Bhunja Jani, a smallholder farmer, in Padaaunli village, PO - Lamtaguda, initially practiced conventional farming using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. However, his production declined, even with rising input costs. The BPKP programme encouraged him to transition to natural farming. The training programs, workshops, and exposure visits helped him gain indepth knowledge of indigenous farming inputs, natural soil enhancement methods, and eco-friendly pest management practices including Jeevamruta, Bijamruta, Handikhata, Agniastra, Brahmstra, and Panchgavya.

Within a short period of time, Bhunja Jani's production began going up, and traders came straight to his farm to buy his produce. The family also became much healthier. Bhunja Jani's successful adoption of Bharatiya Prakritik Krushi Padhati demonstrates the transformative potential of natural farming. Through dedication, skill-building, and a strong commitment to ecological practices, he has enhanced soil health, lowered farming costs, and produced high-quality, chemical-free food. His journey offers valuable inspiration to other farmers seeking sustainable and regenerative agricultural alternatives.

We went to the Agriculture Department office in our bus and entered in two lines. The officers were very happy to see us. The Agricultural Officer, Jitendra Sir asked us, “Children, what vegetables do you eat at home?” and explained, we should wash all we buy from the market properly before we cook them to avoid stomach problems.

Then he showed us a compost pit, and we met farmers who were visiting the office. We learnt learned that if earthworms are present in the soil, the soil remains fertile. If there are no earthworms, the soil becomes infertile. We also went to see how Jitendra Sir does farm. We were very happy to visit the agricultural office. We listened attentively to everything Jitendra Sir was saying and understood it well. He told us that if we farm without using chemical fertilizers, the soil stays healthy. But using machines for ploughing can damage the soil. Using a traditional plough does not harm the soil. If we plant saplings without fertilizers, the paddy grows well. Even watery vegetables grow well without using fertilizers. Jitendra Sir explained all this to us with great care, and we listened with full attention. As it was getting quite hot, we all got into the bus and returned to school.

Land Size – Up Land – 2.3 acres, Low Land – 0.70 acres Occupation –Agriculture Village – Hiruguda, G.P. –Gouda Deopali, Block – Tentulikhunti, Dist. –Nabarangpur
Raibaru's father shifted with his family to Hiruguda village in 1985, being displaced by the construction of Indravati Dam. He used to mono-crop hybrid paddy on 30cents of low land and cultivate millets and niger on 75cents of upland. He had an annual income of R.8500.00

After Family Farm establishment, he began to cultivate aromatic local paddy varieties on 70cents of low land. On his upland, he developed a fruit orchard of mango, cashew and jackfruit, and also planted other forest species for livelihood needs. He also took up intercropping of millets and vegetable crops. Outcome: He got a yield of Kandul – 125 Kg., other pulses – 110 Kg., Finger Millet – 150 Kg., Little Millet – 100 Kg., Foxtail Millet – 85 Kg., Pearl Millet – 60 Kg. and Sorghum – 55 Kg. and Vegetable – 845 Kg, giving him a net income of Rs.28,750.00. This helped his son to discontinue the distress migration, and has also encouraged Raibaru to establish family farm on more area of his land.

Outcome: He got a yield of Kandul – 125 Kg., other pulses – 110 Kg., Finger Millet – 150 Kg., Little Millet – 100 Kg., Foxtail Millet – 85 Kg., Pearl Millet – 60 Kg. and Sorghum – 55 Kg. and Vegetable – 845 Kg, giving him a net income of Rs.28,750.00. This helped his son to discontinue the distress migration, and has also encouraged Raibaru to establish family farm on more area of his land.

The Farmers' Field School training programs, in Kashipur and Koraput districts was a comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting sustainable, organic agriculture among rain-fed tribal farmers. Organized by Agragamee under the Signet Project, the program focused on empowering farmers with knowledge of eco-friendly farming practices, seed conservation, and organic manure production. Participants, primarily Eco-Leaders and farmers, received training on grafting, nursery management, crop planning, zero-tillage, and the use of organic inputs such as Jivamruta and Bijamruta.

Demonstration plots were established on Eco-Leaders' farms to serve as Farmers' Field Schools, enabling practical learning and wider dissemination of best practices. The program also emphasized the importance of rain-fed agriculture challenges, such as water conservation and soil health, advocating for organic methods to ensure sustainability and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Through capacity-building sessions, farmers learned about creating green boundary fencing, managing plant protection issues, and exploring alternatives like bamboo, Karanja, and Arjuna trees for multipurpose boundary fencing. The initiative aimed not only to improve crop yields but also to enhance farmers' income and resilience.The program also included discussions on supporting farmers with seedlings, support services, and developing model farms.