1.2 参与方法评估和文件编制的资源人员和机构的联系方式

有助于对方法进行记录/评估的项目名称（如相关）

Save Soil Movement

有助于对方法进行记录/评估的机构名称（如相关）

Conscious Planet - Save Soil (Save Soil)

1.3 关于使用通过WOCAT记录的数据的条件

（现场）数据是什么时候汇编的？:

25/10/2024

编制者和关键资源人员接受有关使用通过WOCAT记录数据的条件。:

是

1.4 SLM技术问卷的参考

2.1 该方法的简要说明

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 该方法的详细说明

该方法的详细说明:

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 该方法的照片

2.4 该方法的视频

2.5 采用该方法的国家/地区/地点

2.6 该方法的开始和终止日期

2.7 方法的类型

• 基于项目/方案

2.8 该方法的主要目的/目标

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 推动或妨碍实施本办法所适用的技术的条件

3.1 该方法涉及的利益相关者及其职责

3.2 当地土地使用者/当地社区参与该方法的不同阶段

	当地土地使用者/当地社区的参与	指定参与人员并描述活动
启动/动机	互动	Volunteers helped to identify problems, investigate causes, search for solutions, initiate pilot projects, and create a plan to address issues.
计划	互动	The chosen concept enters the planning phase, during which volunteers engage with various stakeholders to create a strategy and plan of action.
实施	互动	The program is implemented by volunteers on the ground, carrying out targeted activities to achieve the specific outcomes and goals that have been set.
监测/评估	互动	The project is monitored by higher-level management to ensure its effectiveness, integrity, and adherence to the core objectives.

3.3 流程图（如可用）

3.4 有关SLM技术选择的决策

具体说明谁有权决定选择要实施的技术:

• 主要是SLM专家，咨询土地使用者之后

解释:

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

明确做出决策的依据:

• 对充分记录的SLM知识进行评估（基于证据的决策）
• 研究结果
• 个人经验和意见（无记录）

4.1 能力建设/培训

是否为土地使用者/其他利益相关者提供培训？:

是

明确受训人员:

• 土地使用者
• 现场工作人员/顾问

• Volunteers

如果相关，请说明性别、年龄、地位、种族等。:

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.

培训形式:

• 在职
• 农民对农民
• 示范区域
• 公开会议
• 课程

涵盖的主题:

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.

注释:

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 咨询服务

土地使用者有权使用咨询服务吗？:

是

指明是否提供了咨询服务:

• 在土地使用者的土地上
• 在固定中心

说明/注释:

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 机构强化（组织发展）

是否通过这种方法建立或加强了机构？:

• 否

4.4 监测和评估

监测和评估是该方法的一部分吗？:

是

若是，该文件是否用于监测和评估？:

否

4.5 研究

研究是该方法的一部分吗?

是

明确话题:

• 社会学
• 经济/市场营销
• 生态学
• 技术

• Policy

提供进一步的细节，并指出是谁做的研究:

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

5.1 该方法中SLM组成部分的年度预算

说明该方法中SLM部分的年度预算，单位为美元:

6200000.00

注释（例如主要的资助来源/主要捐助者）:

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 为土地使用者提供财政/物质支援

土地使用者是否获得实施该技术的财政/物质支持？:

是

如果是，请具体说明支持的类型、条件和提供者:

Subsidised Saplings provided by Save Soil - Cauvery Calling Campaign

5.3 对特定投入的补贴（包括劳动力）

• 农业

注释:

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

5.4 信用

是否根据SLM活动的方法给予信用值？:

否

5.5 其它激励或手段

是否有其他激励措施或工具用于促进SLM技术的实施？:

是

如果是，请具体说明:

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 方法的影响

6.2 土地使用者实施SLM的主要动机

6.3 方法活动的可持续性

土地使用者能否维持通过该方法实施的措施（无外部支持的情况下）？:

• 是

若是，请说明如何维持:

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 该方法的长处/优点

土地使用者眼中的长处/优势/机会
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.

编制者或其他关键资源人员认为的长处/优势/机会
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 该方法的弱点/缺点以及克服它们的方法

土地使用者认为的弱点/缺点/风险	如何克服它们？
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.

编制者或其他关键资源人员认为的弱点/缺点/风险	如何克服它们？
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 方法/信息来源

7.2 参考可用出版物

标题、作者、年份、ISBN:

RFR Draft Policy Recommendation, 2017

可以从哪里获得?成本如何?

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

7.3 链接到网络上可用的相关信息

标题/说明:

Conscious Planet - Save Soil - Cauvery Calling

URL:

savesoil.org

标题/说明:

Save Soil - Cauvery Calling Youtube

URL:

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

标题/说明:

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