Satyamev Jayate Farmer Cup
Climate action via rural prosperity
Creating Climate-Resilient Farmer Collectives
The Satyamev Jayate Farmer Cup is a competition between farmer collectives in Maharashtra to do the best work in sustainable agriculture. Farmers are required to form crop-specific collectives and compete to lower costs, implement low-carbon best practices, improve productivity, increase profitability and forge ahead on the path of sustainable farming.
With the Farmer Cup, our ultimate objective is to create self-sustaining farmer institutions which are financially secure and prepared to mitigate the risks posed by climate change.
The Satyamev Jayate Farmer Cup is a competition between farmer groups in Maharashtra to do the best work in sustainable agriculture. Farmers are required to form crop-specific collectives which then compete against each other to lower costs, improve productivity, increase profitability and move towards sustainable farming.
Our aim is to empower farmers to fight the myriad challenges posed by agriculture, using the power of unity and science. We have also created a free and accessible knowledge sharing platform for farmers. In partnership with Maharashtra’s top agriculture universities, we host regular ‘Digital Sheti Shalas’ or ‘Digital Farming Schools’ for over 25 major crops. Farmers learn about best practices to cultivate their crop and ask questions to experts in real time.
The first edition of the Farmer Cup was held from May 2022 till January 2023. The second edition (May 2023-January 2024) is ongoing. A total of 4000+ farmer groups have been specially formed to participate in the competition across these 39 talukas of Maharashtra.
^^ Watch: The journey and impact of the Farmer Cup, captured in a powerful 35-min folk performance
Why This Competition?
Farmers are one of the most vulnerable and disproportionately affected populations in these times marked by climate change. Their livelihoods continue to be adversely affected by erratic monsoons, soaring temperatures, degrading soil health, and more. Add to this the challenges posed by market uncertainties, lack of financial security and limited access to scientific farming knowledge.
It is impossible for the lone farmer to battle these challenges single-handedly. However, successful case studies have shown that united as a group, farmers can multiply their resources, improve their bargaining power and support each other through times of crisis.
The Farmer Cup is a platform which empowers farmers to do just this. It enables them to collectivise, learn scientific farming practices at no cost and equips them to combat the challenges posed by climate change.
Our Training Platforms
Field Trainings
Field Trainings
In the course of the competition, farmers participate in one 3-day residential training and three field trainings hosted by trained facilitators from Paani Foundation. Led by films, games and activities, these trainings cultivate an emotional and immersive understanding of how collectivisation in agriculture is the key to tackling the myriad challenges in agriculture.
Digital Farming Schools
Digital Farming Schools
Throughout the cropping season, we host digital farming schools (‘sheti shalas’) in partnership with Maharashtra’s top agricultural universities. Farmers can learn about best cultivation practices for almost 30 crops, at no cost. Moreover, they receive a platform to interact directly with leading experts and get their queries solved in real time.
A Path to Economic and Ecological Prosperity
Farmers are trained in several aspects which enable them to
adapt to climate change while increasing yields and incomes
Water Management
and Boosting Soil Health
Learning how to use available water in the most efficient manner as well as improve soil organic carbon
End-to-End Farming
Best Practices
With an emphasis on natural pest management and low-chemical methods of cultivation
Financial Literacy
and Record Keeping
Maintaining a daily entry of activities done with itemised costs. Productivity, revenue and profit records are also maintained.
Restoring Watershed Structures
and Green Cover
Rejuvenating watershed structures before the rainfall and working to increase area under forests, trees and grasslands
Farmer Cup 2022 Impact
As achieved by the top 128 groups of the competition
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Stories of Change
Chikhaldara Farmer Achieves Record Soyabean Yield!
In the remote region of Chikhaldara, farmer Chandar bhau achieved over 12.5 quintals of soyabean per acre – a taluka-level record! He achieved three times the average yield by following scientific best practices. Watch his inspiring story.
Women Farmers Harvest Entire Soyabean Field in 45 Minutes!
In Khatav taluka, rains were posing a threat to an entire soyabean field. There was no labour available for quick harvesting. At this time, women farmers decided to help out their group member and in just 45 minutes, harvested the whole field! Their unity saved a fellow farmer from a big loss!
Residue-Free Bhindi Beats Even Gulab Jamun!
A farmer group growing bhindi (okra) in Parner taluka cultivated the vegetable without the use of any chemicals. They got their produce tested and it was certified residue-free! Watch just how much their customers loved it, and how much they earned!
Stories of Change
Chikhaldara Farmer Achieves Record Soyabean Yield!
In the remote region of Chikhaldara, farmer Chandar bhau achieved over 12.5 quintals of soyabean per acre – a taluka-level record! He achieved three times the average yield by following scientific best practices. Watch his inspiring story.
Women Farmers Harvest Entire Soyabean Field in 45 Minutes!
In Khatav taluka, rains were posing a threat to an entire soyabean field. There was no labour available for quick harvesting. At this time, women farmers decided to help out their group member and in just 45 minutes, harvested the whole field! Their unity saved a fellow farmer from a big loss!
Residue-Free Bhindi Beats Even Gulab Jamun!
A farmer group growing bhindi (okra) in Parner taluka cultivated the vegetable without the use of any chemicals. They got their produce tested and it was certified residue-free! Watch just how much their customers loved it, and how much they earned!