Farmer Clubs
AVISHKAR promoted 20 Farmers’ Clubs in villages of Tumkur district, of Karnataka state. These are grass root level informal farmers forums organized with the support of NABARD for mutual benefit of the institutions and the farmers involved. Uniting farmers brings in group thinking, group efforts and group resources. The advantages of farmers’ club identified are:
- Faster & more appropriate solutions for field problems when discussed in group by FC members
- Heterogeneous groups lead to diverse ideas and innovations, which would be combined and effective solutions are brought in
- Peer pressure brings stakeholders together at the local, block, and district and state levels. Effectiveness and efficiency of tasks are ensured.
- Unity of farmers helps them focus on village welfare and sustaining their livelihoods
- Better technology is applied with farmers coming together
- Group trading and marketing brings in advantages of bargaining power
- Enhance bargaining power in bulk purchase of inputs
| Sl. No. | Description | Cumulative Achievement |  |
| 1. | No of Farmer clubs formed | 20 | |
| 2. | Membership | 362 | |
| 3. | No of acres land covered | 1836 | |
| 4. | Farmers supported for soil testing services | 210 | |
| 5. | Farmers trained on Sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry | 386 | |
| 6 | No of farmers covered exposure visit | 83 | |
| 7. | Farmers linked to Agriculture and Horticulture department | 74 | |
| 8. | Farmers linked to Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Hirehalli | 118 | |
| 9. | Farmers linked to Banks (KCC cards) | 53 | |
| 10. | Farmers provided support under organic farming | 62 |