Dumka, January 9, 2024: As part of the Move the Earth Initiative, the Jharkhand leg of the Cycle Yatra by SwitchON Foundation which commenced on January 4, 2024, from Olihatu culminated in Dumaka today. SwitchON Foundation, in association with F D Foundation and Socratus undertook a line of activities in Dumka to enhance resilience towards the ongoing climate crisis through the promotion of future-friendly skills, technologies, and sustainable practices. Around 100 people participated in this cycle ride with a mass rally that commenced from Tower Chowk and ended at Convention Hall, Dumka to create environmental awareness and inspire Climate Action.  SwitchON Foundation organised a Farmers Citizens’ Jury to tackle Climate Change and map solutions for a Sustainable Future, in association with Socratus. 

Akash Bhardwaj DSP Dumka flagged off the cycle ride.This unique event was held at Convention Hall, Dumka today in the presence of eminent dignitaries like Mr. Sourav Kumar, IAS – Provisional Dy. Collector, Mr. Goutam Kumar, IAS-Provisional Dy. Collector and experts from Govt department and NGOs like Dr. Kiran Singh, Scientist KVK, Dr. Jayant Kumar Lal, Scientist KVK, Mr. Kamal Kumar Kujjur, District Agriculture Officer, Mr. Sanjay Kumar Sabud, WASSAN. Around 300 agriculture enthusiasts joined the Farmer’s Citizens’ Jury which witnessed an active participation of a group of farmers, FPOs, women SHGs, and agriculture students.

Vinay Jaju, Managing Director, SwitchON Foundation said, “The Citizens’ Jury proved to be a remarkable platform for farmers in Jharkhand to unite and drive change in their local community with regards to climate action. We are immensely pleased with the active involvement and contribution from the farmers and other stakeholders, and we are confident that their decision will influence our initiatives concerning the environment. Furthermore, we intend to relay the Citizens’ Jury’s collective suggestions to policymakers and encourage them to adopt and implement the recommendations.”

The Farmer’s Citizens’ Jury called ‘Kisan Jury ka Nirnaya’ was organized to enable people to play an active role in shaping their communities by utilizing the principles of democratic decision-making. Over the course of the event, distinguished speakers and experts shared their perspectives, ideas and recommendations in various sessions. The topics discussed were Prospect of Climate Smart Agriculture practices like organic, natural farming and millets and Potential of DRE Technology in livelihoods to increase farmers income in Jharkhand. The jury had the opportunity to hear from a diverse range of expert witnesses, community leaders and stakeholders, and engaged in thoughtful deliberations to arrive at a set of inclusive and effective recommendations for tackling climate change. Throughout this process, emphasis was placed on ensuring that the collective voice and vision of communities that are already dealing with the impacts of climate change were heard and considered in policy-making.

The outcome of the Citizens’ Jury will be made available to the public through a report, which will be released in the coming weeks. The report will provide a detailed summary of the jury’s findings and recommendations, and will be accessible to local government officials, policymakers and members of the community.

Speaking on the occasion,Mr. Sourav Kumar, IAS – Provisional Dy. Collector commented, “It is inspiring to see SwitchON Foundation take proactive steps towards sustainability and pressing environmental challenges that we face today like climate change, deforestation and much more. Your commitment towards reducing the environment footprint sets a positive example for others to follow. I applaud the efforts of SwitchON Foundation to implement planet friendly practices, whether it’s through promoting climate smart agriculture or advocating environment friendly policies. I wish them all the very best in this continual endeavour.”

Other events in Raikienari, Dumka included focussed group discussion with women SHGs regarding water data collection. The primary idea behind the discussion was to involve and engage local communities especially the women of the village and develop an effective participatory groundwater monitoring to address water scarcity and promote sustainable water management. Nearly 50 women attended the discussion on groundwater management. A focussed group discussion with the millet growing farmers was also conducted. The discussion aimed to explore their experiences, challenges, and innovations in millet cultivation. The farmers shared their farming practices, climate impact, market access, and potential solutions for sustainable millet farming.

Commenting on the ground-breaking effort, Mr. Goutam Kumar, IAS-Provisional Dy. Collector said, “We have neglected the truth that a good farmer is a craftsman of the highest order,a kind of artist. Citizen’s jury brings unique perspectives and experiences to the table that can help inform decisions that impact the agricultural sector.”

Devjit Mittra, Director, Programs and Partnerships at Socratus Foundation for Collective Wisdom commented, “Citizen Jury represents participative democracy and they will continue to create similar platforms to empower citizens. SwitchOn’s Move for Earth initiative is an ideal initiative to highlight climate issues and wish to extend all our support in this journey.” 

The cycle yatra, which started from Olihatu, Khunti covered around 500 kms in Jharkhand passing through Ranchi, Ormanjhi, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Phusro, Dhanbad, Giridih, Madhupur, Deogarh, Jarmundi culminated in Dumka today. Under the initiative, efforts were made to highlight the various solutions that could be taken up towards equipping communities with key tools, resources, new age skills and creating a networked ecosystem for them to be the ambassadors of change. 

The main motto of the ‘Move for Earth’ movement is to celebrate and inspire Climate Action with a purpose to build a smarter and brighter future for ourselves, our children, our farmers and life on earth. The whole movement would cover cycling over 4,000 km across different states in East India engaging Farmers, Youth, Government, Financiers, Technologists and Civil Society Organizations through its journey, and offer solutions to community-specific issues related to water, soil, energy and clean air, that are directly impacting the livelihood and health of citizens.

About SwitchON Foundation:  

SwitchON Foundation, established in 2008, is a leading non-profit organisation focusing on Environment Sustainability and Equal Opportunities. Operating in 10 Indian states. It leads initiatives in Clean Energy Access, Sustainable Agriculture, Skilling, Clean Air and Sustainable Cities. Key strengths encompass innovative project implementation, capacity building, field support, awareness and advocacy.

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