Shake the Hand that Feeds You

If you are concerned about the state of our farmers, it is now possible to Donate Your Sweat. India once was a glorious agricultural nation that took pride in its farmers. However, with widespread development, our farmers got left behind. Now by volunteering for farmers, you can help change the current situation, and make farming as glorious it was once before.

Yes, monetary donations are effective, but our farmers also need help with their work.  Not everyone can afford to donate money, but what they can donate is their time. Today, there are many NGOs that area reaching out to farmers. They are the perfect places to volunteer and offer your services. There are many areas where you can help our farmers and bring about a change.

How can you help?

Knowledge

You can teach farmers about latest technologies, and help them improve their farming techniques. You don’t need to be an expert. All you need to do is teach them how to use the internet on their computers or their smartphones. This way, they can gain knowledge regarding farming techniques, cost reduction, productivity improvement, and incorporate new technology.

You can also help them with basic education. Many farmers are still illiterate, and don’t know how to read and write. Volunteers can help by donating their time and teaching them. This way, they won’t get cheated by people wanting to take advantage of their illiteracy.

Counseling

This is the best volunteer idea. As we know, farmer suicides are on the rise. There have been stories of farmers committing suicide for paltry sums of money. The Government is mulling loan waivers, and there many NGOs that are helping farmers financially. So, you as a volunteer can provide them mental support. You can make them aware of how they can avail loan waivers and monetary benefits. But most importantly, you can encourage them to continue living their lives, and not think of suicides. Their lives are important to their families and to this nation.

Education for their Children

Most farmers’ children help out in farm work from a young age, and miss out on education and their childhood. You can help them get educated by either teaching them or by encouraging their parents to send them to school. These children can get educated, and help their families out in numerous ways.

Labour

Another great way to help is to donate your sweat. Farmers need help in their farms. You can volunteer to help them in any way possible. You can work at their farm for a day by helping them with planting and harvesting crops, tend to their animals, help deliver produce to markets, etc. There are innumerable ways you can help. This helps eliminates labour costs, and provides them much needed support. But most importantly, it shows them that we care and are standing firmly behind them.

Showing Appreciation

Every person, in some way or the other, is connected to a farmer – may be through family or friends. Use this connection to reach to them and tell them that you appreciate their hard work. Without their help, we wouldn’t have amazing food on our plate. This will help boost their morale.

Spreading Awareness

Most people of the nation are still not aware of the hardships our farmers face. You can talk to them about the farmers’ problems. You can also get them volunteering for farmers. The power of unity cannot be underestimated. People together can make a real change. They can be more effective than governments. Therefore, creating awareness too is important and one of the best volunteer ideas.

So, if the current state of affairs regarding farmers bothers you, don’t wait for the government to make a change, you donate your sweat and efforts and make that change.

There are many places to volunteer. Reach out to them, and volunteer your services. Also get your friends and family involved. Together, we can make a real difference.