Sustainable Agriculture India Project #57026

Skilling Women Farmers in India to Earn an Income

by Friends of Mann Deshi

Skilling Women Farmers in India to Earn an Income

Project Report | Sep 9, 2026
Stronger Soils, Better Harvests: Stories of Farmer

By Shimona Chadha | Fundraising and Communications

Jayashree in her Pearl Millet

During the last quarter, the project reached 3,483 farmers across the intervention areas. A total of 379 soil samples were collected and analysed to assess soil health, identify nutrient deficiencies, and provide farmers with crop-specific scientific recommendations.

Through soil testing, agronomic guidance, and improved crop management practices, farmers were supported to make more informed decisions on fertilizer application, irrigation, and crop care. These interventions contributed to improved productivity, more efficient use of agricultural inputs, reduced cultivation costs, and the adoption of more sustainable farming practices.

Farmer Success StoriesFrom Soil Testing to Higher Returns: Jayashree

Jayashree owns 18 gunthas of land. She previously cultivated wheat, spending approximately 3,000 on cultivation and earning around 6,000. She felt that the returns did not adequately reflect the effort and resources invested.

Her approach began to change when a Soil Sakhi visited her farm, assessed the field conditions, and discussed her farming practices. She encouraged Jayashree to undertake soil testing to understand the nutrient status of her soil.

Based on the soil test results, Jayashree received guidance on fertilizer application, irrigation, and crop management. With a better understanding of her soil and crop requirements, she was able to plan her cultivation more scientifically.

She later decided to cultivate Bajra (pearl millet). Her total cultivation cost was approximately 2,500, and with improved planning and crop management, she harvested 7 quintals, generating an income of approximately 21,000.

“Today, I can confidently say that soil testing and technical guidance make farming more profitable and efficient.”

Jayashree credits the timely guidance provided by the Soil Sakhi and Agronomist teams for helping her make more informed farming decisions and improve the profitability of her farm.

Improving Onion Productivity Through Scientific Crop Management

Madhuri cultivates onion on 1 acre of land. Before undertaking soil testing, she faced challenges related to limited information about soil nutrients and fertilizer management, which affected crop growth and productivity. She typically harvested around 250 bags of onions per acre.

Through the Mann Deshi Agriculture Soil and Water Testing Center, Madhuri conducted soil testing for the first time. The results provided a clear understanding of the nutrient status of her soil and helped the team develop a balanced fertilizer management plan and crop-specific nutrition schedule. She also received regular guidance and field visits from an agronomist.

By adopting these recommendations, Madhuri saw a significant improvement in her onion production. Her yield increased from 250 bags to 390 bags per acre, an increase of 140 bags. With the market rate at 900 per bag, her income increased from approximately 2,25,000 before soil testing to 3,51,000 after adopting the recommended practices. This resulted in an additional income of approximately 1,26,000.

Her experience demonstrates how soil testing, balanced fertilizer application, and crop-specific scheduling can contribute to measurable improvements in farm productivity and income.

Abundant Ginger Production Through Soil Testing

Rupali Ramesh Pawar, a farmer cultivated ginger on 12 gunthas of land. This year, she conducted soil testing for the first time through the Soil Sakhi initiative.

Following the soil test, Rupali received a soil health report and crop-specific fertilizer schedule. Based on the recommendations, she adjusted her fertilizer application and adopted appropriate plant protection and crop management practices.

The scientific guidance helped her better understand the nutrient requirements of her soil and apply fertilizers according to the crop’s needs. Timely and appropriate crop management supported healthy plant growth and contributed to improved productivity. Rupali achieved a production of 10 cartloads of ginger from her 12-guntha plot.

Rupali shared that soil testing and scientific guidance enabled her to achieve abundant production even on a small landholding. Her experience has encouraged her to recommend soil testing and scientific farming practices to other farmers in her community.

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May 12, 2026
Women Driving Sustainable Rural Change

By Shimona Chadha | Fundraising and Communications

During the reporting quarter, the project reached 3,159 farmers across the intervention areas. A total of 232 samples — including soil, water, petiole, and fertilizer samples — were collected and analysed to assess soil health, identify nutrient deficiencies, and provide crop-specific scientific recommendations. These interventions supported farmers in improving productivity, reducing input costs, and adopting more sustainable agricultural practices.

Livestock Health Impact – Rani

Rani depends largely on livestock rearing for her family’s livelihood. Her HF cow suddenly became critically ill — unable to stand for six days, refusing food, suffering from high fever, continuous panting, and indigestion that stopped rumination completely.

In this difficult situation, she sought support from the cattle blood testing unit. After a blood test was conducted, the disease was accurately diagnosed, enabling timely and appropriate treatment. The cow gradually recovered and resumed milk production, restoring the family’s source of income.

This case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and veterinary support in preventing livestock losses and strengthening the economic resilience of rural farming families.

Biogas Impact – Shashikala

Shashikala's family relies on agriculture for their livelihood. Earlier, she depended on firewood for cooking, which required significant time and exposed her to harmful smoke.

The installation of a biogas unit transformed her daily life. By using approximately 40 kg of cattle dung and 40 liters of water each day, she now produces enough clean fuel to cook two meals daily for her family. In addition, the unit generates 12–14 liters of bio-slurry every day, which she applies as organic fertilizer on her farm.

The use of bio-slurry has improved crop quality, increased yields, and reduced farming expenses. Access to clean energy and organic fertilizer has created a healthier, more sustainable, and economically secure environment for her family.

Biogas Impact – Ragini

Ragini previously relied on firewood and LPG cylinders for cooking. Collecting firewood demanded considerable time and labour, while smoke exposure negatively affected her health.

With the installation of a biogas unit, her family now produces clean cooking fuel daily using cattle dung and water. The biogas supports the preparation of two meals a day, reducing household expenses and dependence on traditional fuels.

The unit also provides 12–14 liters of bio-slurry daily, which she uses as organic fertilizer to improve soil fertility and crop growth while reducing the cost of chemical fertilizers. Today, Ragini is saving time, money, and labour while leading a more self-reliant and sustainable life.

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Jan 12, 2026
Women Leading Soil Health & Climate-Smart Farming

By Shimona | Fundrasing and Communications

Anusuya standing in her farmland

During the reporting quarter, the project reached 4,051 farmers across target villages. A total of 424 samples of soil, water, petiole, and fertilizer were collected and analysed. These tests helped assess soil health, identify nutrient deficiencies, and generate crop-specific, scientific recommendations to improve farm productivity, reduce input costs, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Success Story 1: Anusuya – From Rising Costs to Confident Farming

Anusuya owns half an acre of farmland, which is the sole source of livelihood for her family. For several years, she followed traditional farming practices, cultivating maize and sugarcane. Over time, however, she began to experience a steady rise in cultivation costs coupled with declining yields, making farming increasingly unsustainable.

Her turning point came when she attended a meeting conducted by the Soil Sakhi through the Mann Deshi Soil Testing Center. During the session, farmers were introduced to the importance of soil testing, crop-wise fertilizer management, and modern farming techniques. Motivated by this guidance, Anusuya decided to get her farm soil tested.

The soil health report provided her with a clear understanding of the nutrient status of her land. For the first time, she knew which nutrients were deficient, which fertilizers were required, and the exact quantities needed. This helped her discontinue the incorrect and excessive use of fertilizers, resulting in significant cost savings.

With balanced fertilizer application and improved water planning, Anusuya reduced her cultivation costs by approximately 6,000. More importantly, by following the crop schedule and recommendations provided by the Soil Testing Center, her maize production increased to 28 quintals, earning her an income of nearly 80,000.

Encouraged by these results, Anusuya has now also tested the soil for her sugarcane crop and is confident of achieving improved yields. She credits the Mann Deshi Soil Testing Center for equipping her with knowledge, reducing her financial stress, and restoring her confidence in farming.

Success Story 2: Manisha – Scientific Planning for Higher Returns

Manisha is a pomegranate farmer who, like many others, practiced agriculture based largely on assumptions. She lacked accurate information about her soil’s nutrient composition, the actual requirements of her crop, and whether certain inputs were being overused or underused.

Her journey toward scientific farming began when Soil Sakhi Varsha introduced her to the importance of soil testing through the Mann Deshi Soil Testing Center. With Varsha’s support, Manisha got her soil tested and received a detailed soil health report.

Based on the test results, agronomy experts provided Manisha with customised guidance and a scientific cultivation plan for her pomegranate crop. This marked a significant shift in her farming approach. She began managing nutrients, water, fertilizers, and pesticides in a precise and informed manner.

As a result of soil-based planning, Manisha observed healthier plant growth, improved fruiting, and better overall crop performance. At the same time, she was able to control unnecessary expenses and optimise input use. Manisha was able to harvest 3.70 tons of pomegranate with the total cultivation cost of 1,29,000 and earning an income of 3,60,000.

Today, Manisha farms with confidence and clarity, backed by scientific knowledge rather than guesswork. She acknowledges the vital role played by the Soil Testing Center, Soil Sakhi Varsha, and the agronomy experts in transforming her farming practices and improving her income.

The Soil Sakhi model has proven to be a powerful, community-led approach to promoting scientific and sustainable agriculture. By enabling trained women from within the community to act as trusted intermediaries between farmers and technical experts, the model ensures last-mile delivery of soil health knowledge and personalised advisory services. Through timely soil testing, clear interpretation of reports, and continuous handholding, Soil Sakhis have helped farmers reduce input costs, improve productivity, and farm with greater confidence. This model not only strengthens farm incomes and resilience but also builds local leadership among women, making it both economically effective and socially transformative.

Varsha - Soil Sakhi

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