*Building Resilient Farms: SEVAI's Integrated Agro-Livelihood program with DESWOS.

Korai grass mats production unit

SEVAI is implementing a two-year, demand-driven livelihood program under the DESWOS-SEVAI project to strengthen income security for 900 smallholder farmers, with a strong focus on women. The initiative builds capacity in ten practical, market-linked agro-enterprises that integrate seamlessly with existing farming systems and require low capital outlay: Korai grass mat weaving for value addition of native wetland fiber; intensive kitchen gardening for year-round nutrition and surplus sales; tree sapling nursery raising to meet local agroforestry demand; vermicompost production for bio-conversion of organic residues; Azolla cultivation as a protein-rich fodder supplement; improved fodder varieties for livestock feed security; scientific poultry management for efficient layer and broiler production; biofloc fish farming for water-efficient aquaculture in limited space; garment production for home-based micro-enterprise; and oyster mushroom cultivation on paddy straw with post-harvest value addition. Training is delivered in hands-on batches of around 30 participants at SEVAI’s Kalanjium Centre in Amoor and at K.N. Palalayam, Pettavaithalai, where trainees master the full production cycle, input sourcing, quality control, and basic market linkages. As of May 2026, 739 women and men farmers have completed the program and many have established their own units with bank credit, integrating these enterprises into crop cultivation, cattle rearing, and vegetable production. The impact includes improved household nutrition, additional cash flow, better school retention for children, and stronger collective action through joint liability groups. Running in parallel, SEVAI’s Agroforestry component supports tree integration with crops and livestock to enhance soil health and farm resilience. With the project running through December 2026, SEVAI provides continued handholding to connect trainees to inputs, markets, and peer networks—converting underutilized farm resources into sustained livelihoods and measurable gains in rural well-being.🥉Govin 🥉