The last 40 years since the "green revolution" in India have seen an overuse of chemical fertilizers in agricultural land, resulting in severe soil degradation, besides socio-environmental impacts like land erosion, pollution and health hazards. Although productivity increased over the short term, the yield gradually dropped, entailing greater fertilizer consumption. This further damaged the eco-systems that rejuvenate soil fertility (e.g. earthworms that help the soil breathe), leading to a vicious cycle. Surul Centre's organic farming project focused on the tribal region (13 villages in Birbhum District, West Bengal) where soil degradation and inadequate water-supply had resulted in high unemployment and broken livelihoods. Small and marginal farmers were encouraged to use organic farming techniques such as the usage of bio-manure and bio-fertilizer for soil enrichment through awareness and knowledge-building workshops. Technical help from the Agriculture College at Viswabharti University and demonstration sites to produce and sell bio-fertilizers also helped train the farmers. Women were also educated about and involved in these efforts to create alternate means of livelihood. A considerable change in the perception of farmers has been seen over past 2 years. Vermicompost units operated by women Self-Help Groups are currently producing bio-fertilizers and small experimental lands are successfully being used for organic cultivation of vegetables for everyday use.