Farmer suicides claimed the lives of at least 17,368 Indian farmers in 2009, according to data of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
Since 1997 it is estimated that between 125,000-200,000 farmers have taken their own life. While the numbers are debatable the cause is not. Genetically Modified seeds, costly pesticides and high water requirements have placed all farmers just one failed crop away from economic ruin.
The Hummingbird Project is working with Dr. Vandana Shiva at her “Seed University”, Bija Vidyapeeth, in Dehradun, India to bring the techniques of the Soil Foodweb to the already existing organic farmer training program. With Dr. Elaine Ingham as our mentor, The Hummingbird Project will establish the first Soil Biology laboratory in India.
Dr. Shiva leads a nationwide organization devoted to reducing dependency on GMO seeds, training farmers in organic methods and re-establishing sustainable agriculture throughout India. We are honored to be able to work with Dr. Shiva by establishing a Soil Biology lab at her main educational campus, Bija Vidjapeeth.
