Farmers' Training-cum-Rural Livelihoods Centre
CYSD has been persistently working to improve the quality of life of the marginalized communities, more specifically the tribals. Building sustainable livelihoods being one of its core areas, the organisation promotes community institutions and improves their capacities on various themes including improved agricultural practices, organic farm practices, horticulture, allied activities, land and water management. It also capacitates other stakeholders like members of Panchayati Raj Institutions, civil society organizations, government functionaries and citizen leaders. Enterprise promotion and skilling for employment and employability being one of the focus areas, skill trainings are provided to youths and women members to nurture their entrepreneurial skills and enabling them to be on their own.
Farmers' Training-cum-Rural Livelihoods Centre @Mundaguda
Rural youth, farmers, CBOs, and community resource persons need more than just theoretical knowledge; they need a comprehensive approach that includes practical application, mentorship, and ongoing support. A “skilling plus” methodology, which incorporates incubation and hands-on guidance, is essential for effectively building their agricultural skills and ensuring they can confidently apply these skills in real-life farming situations.
Recognizing these challenges, CYSD’s Farmers’ Training-cum-Rural Livelihood Centres were established to bridge the knowledge and resource gap in these areas especially in agro-ecology principles. The initiative aims to empower small and marginal farmers with modern agricultural techniques, entrepreneurial skills, and hands-on support. By providing training and creating linkages with government programs, the school seeks not only to enhance agricultural productivity but also to build sustainable livelihoods and economic resilience in these vulnerable communities.
In response, CYSD’s Farmer’s Training School has been working with small and marginal farmers in tribal districts of South Odisha, especially Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada and Nabarangpur, through a range of champion farmers. The school provides hands-on training in sustainable practices, helping farmers on natural farming Principles & practices, improve soil health, and strengthen resilience against climate variability through a package of sustainable practices (PoP). By providing handholding support in agribusiness management, post-harvest techniques, and market access, the school also fosters entrepreneurial skills, allowing farmers to prepare themselves to withstand the shock.
Special emphasis is placed on engaging women and youth, promoting gender-sensitive approaches, leadership roles for women, and opportunities for young people. Additionally, the training program helps farmers access government support, connect with financial resources, and create Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and community-based organizations. This collective approach strengthens farmers' economic standing and enhances community resilience, aiming to reduce migration pressures and improve the livelihoods of rural families in Odisha.
Farmer’s Training-Cum-Rural Livelihood Centre – Farmers’ Training School based at Mundaguda in Boipariguda block of Koraput district is 55 kms away from District Hqrs and 4 kms from Block Hqrs spreading over 10.90 acres of land. It is a seamless demonstration and learning ground for farmers and farm practitioners.
Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XsiTfq4g1mHK6Da6A
Latitude & Longitude - 18°45'30.5"N 82°23'19.7"E
DEMONSTRATIONS
RLTC-Mundaguda acts as demonstration unit on best and sustainable practices in agriculture (SRI & SMI), horticulture (mixed orchard), vegetable cultivation, nursery raising, agri-allied (pisciculture, apiculture, mashroom activities), non- farm (dairy, poultry raring), Organic Manure Production (azola – green manure pit, compost pit, vermi compost pits, low/hip compost pits) and natural resources management.
FACILITIES @RLTC Mundaguda
The Farmers’ Training School, housed within CYSD’s Rural Livelihoods Training Centre (RLTC), is equipped with training halls, classrooms, demonstration plots, and practical training areas, hostel facilities for trainees. Managed by experienced agronomists, horticulturists, and agricultural experts, it offers a comprehensive curriculum enriched through partnerships with local Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), research institutions, and Civil Society Organizations. With program calendar tailored to local agricultural needs, the school serves as a vibrant hub for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration, where farmer experts, and stakeholders converge to access resources, share insights for mutual learning. The training emphasizes sustainable practices and entrepreneurship, supported by continuous mentorship, credit access, and market linkages to ensure post-training adoption.
Training Aids
Training aids like white board, clip board, LCD, OHP, flipchart stand, audio & visual are available to conduct training sessions.
Library
A library with resource materials in the form of books, IEC materials and other communication materials (booklets, magazine, leaflet, poster, acts, schemes, rules, study reports, etc.) in both print and electronic forms are available.
Water / Power Supply
Drinking water and power supplies are available using solar panels.
