Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods
The Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods (C-SAL) empowers farmers and rural communities through climate-smart, regenerative agriculture and diversified livelihoods. By blending traditional knowledge with modern science, the Centre strengthens food security, market access, and long-term economic resilience.
Climate-Smart and Regenerative Agriculture
Promoting soil health, organic inputs, mixed cropping, and water-efficient practices that enhance productivity while restoring ecosystems.
Livelihood Diversification
Supporting alternative income-generating activities such as beekeeping, food processing, eco-tourism, and crafts to reduce dependency on climate-sensitive agriculture.
Market Linkages and Value Chains
Building capacity for aggregation, branding, and digital market access to ensure fair pricing and sustainable rural entrepreneurship.
Women and Youth Empowerment
Integrating gender-responsive and youth-led approaches to rural innovation and enterprise development.
Knowledge Exchange and Policy Advocacy
Facilitating participatory learning, farmer field schools, and policy dialogues to scale climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Climate-Smart and Regenerative Agriculture
Promoting soil health, organic inputs, mixed cropping, and water-efficient practices that enhance productivity while restoring ecosystems.
Livelihood Diversification
Supporting alternative income-generating activities such as beekeeping, food processing, eco-tourism, and crafts to reduce dependency on climate-sensitive agriculture.
Market Linkages and Value Chains
Building capacity for aggregation, branding, and digital market access to ensure fair pricing and sustainable rural entrepreneurship.
Women and Youth Empowerment
Integrating gender-responsive and youth-led approaches to rural innovation and enterprise development.
Knowledge Exchange and Policy Advocacy
Facilitating participatory learning, farmer field schools, and policy dialogues to scale climate-resilient agricultural practices.
About the Program
The Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods (C-SAL) works to empower farmers, rural communities, and local institutions through innovative, climate-smart agricultural practices and diversified livelihood solutions. The Centre promotes regenerative, low-input farming systems, strengthens local value chains, and supports inclusive market access that enhances both food security and economic resilience.
Recognizing that agriculture is not only the backbone of rural India but also a key driver of climate action, the Centre bridges traditional knowledge with modern science to nurture sustainable and profitable farming ecosystems.
Significance of the Program
Agriculture in India faces multiple stressors: unpredictable rainfall, groundwater depletion, declining soil fertility, and rising input costs. Smallholder farmers, who form the majority of Bihar’s agricultural community, are particularly vulnerable to climate variability and market volatility.
The Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihoods (C-SAL) addresses these challenges by fostering climate-smart and regenerative agriculture, improving livelihood diversification, and strengthening market linkages. Its work aligns with national and state priorities under programs such as the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), and Bihar Agriculture Roadmap, ensuring that sustainability translates into tangible benefits for farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
Ongoing Projects & Activities
Farmer Training in Regenerative and Water-Efficient Systems
Conducting field demonstrations and capacity-building programs to promote sustainable cropping patterns, soil rejuvenation, and water conservation.
Alternative Livelihood Development
Facilitating community-based enterprises in agro-processing, renewable energy, and rural crafts, providing new opportunities beyond traditional farming.
Market and Value Chain Integration
Connecting smallholders and local producers to regional and digital marketplaces, enabling fair trade, traceability, and visibility for local products.
Community-Based Resource Management
Supporting farmer groups and cooperatives in participatory water, soil, and biodiversity conservation.
Future Roadmap
Agro-Innovation Hub
Establishing a Centre of Excellence on Regenerative Agriculture and Rural Enterprise in Bihar.
Smart Villages
Launching Climate-Smart Village Clusters to showcase integrated models of food, energy, and livelihood security.
Agri-Tech Linkages
Partnering with agri-tech start-ups and cooperatives for digital inclusion and precision agriculture.
Policy Integration
Promoting policy engagement to integrate sustainable agriculture into district and state level development planning.
Work with Us
Join Sustainable Bharat Foundation and take action for a greener planet. Participate in tree plantations, clean-up drives, and awareness programs. Together, we can protect nature, inspire change, and build a sustainable, resilient Bharat.
