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THE BAIF JOURNAL THE BAIF JOURNAL Vol. 31 (2) April-June 2010
THE BAIF JOURNALTHE BAIF JOURNALVol. 31 (2) April-June 2010
BAIF DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH FOUNDATION
I n t h i s I s s u eApril-June 2010 Vol. 31 (2)
Edited, Printed & Published by BAIF DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar, Warje, Pune 411 058
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.baif.org.in Designed and Printed by: Varad Printers, Pune
THE BAIF JOURNALA quarterly journal of the
Mr. Arvind N. Mafatlal, Chairman
Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Vice Chairman
Mr. Jagmohan L. Bajaj
Smt. Rajashree A. Birla
Mr. Bhalchandra G. DeshmukhChairman, Executive Committee
Mr. Hrishikesh A. Mafatlal
Mr. Deepak C. Mehta
Dr. Sudha N. Murty
Prof. Indira Parikh
Mr. Pratap G. Pawar
Mr. Hasmukh S. Shah
Dr. Narayan G. Hegde
Mr. Ramesh Rawal
Mr. Girish G. SohaniPresident and Managing Trustee
Founder: Late Dr. Manibhai Desai
BAIF TRUSTEES1 Three-legged Stability
3 Growth of the Wadi Programme
5 Government of Orissa visits Cattle Development Programme in Gujarat
7 Promotion of Non-wood Forest Products for Sustainable Livelihood
9 Ground Water Award for BIRD-Karnataka
10 Foundation Day of BAIF Celebrated
12 BAIF receives Best Water NGO Award
13 Harvest of Hope
15 News you can Use
18 Drinking Water reaches Water Scarcity Villages
20 Grafted Mahua Plantation
Annual Subscription: Inland: Rs. 50/-
Overseas: US $10
MANAGING EDITORMs. Sucharita Dhar
EDITORIAL OFFICEBAIF Bhavan, Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar
Warje, Pune 411 058
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
The farm sector continues to be the mainstay for
two-thirds of the Indian population. The largest
group within the Indian farm sector, in terms of
number, is the small and marginal farmers.
Farming is their traditional occupation and it is a
routine practice for most of them to cultivate
their fields every year during the rainy season.
Based on experience, but with limited technical
knowledge, often, their efforts are not fully
rewarded. A majority of those belonging to this
group are subsistence farmers who grow staple
crops primarily for consumption.
The expectation that access to improved
technology will result in a quantum jump in farm
productivity has not materialised. On the
contrary, smallholders are faced with a host of
challenges that continue to impede their
progress. Key issues associated with this
situation - food insecurity, low farm productivity
and high level of vulnerability - continue to
remain unaddressed. Inclusive development of
the country can only be achieved through the
transformation of the farm sector, on which
depends the livelihood of 65% of our population.
This will require a three-pronged approach to
bring about stabi l ity and sustainable
development of farm holdings, especially those
of small farmers. The legs on which such a
strategy would stand on are stabilisation,
intensification and diversification.
Stabilisation: In the absence of assured
irrigation, it is the crop cultivated during the
monsoon season that most farmers depend
upon. Erratic rainfall, characterised by early or
delayed onset as well as cessation, long dry spells
during the season and high-intensity showers
have been causing instability to crop production
during the monsoon season. Yield fluctuations
due to vagaries of rain can be minimised to some
extent by adopting suitable practices. For
example, growing short-duration varieties can
partly overcome the effects of delayed onset of
monsoon. Similarly, protective irrigation can be
helpful if there is a long dry spell during a critical
stage of crop growth. Strategies of this nature
will help stabilise farm output and
thereby bring in food security.
Intensification: Average yields of crops
are much lower in India compared to
many other developing countries. The
enormous resources committed to
technology development in the country
are not reflected in farm productivity. A
dedicated effort is needed to maximise
the output per unit area of farmland.
This has to be achieved by increasing
the yield of the rainy season crop and
then growing a winter and / or summer
F r o m t h e P r e s i d e n t
1 The BAIF Journal
Three-legged Stability
crop. There is considerable amount of
residual soil moisture after the monsoon
crop is harvested. Farmers generally do
not attempt to grow a second crop
believing it is insufficient to meet the
total crop requirement. Moisture
conservation practices such as minimum
tillage, mulching and choice of efficient
crops / varieties can enable the limited
moisture to last for the entire cropping
season.
Building up the soil fertility is another
requirement for crop intensification.
Organic matter content of most soils is so
low that they are more like sand or clay than soil
and hardly hold any water. There are also
instances of indiscriminate use of fertilisers and
tillage that further deplete soil fertility. Practices
such as recycling of waste biomass by
composting and biological inputs should be used
to continuously build up and protect soil fertility.
Intensification should be coupled with
sustainability to ensure that anticipated benefits
are of a permanent nature.
Diversification: Small farmers usually depend
on very few crops, mainly those required for
their staple diet. If they are to become more
efficient, farmers should shift from their
traditional methods to farming systems
approaches. It has been demonstrated beyond
doubt that under tropical small farm conditions,
systems such as tree-based farming can be highly
productive and sustainable in the long run.
Hence, systems comprising of perennial and
annual crop species should be introduced in
place of single species-single season cropping
pattern.
A common thread running along the strategies of
stabilisation, intensification and diversification is
commercialisation. The surplus produced in
each farm, even if it is small, should reach the
market and bring in the best possible returns to
the producer. Realisation of this goal requires
value addition of farm produce. Important
actions associated with commercialisation of
farm produce are village-level collection, post-
harvest handling and collective marketing.
Through the adoption of the above unified
approach, the farming sector can continue to be
a source of reliable livelihood for farmers apart
from ensuring sustainable use of degraded
natural resources. With stabilisation,
intensification and diversification becoming the
corner stones of the farm sector, a more
balanced and growing rural economy will
emerge. This in turn, will realise the Gandhian
prescription of a decentralised development and
the concept of Providing Urban Amenities in
Rural Areas (PURA) propounded by Dr. Abdul
Kalam.
Our efforts are all directed towards making this
alternate development paradigm a reality.
With best wishes
2 The BAIF Journal
Girish G. Sohani
3 The BAIF Journal
Tribals constitute 8% of the total population in the
country with 1.50 crore families spread over 9400
villages. They are mainly dependent on the forests for
food security through collection of Non-Wood Forest
Products. However, due to depletion of forest
resources, they are forced to migrate to towns and
cities for their survival.
Betul district of Madhya Pradesh has many forest-
fringed tribal villages. The tribal farmers generally
own small farms with poor soil conditions and lack of
assured irrigation facilities. Hence, they are able to
practice farming for 4-5 months during the monsoon
season which yield foodgrains barely sufficient for
their survivial. Realising the plight of the tribals and
the need to bring them into the mainstream of
development, BAIF with the support of its Associate
Organisation, Society for Promotion of Eco-friendly
Sustainable Development (SPESD) initiated a holistic
programme for tribal development in Shahapur,
Ghodadongari and Chicholi blocks of Betul with the
support of the Tribal Development Department,
Government of Madhya Pradesh in the year 2007.
1747 wadi plots have been established in 74 villages.
Training for capacity building and skills development
was organised for 534 farmers while 650 farmers
were taken on field visits to wadi plots of successful
farmers for motivation. 62 self help groups have been
formed for empowerment of women. Health camps
have been organised for improving the health status
of the families.
A nursery of planting materials and saplings has been
established at Dhadgaon in Ghodadongari block to
meet the needs of the wadi project as well as other
projects in the district.
As their traditional occupation is collection of Non-
wood Forest Products (NWFP), they collect lac,
mahua, charoli, bael fruits, aonla berries and a small
quantity of Karaya gum from the forests. The hard
cash generated by the collection of these forest
products and selling them to local traders helps to
sustain the families during the non farming period. To
enhance their income, it is planned to take up
domestication of NWFP by establishing such trees on
the neglected areas of tribal farmlands.
Presently, tribal farmers are growing maize, wheat,
gram, soybean and til with poor management
practice s leading to low productivity. It is planned to
provide training to the farmers on new farming
technique and introduce new cash crops such as
turmeric and ginger for better profitability.
M.S. Chauhan and A. Bhor, Betul
Growth of the Wadi Programme Betul
G o v e r n m e n t
programmes have brought
prosperity in the life of many.
Enhancement in income has made many
farmers happy. The best example of this
can be seen in one of the tribal villages namely
Shrirampur in Nandurbar district. Through
government funds and guidance by BAIF-MITTRA, an
NGO, 60 farmers successfully cultivated orchards.
Three years back, they cultivated horti-plants such as
cashew, mango and Amla. Farmers will receive yields
from these trees shortly. Farmers did not stop at
orchard cultivation but also went for cultivation of
vegetables such as chili, tomato, cabbage and brinjal.
Out of 60 farmers, 30 have successfully cultivated
roses. Plantation of vegetables such as beans on farm
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4 The BAIF Journal
bunds has yielded thousands of rupees from mere a
2.5 ha plot of land.
Many farmers have received the benefit of water
lifting pump for irrigation through the support of
Government funds. Farmers took up the task of
levelling the land under the guidance of Shri Gulabrao
Patil and Shri Choudhary of BAIF-MITTRA. Jalkunds
are constructed in the lands of farmers and pipes and
drums are also provided by BAIF-MITTRA. Farmers
received support worth Rs.1000 for fencing of their
farms. BAIF-MITTRA helps farmers for three years for
maintenance and aftercare of the plants who
undertake orchard cultivation.
Shri Raju Gangurde was dependent on rains as his
farm did not have irrigation. His yield was meagre. He
has cultivated orchard on 2.5 ha land with the help of
BAIF-MITTRA. He has 50 plants of mango along with
sapota and amla. He has taken tur as an intercrop and
cultivated vegetables on farm bunds. He was able to
receive support for well construction and pump from
the Agriculture Department.
Farmers in the villages have formed a group and
collective marketing is done by using a vehicle.
Expected income from floriculture will be Rs.30,000
to 40,000. Anticipated income from sorghum and
maize will Rs.25,000 approximately and a farmer will
received Rs.one lakh annually from vegetable
cultivation.
Courtesy: www.mahanews.gov.in
Sani Mundari of Jabaghat,
owns two acres of land that
was cultivated by his family of six
members. The land was producing only
one crop per annum with meagre yield. In
August 2005, when a team of agricultural experts
from Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) under its Parswanchal
Vikas Project in collaboration with its implementing
partner BAIF Development Research Foundation,
Pune, started enrolling villagers under the wadi
intervention, Mundari came forward. Based on the
size of his plot, saplings of mango, lemon, cashewnut
and litchi, were provided to him free of cost. The
excited Mundari completed the pit digging activity
within a week.
Today, Mundari owns 59 horticulture plants in the
land and 180 forestry plants. Under improved
agriculture intervention, best quality seeds of various
vegetables were made available to him for getting
better yield and related inputs were provided through
capacity development training. He is earning an
additional Rs.3000-4000 per annum through these
inter-crops. Apart from increase in his agricultural
income through better yield, Mundari has also taken
up vermicomposting and goat rearing through
various schemes of RSP. The family today expects an
income of Rs.10,000-15,000 per year through their
fruit crops and earn upto Rs.5-6 lakhs through
forestry plants like teak.
He is now keen to train and educate fellow villagers in
income generation activities. His wife Sumi is an
active member of the Self Help Group formed under
the project.
Courtesy: Caring, sharing and spreading smiles,
Rourkela Steel Plant's CSR Initiatives
oRurkela
5 The BAIF Journal
Government of Orissa visitsCattle Development Programme in Gujarat
Dr. Damodar Rout, Minister for Agriculture
Cooperation, Fisheries and ARD, Mr. Bariha,
Minister, SC & ST Development, Mr. Mohan Kumar,
Principal Secretary and other officials of the
Departmetn of Animal Husbandry Government of
Orissa, visited the Cattle Development Centre at
Gangpur in Vansda taluka, Navsari district on April 19,
2010. They also visited a calf rally at Gangpur, the
Chikhli Dairy Cooperative Society at Dholumber to
view the heifer rearing and fertility improvement
programme of the Dr. Manibhai Desai Technology
Transfer Centre, Dairy Cooperative Society and
Bulk Milk Cooler programme, disease surveillance
and diagnostic laboratory. The team of senior
officials also interacted with women members of the
dairy cooperative and the Chairman and Managing
Director and other senor officers of the Vasudhara
Dairy. The mission was accompanied by Dr. S.M.
Desai, Chief Programme Coordinator, GRISERV,
Dr. P.K. Pradhan, Principal Programme Director,
GRISERV, Mr. V.C. Badve, Chief Programme
Coordinator, Dhruva, Dr. R.K. Mahuli, Advisor,
BAIF and other officials of GRISERV.
Visit to dairy cooperative at Chikhli
Visit to calf rally at Gangpur
6 The BAIF Journal
Interaction with women at dairy cooperative
Visit to disease investigation lab
“The activities of BAIF here in livestock rearing and dairy development
is impressive. They render excellent services for enhanced milk
production through scientific cattle breeding program. They have
succeeded in inducing the local inhabitants originally refusing to take up
dairy as a source of income. Now they give priority for milch cows. The
cross breeding has given excellent results .”- Dr. Damodar Rout Hon'ble Minister for Agriculture Cooperation,
Fisheries and ARD, Government of Orissa
Income generation from Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFP) is not new. Apart from the produce generated from farms, forest resources especially NWFP such as gum, wax, medicinal herbs, fruits, nuts, edible and non-edible oil seeds have been an additional source of livelihood for tribals and villagers living in adjoining forest areas. A majority of the tribal families have been forest dwellers, collecting a variety of forest produce for their livelihood in the past. However, with the increasing rate of deforestation resulting in degraded forest resources, these communities who were traditionally dependent on diverse forest resources for their livelihood, are now suffering due to diminishing income and employment opportunities.
Realising the need to preserve nurture and cultivate multipurpose tree species which can produce a wide range of non-wood commodities of economic value and utility while conserving forest resources and protecting the environment, BAIF has promoted an innovative programme of popularising these species under the agri-horti-
forestry programme popularly known as wadi on degraded lands.
This programme has potential to ensure food security and enrich the eco-system in rural India. While promoting the wadi programme, BAIF has also been encouraging rural and tribal families to tap additional sources of income making optimum use of their traditional knowledge and existing resources. For helping the participant families to improve their livelihood base, BAIF has established the Resource Centre for Tribal Development under the Centre of Excellence supported by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs as a thematic centre to consolidate initiatives in natural resource management. Realising the importance of NWFP for tribal families for their livelihood and food security, this centre is promoting pilot initiatives in transfer of technologies which are innovative and provide scope for skills development.
Such successful initiatives and discoveries documented from various operational areas of the
Promotion of Non-wood Forest Products for Sustainable Livelihood
7 The BAIF Journal
BAIF has taken up the promotion of non-wood
forest produce in its operational areas by small
and marginal farmers with encouraging
success. With a view to capture the essence of
the case studies documented in the publication
“Unfolding the Potential of Diversified Rural
Livelihood- Successful Initiatives” brought
out recently, this article provides a brief
narration of these initiatives.
8 The BAIF Journal
tribal development programme have led to a publication “Unfolding the potential of diversified rural livelihood: successful initiatives”, with the ultimate aim of developing best practices to improve productivity of these enterprises, popularise their cultivation and share these experiences with various communities across the country for a brighter and sustainable future.
The success stories demonstrate simple eco-friendly technologies and innovative marketing strategies practised by small and marginal farmers with the active involvement of the entire family in remote areas while cultivating NWFP including under-utilised non-traditional crops. Successful cultivation of jackfruit, jamun and custard apple by a few ambitious farmers have proved them to have excellent potential for establishment on marginal and wastelands while ensuring nutritional security and assured livelihood. These lesser known fruit crops are now posing a challenge to popular fruits in the markets of leading cities and towns where they are being transported by these farmers in durable bamboo baskets for profitable returns. Thus, apart from contributing to the livelihood, these NWFPs serve as nutritious and delicious food for both rural and urban population.
The multiple uses of phoenix palm are being demonstrated by a herbal practitioner who indulges in extracting sap from the tree and selling it thereby widening his livelihood options while the tough leaves made into brooms and sold by the landless in the operational areas of BAIF and also woven into handicrafts highlight the commercial value of this species. Some innovative farmers are also using the leaves as tree guards for protection of young fruit plants while others are making use of the bushes as live fence for vegetable crops. The fruits are eaten when fully ripe. The tree also has ornamental value and is planted in gardens. Palmyra palm, a sturdy multipurpose tree is also being cultivated for tapping the sap popularly known as Neera, for commercial as well as home consumption.
The nutritional value of Bauhinia, an ornamental tree is reflected through the experiences of tribal families who make use of the tender leaves, flowers and pods in their diet. Elephant foot yam is
being cultivated by tribal families due to its simple cultivation practices and aftercare resulting in enrichment of backyard kitchen gardens while progressive non-tribal farmers in Navsari district have taken the lead in practicing mixed farming of perennial crops, thereby fetching handsome returns. Some of the farmers in Dang district of Gujarat are also reviving finger millet cultivation.
Cultivation of lemon grass and other grasses of essential oils have also been adopted by a few tribal farmers of Wardha district to resist attack by predators. As wild animals damaged all food crops, citronella grass was introduced. The strong odour of this grass prevented wild animals from entering the field. Cultivation of karvy for watershed treatment has also been tested with encouraging success. Harvesting of green sticks having commercial value was another source of livelihood for landless families. Potential of Portia tree for financial security of small farmers has also been documented. Revival of gum collection and mahua flowers while protecting forest resources, focus on the sustainable management aspects of these NWFPs which are a major source of income during the lean period.
The successful initiatives made by the students of a residential tribal school to promote lac cultivation in homesteads has scope for wider replication while rearing of lac on Palas trees naturally growing on farms was a new discovery by the tribal farmers. Training of new entrants by successful lac growing farmers, management of lac farm by a group of women and improving lac production in non-conventional locations, have also been successfully carried out under this programme. Farmers in Nanded district of Maharashtra have demonstrated successful use of salai tree as a low cost non-traditional fence for crop protection.
All these experiences have been well captured from various operational areas of BAIF and documented in this book, which will serve as a reading and reference material for field practitioners and extension officers for wider dissemination of the use of valuable non-wood forest species.
Sucharita Dhar
9 The BAIF Journal
The BAIF Institute for Rural Development, Karnataka, an
Associate Organisation of BAIF was awarded the Ground
Water Augmentation Award, for the year 2008 by the Ministry
of Water Resources, Government of India on the occasion of
World Water Day on March 22, 2010 in New Delhi. Shri. P.K.
Bansal, Honorable Minister for Water Resources and
Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, presented the
award to BIRD-K in recognition of the innovative practices
adopted for ground water augmentation through rainwater
harvesting and artificial recharge. The award was received by
Shri. Ramesh Rawal, Executive Vice President, BAIF.
This award is in recognition of the outstanding work of
Sachetana Project wherein BAIF could promote roof top
water harvesting for drinking purpose and combat fluorosis problem in 45 villages. The
uniqueness of this programme was to construct ground water tank to store water and
connect water supply to the tap installed in the kitchen which was not only user friendly but
also hygienic.
Shri. Ramesh Rawal receives the Award from Hon'ble Minister
The BAIF Journal 1110 The BAIF Journal
Foundation Day of Celebrated
Recipients of Dr. Manibhai Desai Gaurav
Puraskar and Smt. Vijaya Deshmukh
Memorial Award
Smt. Vijaya Deshmukh Memorial Award
for Second Best SHG
Best Self Help Group under MITTRA
Dr. Narayan G. Hegde, Trustee, BAIF
welcoming the dignitaries
About the Award by
Shri. Girish G. Sohani, President, BAIF
Shri. B.G. Deshmukh, Chairman,
Executive Committee of BAIF Trustees,
speaks on the occasion
“Women empowerment has resulted in a new awakening”.
Women are demonstrating their efficiency and confidence by
venturing out to operate urban oriented activities apart from
managing their routine activities which focus around preparation
of papad and pickles”, stated Ms. Supriya Sule, Member of
Parliament. Ms. Sule was speaking at the BAIF Foundation Day
celebration and award ceremony at the BAIF Central Research
Station at Urulikanchan near Pune on January 19, 2010. While
appreciating the transformation in the lives of rural women who
are playing an effective role in community development, Ms. Sule
also highlighted the problems of global warming and
environmental pollution and the problems associated with it such
as acute shortage of water. She appealed to development
organisations including BAIF to share and demonstrate efficient
use of water resources to solve the problems of water scarcity and
drinking water and thereby to control the injustice being done on
Mother Earth.
Earlier, Ms. Sule handed over the Dr. Manibhai
Desai Gaurav Puraskar (Rs. 10,000/-) and
Smt. Vijaya Deshmukh Memorial Award
(Rs. 20,000/-) to Maruthi Mahila SwaSahaya
Sangh from K. Hosur village in Arasikere taluka
of Hassan district of Karnataka, which was
adjudged as the Best Self Help Group for the
year 2009.
Smt. Rajashree A. Birla, Trustee, BAIF while
handing over the Smt. Vijaya Deshmukh
Memorial Award 2009 for the Second Best Self
Help Group (Rs. 10,000/-) to Jalaram Mahila
Mandal from Ladkuva village in Surat district of Gujarat,
expressed her satisifaction with the self reliance demonstrated by
these women inspite of hardships in their lives.
Ms. Sule, also presented the Best Self Help Group under MITTRA
Programme (Rs. 10,000/-) Award to Durgamata Self Help Group
from Anji village in Nanded district of Maharashtra.
Dr. Narayan G. Hegde, Trustee, BAIF while welcoming the
dignitaries, traced the genesis of BAIF which was established on
August 24, 1967 by Dr. Manibhai Desai, with the support of Shri.
Yashwantrao Chavan, Shri. Vasantrao Naik, Shri. Annasaheb
Shinde and inaugurated by the-then President of India, Late Dr.
Zakir Hussain. Today, the programmes of BAIF are benefiting ovr
30 lakh families spread over 55,000 villages in 12 states, he added
and concluded by stating that BAIF hoped to cover one lakh
families across the country in the next 10 years.
Shri. Girish G. Sohani, President, BAIF highlighted the dream of
Manibhai Desai in establishing BAIF to tackle the problems of rural
poverty. Today, livestock development through promotion of
dairy husbandry, watershed development, dryland horticulture
through promotion of agri-horti-forestry and sustainable
agricultural practices are enhancing the income of the poor
families.
Shri. B.G. Deshmukh, Chairman, Executive Committee of BAIF
Trustees, appreciated the empowerment of women in BAIF's
operational areas who have taken the bold step to step out of their
houses and work for community development.
Shri. Ashokrao Pawar, MLA, Shirur taluka and
Shri. Ramesh Thorat, MLA, Daund taluka, were
also present on the occasion. Shri. Hasmukh S.
Shah, Shri. Deepak C. Mehta and Shri. Hrishikesh
A. Mafatlal, Trustees of BAIF were also present
on the occasion.
A representative from Maruthi Mahila
SwaSahaya Sangh from K. Hosur village in
Arasikere taluka of Hassan district of
Karnataka highlighted the activities taken by
the group for social and community
development.
Earlier, awards were given to meritorious students and for sports-
related achievements. “Marching towards Economic
Empowerment” by Ms. Sunanda Kulkarni and Dr. Shrikant
Khadilkar and BAIF in Sustainable Development by Savita Kulkarni
and published in 'Vishranti' Journal Diwali 2008 were adjudged the
Best Publications; “Effect of Dairy sludge application on yield and
quality parameters of Forage Crops” by Mr. P.S. Takawale, Dr. V.K.
Kauthale, Prof. J.S. Desale and Dr. P.K. Kulkarni was selected as the
Best Scientific Paper.
Dr. A.B. Pande, Vice President, BAIF proposed the vote of thanks.
Ms. Supriya Sule, MP
speaks on Women Empowerment
12 The BAIF Journal
BAIF was conferred the 'Best Water NGO' National Award. The award supported by UNESCO and
Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India, was given to BAIF under three categories, namely,
'Revival of Rural Water Resources,' 'Water Harvesting' and 'Water Education' in recognition of its
efficient use of water resources through innovative water harvesting technologies and for creating
awareness among the Community, Institutions, Schools, Government and Industries.
It was for the first time in the history of Water
Awards that the award under all three
categories was claimed by one organisation
itself. Mr. Ramesh Rawal, Executive Vice
President, BAIF, received the award from
Mr. Armoogum Parsuraman, Director and
UNESCO Representative to Bhutan, India, Sri
Lanka and Maldives and Mr. Ramesh Negi, CEO
New Delhi Jal Board in the presence of the Chief
Guest Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal, Hon'ble
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Water
Resources, Government of India on January 9,
2010 at a formal function held in New Delhi.
The Water Awards were institutionalised by
Water Digest Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi in 2006. The nominations were judged by a panel comprising of
representatives from IIT Delhi, TERI, Wes-net and UNESCO.
The watershed development programme of BAIF is spread over 5968 villages, improving the
livelihood of 0.23 million families. Suitable water harvesting technologies have been adopted based
on local conditions, traditional knowledge and scientific skills. In this process, many innovative
approaches have evolved to ensure equitable distribution, effective use of water and improved
agricultural production. 9900 participants are trained and oriented every year through various
projects for creating awareness a mong rural communities and regions on the issues of water
conservation and recycling. BAIF has also introduced a Diploma course in Watershed Development
and Rainwater Harvesting in Maharashtra in collaboration with Indira Gandhi National Open
University, New Delhi. Several books, articles, papers and audio-visual materials on water
conservation and management have been brought out for effective use as training and extension
material.
BAIF receivesBest Water NGO Award
13 The BAIF Journal
Harvest of Hopeayantibhai Chimanbhai Patel's farm in JKesargam village in Bharuch district of
Gujarat was no different from many others in
the vicinity. He would grow cotton and some
pigeon pea and had a traditional irrigation
system that just about sustained his needs.
He then heard about various activities of the
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), BAIF's
training and demonstration campus in
Bharuch. From KVK, he leant about new
high yielding varieties of crops. He also
learnt about the use of micro nutrients for
cotton and horticultural crops, and the
benefits of balanced fertilisers and water
harvesting. From the year 2001onwards, he
began to make use of micro (drip) irrigation
and horticultural development schemes apart
from schemes of NABARD and the
Agriculture Department. All these
interventions helped him to nurture his crops
in the most cost effective way. Soon, he
started using drip irrigation on his farm,
saving precious water. He constructed a
check dam for water harvesting and on the
advice of scientists, diversified into papaya
cultivation. The measures he took increased
the net income per ha to Rs.1.5 lakh from
Rs.10,000. He also saved 40% expenses on
water and electricity costs and half of his
earlier fertiliser costs. His product showed a
marked improvement in quality and through
the farmers' club organised by NABARD, he
could get access to larger and more lucrative
markets like Delhi and other states which
earlier were beyond his imagination.
Jayantibhai: A successful farmer
S u c c e s s S t o r y
14 The BAIF Journal
Two Gujarat farmers, who employed scientific methods shunning traditional farming practises,
resulting in increased yield and profits, were felicitated by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar
here. Jayantibhai Chimanbhai Patel from Bharuch district and Kharadi Zinabhai Fatabhai from
Banaskhantha district were presented with a citation and memento at a coffee table book (on
farmers) release function yesterday.
The success was achieved with the support of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, NABARD and Department of
Agriculture, Government of Gujarat.
The book titled 'Harvest of Hope' accounts the success stories of 101 farmers, including the Gujarat
duo. Patel's farm in Kesargam village in Bharuch district, 100 kms from here, was no different before
he shifted to papaya cultivation from cotton and pigeon pea, that just about sustained his needs.
Discarding the traditional irrigation system, Patel turned to drip irrigation system, promoted by
Irrigation Horticulture department and adopted schemes of NABARD and Krishi Vigyan Kendra from
2001 onwards, saving precious water.
He constructed a check dam for water harvesting and on the advice of scientists, diversified into
papaya cultivation. The measures he took increased the net income per hectare to a lakh and a half
from Rs 10,000. He also saved 40 percent expenses on his water and electricity costs and half of his
earlier fertiliser costs. His product showed marked improvement in quality and he got access to
larger and more lucrative markets like Delhi and other states. Today, Jayantibhai is looked up to by
farmers in his locality, who come to him for advice and help. His mantra for everyone is 'Shake off
age old ways, Think big, Think smart and see your life flourish.'
Kharadi's tale from being a poor farmer in Vagadadi village in Banaskantha district bordering
Pakistan to being a village panchayat and Farm Science Club member, also inspires many peasants in
the area, who have taken up scientific farming methods to reduce wastage of soil nutrients due to
excessive tillage. Kharadi, a castor farmer increased the net income per hectare by an impressive
five times by conserving soil on his farm with minimum tillage.
Courtesy: Press Trust of India, February 27, 2010
Today, Jayantibhai is looked up to by farmers
in the neigbouring region who come to him
for advice and help. His one simple advice
for everyone is “forget traditional ways.
Thing big, think smart and see your life
flourish”.
J.C. Patel, a farmer from Kesargam village in
Valia taluka of Bharuch district was awarded
'Development of Agriculture' award in
terms of technical guidance and Improved
technology, water harvesting and drip
irrigation, crop diversification and farm
science club support. The award was
conferred on him by Shri Sharad Pawar,
Union Minister for Agriculture, Government
of India on February 26, 2010 in New Delhi.
Jayantibhai was provided airfare to receive
the award.
15 The BAIF Journal
R E G I O N A L C L O S E U P
EWS YOU CAN USN EMr. Karimkhan D Malek, Centre-in-Charge of Kansa in Patan district of Gujarat,
was recently felicitated for his dedicated services to dairy farmers in the region. The event took place on the occasion of the inauguration of the new building of the Dairy Cooperative Society in Volavi village which falls under the operational area of the cattle development centre at Kansa. The centre is sponsored by Mehsana District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union Limited (Dudhsagar Dairy). Mr. Malek has been operating this centre since the last 10 years and has won the love and affection of the villagers due to his hard work and sincerity. More than 18000 AIs have been performed by him so far. During the period April 2009 to March 2010, Mr. Malek carried out 2500 AI. In recognition of his committed service, Mr. Malek was felicitated Dudhsagar Dairy on March 30, 2010 in the presence of Mr. Vipulbhai Chaudhary, Chairman of the Dairy.
UGJARAT Cattle Development Centre-in-charge Felicitated
Mr. Malek being felicitated by Mr. R.A.Modi, GM, Dudhsagar Dairy in the presence of
Chairman, Mr. Vipulbhai Chaudhary
Mr. Sukhender Reddy, Member of
Par l iament and former Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Dairy
Development Cooperative Federation and Mr. Rizwi, Collector, Nalgonda district, attended the calf rally at Chityal on October 30, 2009. The rally was organised on the occasion of the distribution of scholarships and awards to meritorious students belonging to socio-economically poorer sections of the cattle farming community of Nalgonda and Rangareddy districts. 40 calves of different breeds were brought to the rally and nearly 1000 farmers gathered from various parts of the two districts.
ANDHRA PRADESH
Visitors to calf rally
16 The BAIF Journal
An impact study of Mission Sunhera Kal Cattle Development Programme in Andhra Pradsesh was conducted in Prakasam, Guntur and Khammam districts by Dr. C.K. Rao and Dr. T. Padmakar Rao from Inter Cooperation Hyderabad in October 2009.
The following findings emerged from the study:
= The BIRD, AP doorstep breeding service is a unique delivery package with low costs, says Pinnapaka, a dairy farmer.
= Doorstep AI services has brought a facelift to rural livestock scenario with overall betterment of villages in the study area.
= Positive pregnancy over AI ranges 47-69% is much above the customary levels of 40-45% in India.
= Breeding procedure adopted by BAIF is akin to AP Breeding policy.
= CBC staff have excellent commitment to and rapport with farmers.
= Spectacular change has been noticed in getting improved progeny resulting in higher productivity ensuring overall additional income to the farmer.
= Higher returns to investment (nearly 13 times) Rs.12.9 lakh invested in 3 CBCS (4 year old) resulted in Rs.153.56 through milk, male calves and pregnant heifers.
Impact Study on Cattle Developemnt Programme
The Government of Andhra Pradesh Order No: GO Rt.No.:561
dated November 24, 2009, has recognised BIRD, AP as a competent Agency
for providing quality doorstep AI Services.
Project village
* * *
Karimnagar Milk Union had collaborated with BAIF in the year 2000-01 for breeding activities.
This milk union was collecting 12000 litres of milk per day. Due to the impact of the breeding
programme in the region, the procurement has reached one lakh litres per day from November
2009. The Milk Day was celebrated on November 26, 2009 on the occasion of the birth
anniversary of Dr. V.J. Kurien, Founder of National Dairy Development Board, Anand at
Karimnagar. All the organisations shared their experiences and were also felicitated.
A team of Project Directors from all over the state visited the cattle breeding centre at Majidpur
in Rangareddy district on December 19, 2009 to study BAIF's Model AI Services in the district.
* * *
* * *
17 The BAIF Journal
A P
E
UTTR RAD
SH
With the support of Programme for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a special
Health Project entitled “Sure Start”, has been undertaken in Bahraich and Balrampur districts to improve maternal and new-born health (MNH) status through effective community action. These activities included creating awareness among the community about MNH issues, closer interaction of pregnant women with “Ashas” who are the local community health volunteers, arranging home visits of these health workers to interact with pregnant women, emergency transportation, and delivery in healthcare institutions. The project has made a significant impact on maternal and child health while significantly reducing the incidence of child mortality.
Radio France representative Marina, Piya from Hyderus, New Delhi and Kumar, RPM-PATH, visited Hyderpur Naubasta village in Bahraich district on April 5, 2010 and recorded community action in process with the active participation and cooperation of the community.
Radio France Travels to Bahraich
UTTARAKHAND In addition to the cattle breeding centres operating in the state, 25 additional centres were approved in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakashi
and Pithoragarh districts based on a State Government Order released in January 2010.
MAHARASHTRADr. Vandana Shiva, Founder of Navdanya, Dehra dun and 'Bija Vidyapeeth' Awards is involved in the national movement to
protect the diversity and integrity of living resources, especially native seeds through the establishment of community seed banks and promotion of
organic agriculture. Intellectual Property Rights and Biodiversity is another area of concern which has been popularised through the "Neem Campaign" and "Basmati Campaign".
During her visit to BAIF's tribal development programme at Jawhar in Thane district on January 14, 2010, she visited the community seed bank at Chowk village and interacted with the farmers and members of the seed savers' committee. She also visited the floriculture plot at Dengachimeth and held discussions with the members of the floriculture cooperative apart from interacting with the members of the Women's Federation and Amarai Cooperative.
Dr. Shiva highlighted the need to create awareness among farmers and women on economic aspects of agriculture while complimenting the BAIF integrated model of farming which was a model of food security. Mr. G.G. Sohani, President, BAIF focussed on the conservation approach which should be made a part of one's lifestyle blending conservation led by the communiy, revival and sustainable use by means of open ended research.
Biodiversity Conservation
ven today, just 40 km away from Pune, availability of safe clean drinking water E
is a critical problem which affects the quality of life of the community. Due to lack of access to reliable sources of clean drinking water, the villagers especially women have to walk several km under adverse weather conditions to fetch water for drinking, cooking and various other needs. As over 50% of the villages in India suffer from water shortage and about 75% of the potable water sources do not meet the WHO safety standards, conjunctive use of surface water and ground water resources and provision of safe drinking water at closer locations, can reduce the hardships of women to a great extent while saving their energy and time.
rural community through the installation of borewells and hand pumps at their hamlets. The project was launched by BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune and the Rotary Foundation with the support of Rotary Club of Nigdi, Pune and Rotary Club of Longueuil Rive-Sud, Canada, with the active participation of the rural community through the establishment of drinking water user associations in every village to manage the programme efficiently.
Under the Matching Grants programme, with an investment of Rs. 13 lakhs, more than 700 fami l ies f rom 10 v i l lages a round Urulikanchan have been provided with 10 tube wells and hand pumps. These water sources are located on community land in the villages itself for easy access by the villagers especially women. The contribution of the villagers towards the project is by way of land and responsibility to maintain the tube wells in good working condition.
To express their gratitude and as a means of
ownership, the villagers have named these
tube wells as “Any Time Water” or ATW as
water from these sources are available
throughout the day unlike pump sets which
function only when they receive power
supply. Inspite of power cuts upto 16 hours
every day, the villagers are blessed with easy
availability of safe water any time of the day.
Rohini Dilip Kudale, the Secretary of the women's group was overcome by emotion while expressing her satisfaction with the project. She in fact went to the extent of mentioning that it was because of BAIF's women empowerment programme that she became alert about her children's education.
Drinking Water reaches Water Scarcity Villages
18 The BAIF Journal
Considering the plight of the women in the neighbourhood of Urulikanchan village, a S u s t a i n a b l e C l e a n Wa t e r S u p p l y Development Project was undertaken in 10 priority drought-prone villages in Haveli, Daund and Indapur talukas of Pune district. The objective was to provide safe drinking water and improve the health status of the
Rotarians and Dr. Narayan Hegde visit a project village
As a result, both her daughter and son are studying in the tenth and eighth standard respectively at Mahatma Gandhi Vidyalaya at Urulikamchan have scored more than 70% in their final examinations. Although, she could not complete her school education due to early marriage, she started using her limited English vocabulary here and there which indicated her confidence in her leadership. Her mother- in- law wi tness ing her conversation with the Rotarians, expressed her pride at her daughter- in-law's accomplishment. Indeed, Rohini has led the whole village into various community development programmes.
A recent visit by a team of Rotarians namely Mr. Shyam Sirur, former President, Mr. Shivesh Anand, current President and Mr. Karkare, future President, from Rotary Club of Nigdi, Pune District 3131, accompanied by Dr. Narayan G. Hegde, Trustee, BAIF and Dr. Ravi Jadhav, Project Coordinator, BAIF to Holewadi, Dalimb and Shindaune villages in Haveli taluka near Urulikanchan, revealed the impact these water sources have made in the lives of the villagers especially women.
Many bold women shared their experiences during the meeting. They narrated how they accompanied by their children, used to spend two hours daily and walk long distances to fetch water from wells located nearly half a km away . These enterprising women who are active members of the village borewell committee have assumed the responsibility of operating the wells in the larger interest of the community. The families have benefitted not only in terms of access to a clean potable source of drinking water but also by way of better health due to less risk from water-borne diseases. The children no longer have to
accompany their mothers long distances in search of water and can now attend school regularly as well as have time for other activities. With this benefit, the womenfolk are finding time to operate various micro enterprises from their houses and thereby improve their income status as well as gain confidence. As members of the self help groups promoted in the villages, they are also availing of various insurance schemes to educate their children and to avail of scholarships for higher education. All the men in the community had great admiration for the leadership assumed by the women, who neither had proper education nor exposure to community development before.
After their interaction with the jubilant women, who were a significant part of this successful project, the Rotarians expressed their satisfaction and advised BAIF to take up similar activities in many other villages.
Thus, through awareness and motivation and capacity building through development of local organisations, these villages are now assured of safe and potable drinking water at their doorsteps while enjoying better quality of life.
19 The BAIF Journal
Drudgery reduction for women
20 The BAIF Journal
Mahua (Madhuca indica, M. latifolia) is commonly grown in semi arid, tropical and sub tropical regions of India. It is a large deciduous tree, which grows to 20-25 m height with a short trunk, 80-120 cm in diameter and spreading habit. The tree grows slowly and starts flowering after 12-15 years. The corolla part of the flower is fleshy, thick and sweet and an important source of food in tribal areas. These flowers fall down naturally after fruit set and are collected by local people for immediate consumption or stored after drying. The seed is a good source of edible oil and the cake is fed to livestock. Dried flowers are fermented and distilled for spirit. Seed oil is used for preparation of food and for providing illumination in the house. The oilseed cake is also a good source of manure.
A grown up tree yields 50-100 kg seed every year and around one quintal flowers. The average market price for seed is Rs.7 per kg and for dried flowers, it is Rs.20-25 per kg. This tree is considered as Kalpavruksha for the tribal poor and is also finds place in their culture, as is reflected in numerous folk songs.
In recent years, degradation of forest area leading to barren wastelands has directly affected tribal livelihood. For generations, these communities have been dependent on natural resources for their livelihood. Mahua trees are not cut due to immense importance attached to them for tribal livelihood.
Realising that long gestation period is a major constraint for commercial plantation of Mahua, BAIF has developed and standardised the grafting technique for Mahua using softwood grafting method in controlled climatic condition. With this technique, it was found that the tree starts fruiting within five years,
which otherwise requires 12-15 years.This has helped in popularising commercial plantation in tribal areas.
Grafted mahua can be planted in a spacing of 10 x 10 m accommodating 40 plants per acre on marginal lands. The tribal family then obtain Rs.25,000-40,000 from one acre plantation with minimum care. Thus, Innovative technique of Mahua grafting can be a boon for rural communities.
Grafted Mahua PlantationBAIF has developed the agri-horti-forestry (wadi) programme for holistic development of rural and tribal communities in their own surroundings through sustainable use of existing natural resources. In its effort to provide diversified options for livelihood generation of rural communities, BAIF is pilot testing various interventions in its project areas. The article describes the preparation of Mahua graft and its introduction in Nandurbar region of Maharashtra.
G.A. Patil, Jalgaon
BAIF has established the
for promoting sustainable livelihood in rural India.
We invite generous donors to support this worthy cause by associating
with us as our Patrons and Associates.
You can become our Patron by contributing over Rs. 25 lakhs and
our Associate by contributing over Rs. 10 lakhs.
Dr. Manibhai Desai Endowment Fund
PATRONS AND ASSOCIATES OF BAIF:A CALL FOR PARTNERSHIP
Dr. Nitin Raut, Hon'ble Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, visited the Nature Cure Ashram at Urulikanchan, established by Mahatma Gandhi, on May 2, 2010. He was accompanied by Dr. Narayan G. Hegde, Managing Trustee, Nature Cure Ashram, Shri. Dnynoba T. Kanchan, Trustee, Dr. A.B. Pande, Vice President, BAIF, Dr. T. Chandrasekhar, Senior Principal Doctor and Dr. Hema J. Arya, Principal Naturopathy Doctor Dr. Raut was briefed about the origin and historical significance of the ashram by Dr. Hegde, the types of facilities available, the kind of desirable lifestyle advised and diet management for improved quality of life. Dr. Raut was shown the posters on these aspects. He also visited the Prerana Mandir and various treatment facilities.
Minister visits the Nature Cure Ashram
Earlier, Dr. Raut had also visited the BAIF Central Research Station at Urulikanchan on January 17, 2010.
- Dr. Nitin Raut, Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra
“I am really a happy person to visit this place where Mahatmaji spent
some time for the unique work in relation to human help. I appreciate and wish you the same again . ”
“Today, I have visited this research centre which is so excellent and
fruitful to the farmers. This excellency in the field is highly appreciable and technologically proper and sound .”
Registration with R.N.I., Registration No.: 39839/82
A book in Marathi on the development
philosophy of its founder Dr. Manibhai Desai
and his contribution to the growth of BAIF.
The book focuses on the development
programmes in Maharashtra with special
emphasis on empowerment of women.
eFrom th
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Available at
Pages 134, Price Rs.125/-
Diamond PublicationsTel.: (020) 24480677
Email: [email protected]
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Nisargopchar Gramsudhar TrustUrulikanchan, Pune 412 202, Maharashtra, India
Phone: 020-26926298 / 26926230
E-mail: [email protected]
MANUS UBHA KELA
