Reviving Traditional Grains for a Sustainable Future
Millet Revival & Sustainable Agriculture Support Programme
Reviving Traditional Grains for a Sustainable Future
Millets have sustained communities for generations while protecting biodiversity and improving soil health. Recognising the need to restore traditional farming practices, the Youth Social Service Organisation (YSSO) implemented the Millet Revival & Sustainable Agriculture Support Programme across Agali, Sholayur, Pudur and Attappady Block in Palakkad District from August 2022 to April 2023.
The programme was implemented in partnership with the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, Attappady Hills Area Development Society (AHADS), Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP), Kerala Agricultural University and NABARD. Together, these organisations worked to promote sustainable agriculture while strengthening the livelihoods of tribal farming communities.
As part of the initiative, traditional millet varieties including Finger Millet (Ragi), Kodo Millet, Little Millet and Foxtail Millet were distributed to participating farmers. Training sessions focused on zero-budget natural farming, organic composting, soil moisture conservation and sustainable land management. These practices helped restore degraded agricultural land while improving crop productivity and climate resilience.
The programme supported 185 tribal farming households, restored approximately 48 acres of land under millet cultivation and established a community-managed seed bank in Agali. Nutrition awareness programmes also reached more than 320 women and children, encouraging healthy diets based on locally grown traditional grains.
Programme Highlights
- 185 Tribal Farming Households Supported
- 48 Acres Restored under Millet Cultivation
- Traditional Millet Seed Bank Established
- Organic Farming Training Conducted
- 320+ Women & Children Benefited
- Supporting Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security
