Oisca International agricultural policy 2

🌱 OISCA INDIA AGRICULTURE POLICY FRAMEWORK
(KOTTAYAM CHAPTER – CUSTOMISED MODEL)
Issued by: OISCA International
National Context: OISCA International India
Regional Focus: Kottayam
Version: 2026 (Regional Adaptation)
1. PREAMBLE
Agriculture in Kerala, particularly in Kottayam, is characterized by smallholder farming, high literacy, and strong community networks. However, challenges such as declining soil fertility, climate variability, and youth migration from agriculture demand a renewed approach.
This policy adapts the global philosophy of OISCA International to local realities, focusing on sustainable, community-driven, and youth-led agricultural transformation.
2. VISION
To make Kottayam a model district of sustainable agriculture, ensuring:
Food self-sufficiency
Eco-friendly farming systems
Youth participation in agriculture
3. MISSION
Promote organic and natural farming practices
Develop model eco-villages
Empower farmers and youth as agri-leaders
Strengthen community-based agricultural systems
4. REGIONAL CONTEXT: KOTTAYAM
Key Characteristics:
Rubber-based agrarian economy
Paddy fields (Kuttanad region influence)
Homestead farming culture
Strong cooperative movements
Key Challenges:
Shift from food crops to cash crops
Decline in paddy cultivation
Labour shortages
Climate-related flooding and irregular rainfall
5. CORE PRINCIPLES (LOCALISED)
5.1 Food First – Kerala Context
Encourage revival of paddy cultivation
Promote vegetable self-sufficiency at household level
5.2 Eco-Friendly Farming
Reduce chemical fertilizers
Promote organic manure, composting, and bio-inputs
5.3 Integrated Farming
Combine:
Crops
Livestock
Fish farming
Tree cultivation
5.4 Community-Based Development
Strengthen:
Farmer groups
Kudumbashree units
Youth clubs
5.5 Youth in Agriculture
Make farming economically attractive and respectable
6. POLICY OBJECTIVES
Achieve household-level food security
Revive traditional and sustainable farming systems
Promote agroforestry in rubber plantations
Enhance farmer income diversification
Build climate-resilient agriculture systems in flood-prone areas
Develop model agricultural villages in Kottayam
7. STRATEGIC COMPONENTS
7.1 Homestead Farming Revolution
Every household to maintain:
Vegetable gardens
Fruit trees
Medicinal plants
7.2 Paddy Revival Programme
Support collective paddy farming
Promote mechanization and shared resources
7.3 Agroforestry in Rubber Areas
Integrate:
Banana
Pineapple
Pepper
Vegetables
7.4 Organic Farming Mission
Training in:
Composting
Vermiculture
Bio-fertilizers
7.5 Water & Climate Management
Rainwater harvesting
Flood-resilient cropping patterns
8. IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
8.1 Institutional Structure
OISCA International India – Policy guidance
Kottayam Chapter – Execution and field implementation
8.2 Community Institutions
Farmer Producer Groups (FPGs)
Self Help Groups (SHGs)
Educational institutions
8.3 Training Infrastructure
Model farms in Kottayam
School-based agriculture programs
Youth training camps
9. FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES (KOTTAYAM)
🌾 9.1 “Food Secure Kottayam” Initiative
Household vegetable production mission
Seed distribution and training
🌳 9.2 “Green Kottayam” Programme
Tree planting drives
Agroforestry promotion
👨‍🌾 9.3 “Young Farmers Leadership Programme”
Train youth as agri-entrepreneurs
Exposure visits and field learning
🌿 9.4 “Organic Village Model”
Select villages converted to 100% organic farming zones
10. MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Indicators:
Increase in local food production
Reduction in chemical usage
Youth participation rate
Tools:
Field inspections
Farmer feedback
Annual impact reports
11. PARTNERSHIPS
Collaboration with:
Kerala Agriculture Department
Local Self Governments (Panchayats)
Educational institutions
NGOs and farmer collectives
12. FUNDING STRATEGY
Government schemes (Kerala & India)
CSR partnerships
International support via OISCA network
Community contributions
13. CONCLUSION
This customised policy transforms Kottayam into a living model of sustainable agriculture, rooted in the philosophy of OISCA International and adapted to Kerala’s unique socio-ecological landscape.
It envisions a future where:
Every household is food secure
Every farmer is empowered
Every village is sustainable

Prepared by James Joseph Adhikarathil Kottayam.
Oisca Kottayam chapter.