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Advancing Agroecology:Scaling Sustainable Organic Practices in Agriculture

Established in 1982, the Institute for Cultural Research and Action (ICRA) has actively pursued a sustainable development paradigm that acknowledges the significant contributions of local resources, culture, and various elements to overall well-being. Currently, ICRA's efforts are primarily focused on promoting sustainable agriculture for small-scale farmers in rain-fed regions. The organisation collaborates closely with rural communities to foster equitable practices, disseminate knowledge, and enhance initiatives led by community members. ICRA seeks to promote sustainability, resilience, and well-being through these strategies within a comprehensive ecological framework.

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2500

Farmers Reached

150

Villages Covered

50

Community Seed Banks

20

Years of Service

Icra's Focus

Cultivating a Resilient Future: ICRAs' collaborative initiatives promote sustainable agriculture, ecological stewardship, and well-being.

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Cultivating change together: collaborative training for sustainable Agriculture.

Sustainable organic farming necessitates a robust foundational approach. ICRA employs a comprehensive strategy encompassing three essential components: training in sustainable agriculture, timely access to site-specific information, and providing vital inputs. Our practical training programs encompass organic farming, permaculture, agroforestry, soil and water conservation, and mixed cropping techniques. Equipping farmers with the requisite knowledge and skills enables them to implement sustainable agricultural practices effectively.
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Growing together – co-creating resilient agriculture in rainfed regions.

In regions where small-scale farmers depend on rain-fed agriculture, there is a pronounced emphasis on advancing agricultural practices that prioritise biodiversity and sustainability. This methodology integrates ecological principles with economic viability, encompassing strategies designed to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change within the agricultural sector. Key strategies include the promotion of agroforestry, which intentionally incorporates trees and shrubs into crop and livestock farming systems, thereby generating environmental, economic, and social benefits. Additionally, initiatives focus on cultivating drought-resistant crops that thrive in water-stressed environments, implementing soil conservation techniques to prevent erosion and sustain soil fertility, and employing water harvesting methods to capture and store rainfall for agricultural utilisation.
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Partnering with small farm families for sustainable agriculture success.

In collaboration with 12,000 small farm families across an area of 15,000 acres, we are transforming agriculture through the implementation of sustainable practices. Our collective approach emphasises the promotion of biodiverse organic farming and mixed cropping utilising local varieties, which has yielded significant results. Notably, in Kotturu, 90% of farm families have adopted organic multi-crop systems, thereby demonstrating the profound impact of our joint initiatives.
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Farmers leading the way: collaborative innovations and policy advocacy.

The insights and experiences of farmers are fundamental drivers of sustainable agriculture. A key objective is to emphasise and facilitate sharing these experiences, thereby promoting farmer-led innovations across diverse agricultural practices, including farm design and crop management. The engagement of farming communities in advocating for policy reforms that benefit small-scale farmers, along with their active participation in networks and partnerships, is essential for enhancing the representation of rural communities in decision-making processes.

Icra Approach

At ICRA, we recognise farmers as experts, valuing their indigenous knowledge and lived experience as the foundation of organic biodiverse farming. Our approach centres on collaborating with farmers through the Prayog Parivar experimental group, a dynamic platform for shared learning, innovation, and experimentation.

We embrace inclusive and diverse alternative practices such as organic farming, agroecology, permaculture, LEISA, and natural farming. Our commitment lies in adapting to local farmers' needs, promoting openness, innovation, and region-specific solutions.

Through biodiverse sustainable methods, even under rainfed conditions, farmers are achieving excellent yields in key crops such as tomatoes, green chillies, brinjal, okra, and banana.

ICRA Organic Farming

Our Gallery

Organic Nutrient Management

Liquid Manures and Concoctions

Soil And Water Conservation

Seed diversity of Karnataka

Mixed Cropping Methods

Home Garden Campaign

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Send Us a Message

Let’s grow the organic movement together! If you have inquiries or suggestions about sustainable farming, send us a message—we’re here to listen and help.

Contact Us

Let’s work together to nurture our planet through sustainable practices. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Phone Number: 9980074679

Email: icarkarnataka@yahoo.com

Address: Bangalore, Karnataka