Natural Resource Management (NRM)
Sustainable Natural Resource Management in Rural India
Social Action for Rural Development (SARDA) works extensively to promote sustainable Natural Resource Management (NRM) as a foundation for improving rural livelihoods while conserving ecosystems and biodiversity. Operating across multiple states in India, SARDA focuses on the sustainable use, restoration, and conservation of land, water, forests, and agricultural resources, ensuring long-term environmental and livelihood security for rural communities.
SARDA implements a range of government-supported and community-driven development programmes that strengthen natural resource management systems. Key initiatives include projects under the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (WDC-PMKSY), Tribal Development Fund (TDF-WADI), Central Sector Scheme for Formation and Promotion of Farmer-Producer Organisations (CBBO-CSS), and Producer Organisation Development Fund. Through these programmes, SARDA strengthens farmers’ institutions, promotes sustainable agriculture practices, and enhances climate resilience in rural landscapes.
The organisation undertakes integrated interventions such as watershed development, soil and water conservation, agroforestry, climate-resilient agriculture, and tribal livelihood promotion. SARDA also supports the formation and strengthening of Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs),FSPF, and capacity-building initiatives like Krishak Pathshala, enabling farmers to adopt improved natural resource management practices and sustainable farming techniques.
Through participatory planning, community mobilisation, and institution building, SARDA ensures that local communities actively participate in protecting and managing their natural resources. These efforts help restore degraded landscapes, enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen climate resilience, and promote sustainable rural development.