A not-for-profit initiative for sustainable development through climate-resilient food systems and nature-based solutions for marginalized communities across Odisha.
NIRMAN is a leading grassroots organization in Odisha, India, trusted for its low-profile and committed civil society services since 1997. We work for livelihood improvement of indigenous people, smallholder farmers, and traditional fishers through conservation of biodiversity, ecological agriculture, and sustainable management of natural resources.
With a firm belief in the ability of local communities to preserve biodiversity and manage natural resources sustainably, NIRMAN strives for sovereignty over seeds, soil, land, indigenous knowledge systems, and natural resources.
Our Vision →A just, resilient and inclusive society enabling ecological and social wellbeing of marginalized and local communities.
Inclusive and sustainable development through landscape restoration, climate-resilient food systems, knowledge co-creation with special focus on women and children.
Enhance livelihood, food and nutritional security of Adivasi, smallholder farmers, and fisher communities through integrated farming, ecosystem restoration, and natural resource governance.
The idea of forming NIRMAN was conceived at Biruda, an interior village of Nayagarh district. This area encountered several issues of natural resource management including degradation of ecological agriculture and the struggle of community forestry groups for legal recognition.
Founder and present ED Prasant Mohanty, a native of Biruda from a farmer's family, witnessed the immense struggle farming families had to undergo — crop failure, pest attacks, low productivity, and recurring debts. Small landholdings, replacement of diverse food base by mono crops, and indiscriminate pesticide use compounded the crisis.
Nayagarh, a stronghold of self-initiated community forestry (CFM) in India, also saw CFM groups struggling for legal recognition. Prasant's endeavours resonated with like-minded individuals, and NIRMAN was established in 1997.
Established by Prasant Mohanty to address agricultural and forest governance challenges
Introduced SRI, SSI, SMI, and organic farming across tribal communities
Initiatives gained momentum supporting forest dwelling communities
Scaled to 14 districts, 45 blocks, impacting over 1 lakh households
Leading voice for climate-resilient food systems and nature-based solutions
Holistic interventions spanning agriculture, natural resource governance, and community empowerment.
Community-driven solutions addressing interconnected challenges of livelihood, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Ecological and millet-based bio-diverse farming
Strengthening community-ecosystem relationships
Building grassroots organizations for governance
Focus on women, children, and Adivasi communities
Democratizing governance for sustainable management
Join the movement for sustainable development in Odisha and beyond.
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