“I have been farming for many years now. However, I am unable to produce a good crop because my agricultural land is severely damaged from the overuse of chemical fertilizer,” says Hemalini Mohant, a member of the women-led Maa Andhamani Self Help Group (SHG) in Shamakhunta village, Baripada, Odisha. Hemalini is one of the many farmers facing similar challenges in the Similipal landscape, in the state of Odisha, where agriculture is an important source of livelihood. However, use of chemical fertilizers has left their fields less productive, soil depleted, and ecosystems affected. Recognizing the urgent need for a sustainable solution, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)’s Global Environment Facility (GEF) supported Green-Ag project, (in association with the Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Odisha) introduced an initiative to rejuvenate agricultural lands through nature-based composting in the landscape. The vermicompost technique is a blend of traditional or indigenous knowledge infused with scientific ways of producing and applying vermicompost. It reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers and is a cost-effective way to convert biodegradable waste into nutrient-rich manure using minimal resources. “In January 2024, the Green-Ag team reached out for a meeting where they explained the benefits of vermicomposting. The team presented a comprehensive plan that included hands-on support, such as training farmers with agricultural land in composting techniques and maintenance. I was both curious and happy to learn about ways that can help improve the soil health of my land”, shares Hemalini. Hemalini, along with her 20 SHG members, and more than 300 farmers in the landscape received trainings on vermicomposting. The training sessions covered key topics such as vermicomposting methods, necessary materials, and proper application techniques. Over 330 vermicompost units were established in the backyards of beneficiary households, covering 150 acres across the Green-Ag project villages, i.e., Thakurmunda, Kaptipada, Shamakhunta, and Godipokhari. These units enabled farmers to produce organic fertilizers, improving soil fertility and reducing dependence on synthetic inputs. Godipokhari emerged as the leading village for worm production and supply, serving as a model for others. Eager to seize an opportunity that delivers both environmental benefits and economic advantages, they enthusiastically embraced this climate-resilient practice, contributing to sustainable farming and greater resilience to climate change. The Maa Andhamani SHG became a standout success, producing 500 kilograms of vermicompost over 10 months and nearly doubling their income. This women-led group sold 300 kilograms at district-level fairs and to neighbouring farmers, while utilizing the compost on their own fields to enhance soil fertility. They also sold vermi worms to state government schemes such as Rainfed Area Development under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture. The SHG’s efforts strengthened links to local markets, enabling farmers to sell vermicompost at competitive rates, fostering financial independence and empowerment, particularly to the local women in the landscape. The initiative advances the Green-Ag’s pillar of climate change mitigation and supports FAO’s priorities of fostering a better environment and better production. The success of the initiative, piloted by 300 farmers, highlights its immense potential and scalability, offering a replicable model for other regions within the state. This approach can balance agricultural productivity with ecological sustainability on a much larger scale. By ensuring a steady supply of organic inputs for sustainable agriculture, it aligns environmental restoration with economic growth. As farmers like those in the Maa Andhamani SHG continue to lead the way, the future of Similipal’s agricultural landscape—and potentially the entire state—looks brighter, greener, and more resilient. Hemalini sums it up best: “I will continue vermicomposting because it restores my farm and replenishes the soil. With vermicompost, our fields are thriving, and so are we.” About the Green-Ag Project: Green-Ag: Transforming Indian Agriculture for Global Environmental Benefits and the Conservation of Critical Biodiversity and Forest Landscapes. The Green-Ag Project aims to transform Indian agriculture sustainably, balancing food security and farmers's income. It integrates biodiversity conservation, climate change, and sustainable land management into agricultural practices, supporting both environmental and rural livelihood goals. The project fosters alignment between government policies and investments in conservation and agriculture for long-term, mutually compatible outcomes.