3.5 Million Farmers Reached: Natural Farming's Powerful Rise, National Recognition Earned
AOL-SSIAST wins national awards for empowering 3.5 million farmers through sustainable Natural Farming practices across 24 Indian states.
In a massive victory for sustainable agriculture, the Art of Living - Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences & Technology Trust (AOL-SSIAST) has been honored with prestigious national accolades. The organization received the AIASA National Award 2026 and the Institution of Excellence Award 2025, recognizing its monumental efforts in promoting Natural Farming and empowering farmers across the country.
The awards were presented during the 5th International Conference on Organic and Natural Rice Production Systems (ORP-5) on September 21, 2026. The honors were conferred by Dr. Satyapal Singh, former Union Minister of State, in the presence of key agricultural experts including Prof. (Dr.) Sahadeva Singh and Prof. Y.V. Singh.
Scaling Natural Farming Across 24 States
Since its inception in 2009 under the guidance of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, AOL-SSIAST has bridged the gap between traditional wisdom and modern agricultural challenges. The scale of their impact is staggering:
- Farmer Outreach: More than 3.5 million farmers across 24 states have been trained in Natural Farming.
- Land Transformation: Over 5.5 lakh acres have been transitioned to climate-resilient agricultural practices.
- Specialized Support: The organization has trained over 1.15 lakh farmers specifically in districts prone to farmer suicides.
- Expert Network: A dedicated network of over 2,300 Natural Farming trainers has been established.
Proven Economic Benefits for Farmers
AOL-SSIAST does not just teach theory; it provides practical, field-based solutions that make farming economically viable. By reducing dependence on expensive synthetic inputs, the organization has helped farmers significantly boost their bottom line.
Independent assessments, including data externally assured by KPMG, have highlighted the massive financial shift for farmers adopting these methods. For instance, studies conducted between 2018 and 2020 showed:
Profit and Cost Reduction Case Studies:
- Jalna: 52% increase in profit and 72% reduction in fertilizer costs.
- Kolhapur: 47% increase in profit and 64% reduction in fertilizer costs.
- Latur: 27% increase in profit and 45% reduction in fertilizer costs.
To demonstrate these successes, the organization utilizes model farms, such as the Rewa Model Farm in Madhya Pradesh, which serves as a live demonstration center for farmers to witness Natural Farming in action.
A Holistic Vision for the Ecosystem
The mission of AOL-SSIAST extends far beyond the boundaries of the farm. Recognizing that healthy agriculture is inseparable from a healthy environment, the organization engages in extensive ecological restoration. Their global environmental footprint includes:
- Over 100 million trees planted worldwide.
- 38.7 lakh Lakshmi Taru saplings.
- 2.5 lakh seed balls dispersed for ecological restoration.
Through indigenous seed conservation, afforestation, and ecosystem restoration, AOL-SSIAST is empowering farmers to act as the true custodians of soil, water, and biodiversity.