutrients.
Eco-Friendly Approach: The practices are environmentally sustainable, contributing to improved soil health, reduced chemical runoff, and better biodiversity. This approach helps mitigate the effects of climate change by promoting carbon sequestration and enhancing ecosystem resilience.
Scalability to the Tropical World: The approach is highly scalable and can be adopted across the tropical world, where similar soil conditions and farming practices exist. This adaptability makes it a viable solution for addressing global soil degradation.
Reduction in Rural Economic Distress: The approach contributes to reducing rural economic distress by providing farmers with stable income opportunities, reducing input costs, and offering new avenues for income through value-added products and diversified cropping systems.
Timber market: If farming in India becomes tree-based, the import of timber will reduce (India is one of the world’s top 3 timber importers- In 2019, India imported INR 428.4 billion worth of wood and wood products)., and the government will save the FOREX

6.5 Weaknesses/ disadvantages of the Approach and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
1) Longer Learning Curve:The approach involves a significant learning curve, requiring farmers to acquire new skills and adapt to different practices compared to conventional methods.	More training programs and continuous handholding services are essential to support farmers during this transition. Providing one-to-one mentorship and practical demonstrations can help accelerate learning and build confidence.
2) Initial Capital Investment and Labor Requirement: Implementing regenerative practices requires initial investments in equipment, inputs, and additional labor, which can be a challenge for many farmers.	Government support in the form of subsidies or low-interest loans can help farmers manage these initial costs. Collaborating with financial institutions to create tailored packages can also ease this burden.
3) Better Market Access and Prices:Farmers need improved access to markets that recognize the value of sustainably produced goods and offer fair prices.	Digital direct marketing platforms can bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, allowing farmers to sell their produce directly at fair prices. Developing cooperative models for collective bargaining can also improve market access.
4) Lack of Social Acknowledgement: Sustainable farming practices are not always socially recognized, which can deter farmers from transitioning.	Promoting consumer platforms that educate the public on the value of regenerative produce can help increase awareness and social acknowledgment. Highlighting success stories and building community support can further validate these efforts.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
1) Limited Adoption:The approach is not yet widespread, limiting its impact on a broader scale.	Expanding the approach requires substantial efforts from all stakeholders, including farmers, NGOs, governments, and international organizations. Creating awareness campaigns and incentivizing early adopters can drive broader adoption.
2) Lack of Funding for Projects: Funding for regenerative agriculture projects is often limited, which affects their scalability and continuity.	Sustainable, long-term funding from international institutions is necessary to ensure consistent support. Engaging philanthropic organizations and developing partnerships with global institutions can help secure such funding.
3) Insufficient Farm Models: There are not enough model farms to demonstrate the benefits of the approach to a wider audience.	Creating more model farms across different regions can showcase the practical benefits of regenerative agriculture. These farms can serve as training and demonstration centers, helping to build trust and attract more farmers to adopt these practices.
4)Lack of Political Will: Insufficient political support limits the adoption and integration of regenerative practices into mainstream agriculture.	Changing policies requires persistent efforts to build awareness among policymakers and demonstrate the long-term benefits of sustainable farming. Advocacy and lobbying by NGOs, farmers' groups, and other stakeholders can help influence policy shifts in favor of regenerative agriculture.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

RFR Draft Policy Recommendation, 2017

Available from where? Costs?

https://cdn.isha.ws/public/docs/pdir/RFR_RevitalizationOfRiversInIndia-Web.pdf, FREE DOWNLOAD

7.3 Links to relevant information which is available online

Title/ description:

Conscious Planet - Save Soil - Cauvery Calling

URL:

savesoil.org

Title/ description:

Save Soil - Cauvery Calling Youtube

URL:

https://www.youtube.com/@SaveSoil-CauveryCalling

Title/ description:

Save Soil Movement - A Movement that Began 24 years ago

URL:

https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/wisdom/video/save-soil-movement-began-24-years-ago