Implemented By: Rotary Club of Calcutta Pointers

About the Project: 

The SAPLING project was initiated to promote organic farming practices and sustainable livelihoods in the rural belt of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The initiative primarily supports A Village for Independent and Enterprising Women (A VIEW)—a nonprofit rehabilitation center for mentally ill homeless women—as well as seven surrounding villages that face acute challenges in agricultural productivity and food security.

Despite the availability of cultivable land, local farmers and organizations like A VIEW struggle with poor soil yield, seasonal flooding, and overreliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which not only reduce profitability but also pose serious health and environmental risks. These challenges have resulted in widespread agrarian distress, livestock depletion, and migration to urban areas, leaving behind a fragile and unsustainable farming ecosystem.

To break this cycle, the SAPLING project introduces a comprehensive organic farming training program, leveraging the skills of the Mukti Foundation, a recognized nonprofit organization with expertise in sustainable agriculture.