Sustainable Agriculture
Project Summary
Health & Hope Myanmar is partnering with a local NGO, Together for Sustainable Development (TSD) and Mission East on a sustainable farming project: ‘Something to Eat Every Day’ (SEED).
The project focuses on bringing new farming techniques and crop diversification to local Family Farmer Groups (FFGs). The main aim is to show that an increased supply with higher nutritional gains can be achieved using sustainable farming methods. These sustainable techniques reduce exposure to natural disasters, and offer an alternative to the traditional but destructive slash and burn methodology.
In the first two years, 40 FFGs were provided with seeds, tools and training to cultivate a two-acre plot of land. They were able to choose from ten crop varieties designed to provide four harvests, reducing reliance on maize and rice, which are susceptible to damage from periodic flooding and cyclones.
While there is still a high dependence on rice, in addition to challenges with soil fertility and irrigation, the project has so far seen some notable successes. Farmers have produced enough to sell surplus stock in local markets, and the more varied diet is enhancing nutritional health.
We have worked this farm since our grandfather’s time, almost 20 years now. We have nine members in our family, and three children in school and college. The farm supports us in many ways for our food and income but, since we don’t know proper techniques of planting them, we cannot produce as much as we need due to this lack of skills.
After we come to this sustainable Agriculture Project, we understand that what we have done for so many years was not good enough and need a lot of new techniques to make our farm better and improve. In order to make this farm sustainable to depend on, our mindset is completely changed and we have learned at least basic techniques to look after our crops, land preparation and utilise our water source.
So now we are very excited to learn new techniques and work better on our farm because we understand that only this farm will give us enough nutritious food, enough income for our family and remain for our children to depend on even after we are gone from this world.
