Rita Devi, a 47-year-old farmer from Bihar, is part of an innovative effort to transform agriculture in the region through the Small Farmers Large Fields (SFLF) model. Bihar’s agricultural sector, which employs over half of the state’s workforce, faces numerous challenges. Despite its significant contribution to India’s potato production, small and marginal farmers, who own less than 2 hectares of land on average, make up 97% of landholdings. This leads to suboptimal farming conditions, resulting in low profits and unsustainable livelihoods.
Rita inherited an acre of land after her husband’s illness and subsequent death during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many small farmers, she struggled to see a viable future in farming. “It’s hard to see profits in agriculture,” she said, noting the small landholdings make it difficult to generate substantial income. This is a common sentiment among small farmers who face financial instability and see farming as neither lucrative nor aspirational.
In September 2022, Rita encountered the Small Farmers Large Fields (SFLF) Programme, which brought hope to her and other farmers in her community. The initiative, implemented by the Transforming Agrifood Systems in South Asia (TAFSSA) in collaboration with the International Potato Center (CIP), encourages farmers to aggregate their land and resources to collectively tackle the challenges they face. By forming groups, farmers can purchase inputs in bulk, secure better services, and improve their production practices. This collective approach also ensures that they can sell their harvest at a premium price due to higher quality and larger volumes.
Under the SFLF model, farmers are trained in improved agricultural practices, including the use of quality seeds, optimized irrigation, and pest management. Rita joined the program in December 2022 and quickly saw the benefits. She participated in training sessions where experts provided information on seed varieties, irrigation techniques, fertilizer application, and pest control. Rita learned how to reduce input costs by using the right amount of fertilizers and optimizing irrigation, leading to significant financial savings.
One key aspect of the program was the collective procurement of high-quality seeds and fertilizers. Previously, farmers like Rita struggled with substandard local seeds, which affected their yields. Through the SFLF model, they gained access to better seeds from Punjab, as well as more affordable and reliable fertilizers. The collective bargaining power allowed farmers to secure these resources at lower costs, which directly impacted their profits.
Rita’s farm also benefited from crop diversification. After harvesting potatoes, she planted maize and moong beans, boosting her income. This approach not only helped her increase her earnings but also improved soil health and sustainability.
The impact of the SFLF program has been tangible. Many farmers, including Rita, have seen their income double compared to those not participating in the initiative. The financial and operational benefits of collective action have empowered small farmers, giving them the confidence to pursue farming as a more profitable and sustainable livelihood. Rita is now actively involved in selling surplus seeds to other farmers, further extending the benefits of the program.
The SFLF model has not only improved farmers’ knowledge and income but also fostered a sense of community and cooperation. Rita hopes that as more farmers adopt the model, the collective strength will continue to grow, leading to greater financial stability for small farmers in Bihar. With ongoing support and refinement of the program, the future looks brighter for farmers like Rita, who are now able to envision a more prosperous and sustainable future in agriculture.
