NAVACHAR SANSTHAN

These include:

Agricultural Land Development

SCs, STs and the backward sections of the area have small landholdings which are mostly infertile or give poor yield. As a result these people have to depend on the market to fulfil their needs. To bring about change in this condition the fertile soil from the nearby pond is taken out and spread on the land to increase agricultural production. This has also resulted in the increase in the water storage capacity of the pond. These efforts ensured the food security in the area and their food need for the full year got resolved. The technique was also adopted in the nearby villages resulting in the increase in agriculture production as well as the production capacity and in desilting of the pond.

Deepening and Strengthening of Wells

With people's participation Navachar Sansthan worked for deepening of the wells resulting in the increased irrigational area and hence the production. The families which were affected by broken wells were supplied with the material to rebuild them. This has prevented migration of some of rural families which used to migrate in search of food.

Plantation of Fruit Bearing Trees and Vegetable Production

With the successful efforts in land development and drinking water, the beneficiaries stopped migrating from the area and resumed agricultural operations. To enhance the income generation activities in the area, Navachar Sansthan took to the plantation of fruit bearing trees like mango, guava, lemon, orange, almond, papaya, amla, ber, etc. It ensured the families in the availability of fruits for consumption and in getting additional income by selling them. About 6,670 trees were planted in the area.

To increase the women's participation in developmental activities, initially the organisation made them available some of the vegetable seeds to sow in their garden, which today has taken the bigger form in terms of vegetable production. Production of seasonal vegetables along with onions, chillies and jeera has enhanced their incomes and making them independent.

Pulse and Oilseed Development

Oilseed and pulse production in the area has increased with the organisation's initiative to distribute the seeds and fertiliser to the people. This has added taste to the food of the inhabitants and an additional income by selling the produce in the market.

Dairy

For social and financial independence of women in the area, Navachar Sansthan formed women SHGs, linked them with banks and provided them loans to purchase cows for dairy purpose. There was a problem of selling milk as the beneficiaries of the programme were SCs. The problem was solved through establishing the area as a milk route for Bhilwara Dairy. The families started supplying their milk to the dairy and which enhanced their income and they have become confident.

Goat Rearing

Goats were made available to the widow and poor backward women with an objective to ensure their livelihood. Initially each of the nine women members from two villages were provided with seven goats and a buck on the condition that same numbers will be distributed free of cost by the family to other beneficiaries after their breeding. The chain got strengthened with the beneficiaries going up to 77 within three years. This not only improved their financial condition but also their family's need for milk.

Organic Farming

With the efforts of Navachar Sansthan, agricultural land of the beneficiaries and the irrigation facilities in the area have increased. Oilseeds, pulses and vegetable production were adopted by the beneficiaries. It resulted in the increased use of fertilisers, which was expensive as well as making them dependent. With an aim to decrease their dependency on fertilisers, the organisation arranged for the training and awareness related to organic farming such as compost making, vermicompost, etc., with support from the local agricultural department. Exposure visits were also arranged for the development of agriculture techniques in the area. As a result the people from the village started using the information in their agricultural techniques, making them free from unnecessary financial losses and decreased dependency on fertiliser. This resulted in an increase in the soil quality of the area and hence the production.

SHGs Promotion for Small Savings

To fulfil the financial needs of the people and to free them from the clutches of the local money lenders, Navachar Sansthan initiated the formation of SHGs and linked them to banks which provided them loans for their business. They also created their own fund and started microfinance programme which not only is helping the other members of the group but their daily financial needs are also getting fulfilled through the savings of the group. Over 100 SHGs of men and women are formed in the area with more than 1000 members.

Professional Training

It was observed by Navachar Sansthan that agricultural works are affected by rain deficiency. This has made the decreased interest of youth in agriculture and in turn increasing tendencies of their migration to other cities for their livelihood. To counter the situation, the organisation is imparting training to youth on various subjects such as progressive agriculture, vegetable farming, forestry, compost making, vermi compost making, plant nursery, dairy, goat rearing, sewing, spices farming, colouring and printing, grinding of spices, etc. These training programmes have helped the youth in starting their own business and make for their livelihood.