THE BAIF JOURNALVol. 40 January 2016

‘Gender equality is more than a goal in itself.

It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of

reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development

and building good governance’.

Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations

A quarterly journal of the

BAIF DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH FOUNDATION

The BAIF Journal

Annual SubscriptionInland: Rs. 50/-

Overseas: US $10

Managing EditorMs. Sucharita Dhar

Editorial OfficeBAIF Bhavan, Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar

Warje, Pune 411 058

Edited, Printed and Published by: BAIF Development Research Foundation

Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar, Warje, Pune 411 058

E-mail: baif@baif.org.in Website: www.baif.org.in

Designed and Printed by: Varad Printers, Pune

Guest EditorMs. Preeti Karmarkar

Thematic Programme Executive

BAIF Trustees

Mr. Hrishikesh A. MafatlalChairman

Dr. M.S. SwaminathanVice Chairman

Mr. Hasmukh S. ShahChairman, Executive Committee of BAIF Trustees

Smt. Rajashree A. Birla

Mr. Kishor A. Chaukar

Mr. Sunil. S. Lalbhai

Dr. Devendra R. Mehta

Mr. Deepak C. Mehta

Mr. Pratap G. Pawar

Mr. Sharad Upasani

Dr. Narayan G. Hegde

Mr. Ramesh Rawal

Mr. Girish G. SohaniPresident and Managing Trustee

Founder: Late Dr. Manibhai Desai

Cover Page:

Gender symbols came to be used in biology dominantly when father of modern taxonomy Carl Linnaeus started using Venus symbol as shorthand for female and Mars symbol as shorthand for male. The traditional two standard gender symbols are as follows;

This is a symbol for Venus, a Roman Goddess or the Greek Goddess Aphrodite. It is used as a representation of things historically associated with female sex mainly.

The symbol for a male organism or man. Originally it is a symbol for Mars depicting a circle with an arrow emerging from it. It is used as a representation of things historically associated with male sex mainly.

January 2016 Vol. 40

In this Issue

Women as Change Makers 5

BAIF Celebrates 48 Years of Service 10to Rural People

Empowerment of Women for Rural Prosperity 1

We have come a long way, but there is still 2work to be done

Women as Change Makers 5

BAIF Celebrates 48 Years of Service 10to Rural People

Establishment of Linkages with Banks: 12Women as Business Facilitators

Functional Literacy Class with a Difference 14

Tribute to an Admirer of BAIF and a Visionary 16

Ears to the Ground: Listening to perspectives 17in current issues of women at the grassroots

Regional News 18

Kesar Mango Festival at BAIF 20

Millet Food Festival 20

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Over the years, women have assumed a crucial role in sustaining the development at the community level. They have well demonstrated their strengths as progressive farmers, business leaders and custodians of their traditional rich culture, apart from shaping the new generation. This has helped them to take up social leadership and emerge as confident rural entrepreneurs and thereby change the equation in rural society.

Based on the visible changes in the status of women in Rural India, empowerment of women is an integral component of all the sustainable rural livelihood programmes of BAIF. To consolidate their efforts towards their development, women are encouraged to form groups and improve their livelihood and quality of life, reduce their hardships and enhance their capacities.

Building women's capabilities to improve their skills, develop leadership and establishing their link with technologies, trade, financial institutions and local Governments lead to their empowerment enabling them to take active part in socio-economic development and have a better control on the results of development efforts. There are a number of success stories where they have developed mutual trust, social security, skills and access to technology and credit through their SHGs and various People's Organisations. Women groups have motivated the entire community to take up hygiene, sanitation, family planning and health care activities. Several groups have established their grain banks to ensure food security for their members. There has been increased awareness about education for children, particularly, girls. Prevention of child marriage has been an important agenda of many SHGs which has also been endorsed by other sections of the

community. Such steps have led the community towards a literate and progressive society, directly benefitting every member of the family.

Against this canvas, reducing gender differentials and sensitisation of various sections of the community are important aspects which can lead to enhancement in the status of women while enabling them to participate in the decision making process. Hence, BAIF has adopted a gender responsive approach towards empowerment of women.

Today, women participating in BAIF Programmes have carved a niche for themselves in their families, community and society at large. The process of change can be seen at many places where the family including the male members are encouraging women to step out of the house and the community has recognised the status of women and their contribution in not only managing their families, but also to the economic and social development of the entire community. Many women have developed as leaders and resource persons in the community. Women are encouraged to function as AI technicians and manage the dairy husbandry programmes efficiently. Presently there are 15 AI women technicians in Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand. Women have started participating in Gram Sabhas. Many active leaders of the SHGs have contested and have been elected for various PRIs, cooperative bodies and other village level organisations.

The articles in this issue highlight some of the changes which have taken place in the lives of women and a silent transformation this is bringing about in society.

Happy Reading!

F r o m t h e P r e s i d e n t

1 The BAIF Journal

Empowerment of Women for Rural Prosperity

Girish G. Sohani

2 The BAIF Journal

We have come a long way,

but there is still work to be done

t is more than two decades that Women IEmpowerment has assumed a significant position in the development sector. The Beijing Platform for Action in 1995 paved the way for a shift in the focus from 'women' to 'gender' thereby reaffirming that women's rights are human rights and gender equality is an issue of universal concern and benefit. However, the seed was actually sown with the United Nations-declared International Year of Women in 1975 and three World Conferences held during the International Decade for Women from 1975 to 1985.

Some of the development approaches which emerged during this period included the following:

Ø Equity approach which aimed at equity for women in the development process.

Ø This approach was followed by the anti-poverty approach which focussed on redistribution along with growth and basic needs. Its purpose was to ensure that poor women increase their productivity since women's poverty was seen as the sole problem of underdevelopment and not their subordination.

Ø The efficiency approach aimed at effective and efficient development which recognised women's resilience and ability to adjust to crisis thereby attracting development planners to focus their programmes on women;

Ø The emergence of the Gender and Development (GAD) Approach maintained that women's situation should be seen in the context of the socio-economic, racial and other factors that shape a particular society. It points to the importance of understanding the

relationship between women and men and how society influences their respective roles. Gender differences in earnings play an important part in women's poverty, but other factors such as gender disparities in the ownership of assets, gender divisions of labour within and beyond the home, gender differences in power and decision-making and vulnerability to gender-based violence are also integral factors contributing to women's poverty. A serious note of these gender concerns was taken in the UN Millennium Summit in 2000 and Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women became one of the Millennium Development Goals and later a Sustainable Development Goal.

GAD shares elements with the concept of Empowerment. Empowerment is a process which gives specific groups of people/ individuals greater control over the different aspects of their own lives. It is a process and not the product. Fulfillment of basic needs, opportunities for development (education, employment) expanding knowledge, critical consciousness of surrounding world and capacity to take own decisions are some indicators of Empowerment. Today, many women have assumed leadership in various sectors which is a positive change. Yet, these successful women remain individual achievers and the following hard facts reveal the grim reality:

l Among the 1.4 million people all over the world who are living below $1 a day, about 70% are women and girls.

l Women account for around two-thirds of the world's working hours and earn only 10% of the world's income.

Preeti Karmarkar, Pune

3 The BAIF Journal

l Women produce half of the world's food and own only 1% of its land.

l Of the 900 million adults worldwide who cannot read or write, about two thirds are women

In India, gender statistics reveal the following:

l Sex ratio is 933 which is worsening in the age group of 0-6

l 75% rural women belong to small or marginal farmer family. Majority of landless women belong to Dalit or tribal families.

2l Surveys show that / work in agriculture is 3

done by women.

l Depleting natural resources are adding to women's workload as women are primarily considered responsible for organizing resources such as water, fodder and fuel.

Rural women contribute significantly to the livelihood of their families along with fulfillment of various household chores. Unfortunately, often, their contribution remains unnoticed and under-valued. Studies (Gender Profile - BRIDGE, 2000, NRCWA Vision Plan 2025) reveal that 78% women are engaged in agriculture as against 60% men. With migration of men, the entire burden of subsistence farming is shouldered by women.

While working in the field, the following plight of women is revealed:

Ø Women have longer hours of work than men, as domestic work is seen as women's primary responsibility and they contribute significantly to the livelihood of their families.

Ø There is gender difference in wages.

Ø Women have poor or no access to health services or toilets.

Ø A lot of drudgery is experienced by women as there is no respite from routine workload whether it is domestic chores, outside work or reproductive role.

Ø Poor or no access to extension services to upgrade knowledge of agriculture/livestock

technologies

Ø Very few women are involved in decision making.

Ø Vulnerability due to violence in domestic/ public spheres and no ownership of assets

The above statistics and observations indicate that although women contribute significantly to the development process, they receive uneven and inadequate benefits. Therefore, it is crucial to integrate their concerns in development planning and execution to assure that women receive equal benefits of development. For this, it is imperative to take into consideration practical as well as strategic needs.

Ø Practical needs tend to be immediate/short term needs; which may be unique to women of a particular region or community. Women can easily identify those needs as they relate to daily needs such as food, water, fodder, housing and so on. They can be addressed through provision of certain inputs.

Ø Strategic needs re late to women's disadvantaged position such as lack of resources and education, vulnerability due to poverty and violence. These may not be easily identifiable as women may be unaware of the basis of disadvantage or potential of change. This can be addressed by raising awareness, increase in self-confidence, providing e d u cat i o n , s t re n gt h e n i n g wo m e n ' s organisations, fostering political mobilisation, etc.

The broad agenda of empowerment comprises this array of gender realities and gender needs. UN guidelines perceive women's sense of self-worth, their right to have and determine choices, access to opportunities and resources and power to control their own lives, both within and outside the home as important components of women's empowerment. Thus all development projects should be designed from point of view of Empowerment and not only of women but also other marginalised sections of society and developed on the basis of their needs. It is

4 The BAIF Journal

important to note that women are in every section of society and may be more in a disadvantaged situation. They should be considered as citizens and not just as mothers and homemakers. Empowerment should be an integral approach for social, economic and technical empowerment. While developing empowerment related projects, we also need to re-visit ourselves and assess what roles are being played by us. Do we have gender just relations in

private-professional-public lives or do we carry gender stereotypes and judge people accordingly? Does a gender-friendly environment exist at our workplaces and public places? Does the work environment encourage both men and women for career progression? Is there sharing of power and work responsibilities in our homes and work places? Let us commit ourselves to continue our efforts till all the answers are in the affirmative!

Empowerment of women is an integral component of all the development programmes of BAIF. Based on past experience and studies conducted by BAIF, women have shared two major concerns - one is workload and the other is little or no access to new technologies and knowledge. Recognising these limitations, BAIF has adopted a two-fold approach of technical capacity building of women and introduction of simple technologies to reduce the hardship/workload of women while enabling them to participate in development activities. Simultaneously, the men folk are sensitized to build a conducive environment for women.

Adoption of a handholding approach by SHGs, enables them to transform their groups into suitable forums for sharing their concerns and to initiate social action. BAIF has been working towards technical capacity building of women farmers for agriculture/horticulture technologies such as composting, nursery raising, grafting, improved package of practices for major crops, vegetable cultivation, post harvest processing, community grain banks and organic farming techniques. Many women have been undertaking activities such as nursery raising, grafting and vermicompost to supplement their livelihood. A recent study shows the increasing share of loan amounting to more than 50% for investment in agriculture. Women have gone on record to state that their changing status in the family is due to capacity building and how agriculture-related decisions are now taken jointly.

Many community women have chosen dairy husbandry for their livelihood and have been able to bring their families above the poverty line. Women are given intensive training in improved rearing and management practices in cattle, backyard poultry and goat husbandry. BAIF has successfully developed women AI technicians who are operating the cattle development centres with confidence and success. BAIF institutionalised the Best Farmer (cattle) Award in 2013 which was conferred on a tribal woman from Jharkhand. There are many enterprising women in the field programmes of BAIF who are demonstrating their empowerment in various ways.

To enhance the capacities of socially challenged women, Yashaswini, a residential training programme for on-farm as well as non-farm livelihood, has helped a large number of women to enjoy economic freedom along with a dignified existence. Functional literacy, health and nutrition awareness are some of the other initiatives of BAIF to improve the quality of life of rural women.

Impact

Enhanced capacities and better health have increased the economic and social status of women.

Women from more than one lakh rural families have been mobilised into SHGs and more than 1000 SHGs are linked with banks.

Hardship reduction activities have saved 45 person days of labour of women in a year.

Increased awareness about education of children, particularly girls and prevention of child marriages has improved the prospects of women.

A cadre of over 1000 women field and health guides are functioning to ensure efficient health services to the rural community.

l

l

l

l

l

5 The BAIF Journal

eema Gamit from Jogwel village Sin Kaprada taluka of Valsad district is a proud member of Pragati Self Help Group. As she narrates her story, it is clear that this woman has come a long way. Educated till Standard VIII, she joined the group operating in her village in the year 2001 and was fortunate to receive series of trainings in health. In June 2007, based on the knowledge gained from her training, she started visiting the local Anganwadi and observing whether the worker was weighing the children and giving a nutritious diet to expectant and lactating mothers.

She started helping the worker to weigh the children and also provided important information to the mothers while motivating them about health and nutrition care. The nurse regularly watched her and was impressed. She was keen to recommend her name as Asha worker. Seemaben readily agreed as she enjoyed sharing the knowledge gained from her training with others. Soon, she was appointed as an Asha worker. Seemaben about her work which includes home visits and advice to mothers nursing their children to attend the 'Mamta Divas' organised every Wednesday at the Anganwadi where she and if found to be under-weight, she would advice them to consume nutritious food like green leafy vegetables, milk, eggs, fish, etc. Those with anemia were advised to consume meat, green vegetables and fruits. Seemaben proudly narrates her daily routine which includes visits to houses of pregnant women and holding discussions with family members about their diet and precautions to be taken at the time of confinement including ensuring that the woman is taken to the hospital for the delivery. Her role does not end here. After

explained

weighed the children

delivery, she advises the mother-in-law how to feed the colostrum and explain its importance and also weighs the baby. She also advises them to ensure that the child is nursed till six months of age and thereafter to start the baby on semisolids/solids prepared at home and in small amounts.

With regard to cleanliness of the

village, she holds discussions with

the women to ensure clean

surroundings of the hand pump and

open well and of their village while reminding

them to strain the water used for drinking. Aware

of the kangaroo care method for babies with low

birth weight, she advices the mothers accordingly.

In August 2007, Seemaben formed a group of

adolescent girls and tried to inculcate in them the

habit of saving but after her intentions were

doubted, she decided to visit each adolescent

girl's house and explained to the parents that if

their daughter was made aware from this age

itself, she would be able to take care of herself and

her family.

Earlier, Seemaben admits that she rarely spoke to

anyone but now she enquires about each and

every person living in her hamlet and if there are

any incidences of illness, she rushes to their help

with her health kit. This service she owes to the

training and motivation received from Dhruva, the

Associate Organisation of BAIF in South Gujarat.

***

araswati SHG was formed in one of the Shamlets of Village Koregaonmul, Dasavewasti, District Pune on September 5, 1997. This was a rehabilitated community from Varasgaon village for the Panshet Dam near Pune. The families were rehabilitated to a 2.8 ha wasteland of village

Veena Halwe, Pune

Women as Change Makers

6 The BAIF Journal

Koregaonmul. Coming from a very different terrain and culture, adjusting to this new place was a challenge. Families built huts to stay and soon realised that the land provided to them was unproductive. Hence, labour was the only option for them.

The group continues to function actively today after 18 years with 20 members and meets twice a month. Over the years, the members of the group have developed confidence and started functioning independently. Although they were initially reluctant to save, later on, when they were convinced by the BAIF field team, they eagerly started saving and increased their saving amount from Rs. 25 to Rs. 100 per member every month. The group now has a cumulative saving of Rs. 2.70 lakhs.

Group functioning - The group meets regularly twice a month in the afternoon as they are able to spare some time from their work. They also conduct annual meetings. They select a leader from among their group every three years thereby giving an opportunity to all the members. The members and leaders of the group are trained in functioning of the group, record keeping, establishment of bank linkages, enterprise development and livestock keeping apart from information about the role of Panchayati Raj, quality of life and health. BAIF facilitated the bank loan process and the group established linkages with the bank and availed bank loans. So far, the group has taken a loan of Rs. 10.20 lakhs.

Water issue - During the meetings, the members started discussing problems faced by them while staying in the hamlet. They realised t h a t r e h a b i l i t a t i o n - r e l a t e d development activities like provision of tap water to each household had not been completed. Women had to fetch water from an open well outside the hamlet. With the support of BAIF field officials, the women approached the Collector and submitted a written application. This was the first time in their lives that they were entering a

Government office and speaking to any official. The Collector assured them of all help. Based on their discussions, they then approached the Minor Irrigation Department and approached the contractor who had been assigned the work. The members met him and the construction of the water tank was completed with taps fitted at each household. But the electric connection from well to tank to pump water took a few more months of follow up. The members of the group also followed up with the local Electricity office and received the connection. Since the year 2000, the entire hamlet has been receiving water at their doorsteps. Earlier, the younger children just roamed around in the village. The group members contributed and started an anganwadi in the hamlet. Cleanliness in the hamlet, temple, school and chlorination of drinking water is being monitored by the group regularly.

In 2000, the Group was given the Best SHG Award and felicitated on the Foundation Day of BAIF. The members of the group were seen on television by the village. They congratulated them and expressed pride that the development in their village was happening because of the active participation of these women.

Development activities - The members motivated women from other hamlets of Koregaonmul to come together and form groups. Starting with 2 groups, Saraswati SHG facilitated the formation of 6 more groups in the village involving 70 women. They ensured discipline and values in these women, motivating them to develop their potential.

7 The BAIF Journal

The group motivated its members to build toilets for their houses. They also disbursed loans to the members to construct toilets. Every family has a toilet and uses it regularly. All the households pay their electricity bills and property tax on time.

Impact

The women started interacting due to group formation. It was an awakening for rural women - their potential and aspiration. They came to know about BAIF. Literate women started writing while illiterate developed functional literacy.

Women started going to bank and developing linkages with banks. Their perspective changed due to training and capacity building. Mobility, confidence and income increased. They became vocal. Now they receive invitation to attend Gram Sabhas and any important meeting in the village. Their opinion is being sought at the family as well as the community level. Though the women were either less educated or not even educated, they realized the value of a small family and limited the number of children while ensuring education of their children. Most of the members have daughters-in-law and have motivated them to join groups. Each woman has a regular source of income, pucca house, cooking gas facility, insurance policy and toilet. These women have learnt to take and repay loans and availed government schemes. They have realised their strength as individuals and as a group. Women have become aware about their health and well-being of their families. Women have stopped discriminating between boys and girls.

***

mda is a tribal village in Valsad district of AGujarat which comprised of families living below the poverty line and at that period of time in 1995, they had land but no money for investment. They were not even in a position to earn Rs. 10/- regularly. Food security was a challenge. The families had to travel to nearby villages or even 15 km away to Vapi to work as labour in sugarcane fields. The Agri-Horti-Forestry (wadi) programme was launched in this village in 1995.

Formation of the group - After promotion of wadis, the field team tried to motivate the women to form groups for their empowerment. After series of meetings, in 1997, Swadhaya Mahila Bachat Juth, a SHG started functioning informally with five members. They named their group "Swadhaya" as they are followers of Paddurang Shashri Athavale and the Swadhya Pariwar. However, they soon realised that their group was too small for regular interaction and support. Hence, in May 2000, they increased their group size to 10. The members started a modest saving of `20/- per month and which increased to `50/-. Today, these women proudly state that they are able to save ̀ 100/- per month. Members started attending meetings and discussed about saving and credit, income generation activity, wadi, health and even family-related matters during these meetings. The group now conducts the meetings on their own and also maintains their records. Based on rotational leadership, the group has a third set of leaders to operate the activities. Each member visits the

8 The BAIF Journal

bank in rotation. The group has a cumulative savings of `62,900/- credit of `3.78/- lakhs, repayment to the tune of `2.84 lakhs and an interest of ̀ 71,731.

Earlier members were reluctant to take loan from the bank. However, with motivation, the group has availed bank loan 3 times amounting to `1.90 lakhs and disbursed it for agriculture, cashew procuring, vermicomposting and education of children. The group is careful about regular repayment of the loan. Now they have a cash credit limit (CCL) of `70000/-. Each member has a personal life insurance cover.

Development activities - Apart from conducting regular meetings and financial activities, the group is involved in many social and economic development activities. Each member has a Wadi and owns 2-3 Jersey cows. 4 members are involved in vegetable cultivation.The group has taken up vermicompost as a group activity and has constructed a permanent shed to undertake this activity. The compost is applied on their own field and sold to the cooperative regularly. A few members have also taken up vermicomposting independently. During summer, the group is involved in making Nagli papad. Every year, the group procures cashew from the farmers by putting up a stall in the local market and sells it to the cooperative. Procurement is done by 2 members in the nearby market and sold to the cooperative. The group has purchased a cashew weighing machine from their common fund. Conscious of the need to maintain clean surroundings, on every 15th of the month, they take up a cleanliness drive in their village and all the groups participate in this event. This campaign has now been extended to the school, maintenance of the village hand pumps and roads. They are also active in alcohol prohibition campaign and have been successful in stopping the sale of liquor in their village. Many of the tribal men and women have stopped drinking.

Members of the group regularly attend the Gram Sabha and some members have taken advantage

of Government schemes like Indira Awas Yojana, Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan etc. They are also involved in maternal and child health care programmes such as immunisation and regular checkup of expectant and lactating mothers, women from the village and promotion of safe drinking water through purification method. One of their members, Sitaben is the 'Asha' of the village. The members in times of crisis make a call to "108" the emergency number for ambulance and also ensure that deliveries take place in the hospital. As one of the pregnant mothers was very poor, the group even extended financial support to her.

Four members have developed as trainers on SHG functioning, vermicompost, preparation of Nagli papad, etc. The Government-supported "Sakhi Mandals" are also being trained by these trainers on a regular basis. Many other groups visit this group to learn from their experiences. The group is also a member of the Village Development Committee formed with support of all the groups in the village.

Best SHG Award - In recognition of their contribution to community development, the group received the "Dr. Manibhai Desai Gaurav Puraskar" for the Best SHG in the year 2010. All the members have come out of poverty and are earning a regular income. Migration is a thing of the past.

Impact - Though only 6 members are literate, others have developed functional literacy after joining the group. Each member has opened an individual bank account also. They no longer hesitate to speak to guests and offer them

9 The BAIF Journal

hospitality. Earlier, interaction with other women in the village was rare. But after joining the group they have cultivated friendship with each other. All the members motivate other women in the village to either join groups or to form groups. Inspired by this group, 11 new groups have been formed in the village. They are proud of their new-found identity

and recognition from villagers, teachers, officials from their village and even outside the village. All the members wear the same type of sarees for identity. Having lost the opportunity themselves, all of them send their children to school and encourage them to opt for higher education. They have surely traversed a long journey.

Ramachari is a small farmer living at Ragimarur village of Tumkur district of Karnataka. This village

is served by the Rajanbilaguli livestock breeding centre operated by BIRD-Karnataka. Ramachari

struggled to support his family comprising of his parents and wife as the crop yield from his 1.6 ha

plot of land was not assured due to poor soil condition thereby yielding a meagre income which did

not exceed Rs. 50, 000/- per year.

To make both ends meet, he motivated his

wife Chandrika to start dairy activity at their

doorsteps. He purchased a crossbred cow

which gave 6 litres of milk per day. He came

in contact with BAIF AI service centre and got

his cow inseminated on November 15, 2011

The cow gave birth to a female calf on August

26, 2012. This cow was inseminated in

October 2014 and again a female calf was

born on July 28, 2015. The first cow gave

birth to three female calves and one male

calf, of which, two female calves were sold

for Rs. 25000/-. The two cows are giving a total milk yield of 18 litres of milk per day. From 2010 to

2015, his income from dairy husbandry has been Rs. 1,89,840 from sale of milk which ranged from

Rs. 18 - 20 per litre. Chandrika was able to produce 40 tractor loads of manure. Out of 40 loads,

nine tractor loads were sold @Rs. 3000 per load and the remaining was applied to ginger and

tobacco crops. Today, his two precious cows are valued at Rs. 80,000.

Impressed by his wife's commitment and hard work, Ramachari has given complete responsibility

of managing the dairy activity to his wife and has found satisfaction in observing a 30% increase in

crop yield. Chandrika who managed this activity well and made good income has been able to

purchase 40 gm of gold worth Rs. 1.0 lakh @ Rs.25,000/- per 10 gm in February 2015. She owes

this to the encouragement received from her husband and the support received from the ITC

supported cattle development centre.

- H. Prakash, Tiptur

Dairy Activity: A Golden Proposition

11 The BAIF Journal10 The BAIF Journal

BAIF CELEBRATES 48 YEARS OF SERVICE TO RURAL PEOPLE"Blending science and technology and ensuring a close association between scientists and the general public are the pathways to Rural Development", stated Gandhian thinker, Dr. Abhay Bang, Founder-Director, Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health (SEARCH) and eminent crusader of health issues of the tribal communities living in the most backward district of Gadchiroli in Maharashtra. Dr. Bang was speaking at the 48th Foundation Day celebration of BAIF and the 16th Award Ceremony to felicitate women's self help groups across one lakh villages in 16 states on August 24, 2015. "Urbanisation of states, shrinking village population due to migration to urban areas have made the farmers losers", lamented Dr. Bang while hailing the revolutionary computer which he felt was the modern charkha. This has led to unsustainable development which is not viable, he further pointed out. He praised the efforts of the women self help groups in BAIF's programmes to improve themselves as well as the local community through their initiatives and at the same time complimented the young scientists who are making efforts to bring science and technology to the doorstep of the rural poor through research studies and technology development and quoted the example of Rahibai from Kombhalne village in Ahmednagar district, recipient of "Best Agricultural Farmer" award and highlighted her efforts to take up seed production activity with encouraging success.

Earlier, Shri. Prataprao Pawar, Chairman, Sakal Group and Trustee, BAIF expressed his admiration for the women self help groups whose presence he stated was truly inspiring. Shri. Sunil Lalbhai and Shri. Sharad Upasani, Trustees of BAIF also spoke on the occasion. Shri. Girish G. Sohani, President, BAIF gave an overview of BAIF's programmes and the transformation taking place in the family in terms of health, change in status, standard of living and overall quality of life and expressed his satisfaction with the benefits accruing to farmers by way of extension of fodder development programme in Odisha, invitation from Government of Andhra Pradesh to expand our operations and the benefits being transferred to farmers from introduction of pregnancy diagnosis kits and kits for detection of mastitis in animals and thereby saving the farmers from huge losses and the adoption of the call centre approach to provide efficient services to small and marginal farmers.

Dr. Narayan G. Hegde, Principal Adviser and Trustee, BAIF welcomed the self help groups from various operational areas of BAIF, especially, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. He emphasised on the need to wage a war against poverty and highlighted the BAIF model of poverty alleviation whereby with three cows or buffaloes, a family can earn Rs. 35,000-50,000 annually and come out of poverty and cited the example of expansion of the programme to Punjab to cover integrated buffalo development.

preparation of herbal medicine and supporting of other groups. This group shared their feeling of being inspired to win the award again based on the continuance of their good work.

Others felicitated on the occasion included Best Teachers and Learners of Literacy Centres operating in Pratapgarh District of Uttar Pradesh wherein with the enthusiastic participation of 1004 women learners, 40 Literacy Centres are functioning in BAIF's project area in Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh. A basic course in functional literacy has been successfully completed by 624 women. The "Two Best Teachers", Sangita Devi and Sushila Devi have been operating their centres efficiently with 90% attendance and 80% results. The "Two Best Learners", Meher Jan and Sita Saroj have successfully completed the basic course inspite of household and other responsibilities.

Some of the other categories of awards included "Best Dairy Farmer", "Best Agricultural Farmer", "Best Cattle Development Centre In-charge", "Best Scientific Paper", "Best Publication" and "Best Case Study"

Earlier, the Chief Guest accompanied by BAIF scientists, visited the facilities of the BAIF Central Research Station and inaugurated the Plant Gene Bank and Integrated Renewable Energy and Sustainable Agriculture (IRESA) Model".

Dr. Bang also interacted with the scientists and experts on involvement of youth in social development. Later, he also visited the Nature Cure Ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi at Urulikanchan and managed by BAIF.

Dr. Ashok B. Pande, Senior Vice President, BAIF, provided the background of the awards while Dr. Jayant R. Khadse, Programme Director, BAIF, proposed the vote of thanks.

Sainath Mahila Bachat Juth, Post Sakarpatal, Dangs District, Gujarat, was the recipient of "Dr. Manibhai Desai Gaurav Puraskar and Smt. Vijaya Deshmukh Memorial Award for Best SHG in BAIF Programmes". Sridevi Mahila Swa Sahaya Sangha, Baluvanerulu, Tiptur taluka, Tumkur District of Karnataka received the "Smt. Vijaya Deshmukh Memorial Award for Second Best Self Help Group" while Santoshimata Mahila Gat, Bhabluwandi Akole block, Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra was awarded "Smt. Vijaya Deshmukh Memorial Award for the Best Self Help Group in Maharashtra". The common factor running through all these women's groups was that all the members were illiterate when they joined their respective groups and could not even sign their names. Today, these women have empowered themselves by being able to sign their names, enter banks and operate their bank accounts and ensure clean surroundings starting from their homes to the village and maintaining backyard poultry for supplementary income. Ban on tobacco consumption was also on their agenda which they have been successful in handling.

Sridevi Sangha shared the decision of their group to elect a group member as their leader inspite of her not being educated. Today, their children as well as grandchildren are attending school and they have also stopped migrating to coffee plantations as they are assured of their livelihood. These women now own around 250 sheep and they are also engaged in

12 The BAIF Journal

Background

While working with the rural/tribal families, BAIF realized the significant role played by women in household and livelihood activities. However, it was also realised that women rarely receive any recognition for their contribution to the growth of the family or opportunity for their socio-economic development and hence, their status in rural society remains unchanged. Thus, to organise women and enhance their capacities, Self Help Groups comprising of women members were promoted across BAIF programmes as a platform for women empowerment and their development.

These groups function as micro-finance institutions and social changemakers thereby creating a sense of self-help, unity and cooperation among the members. The groups have helped women to overcome social and cultural barriers and invest their time and money in a meaningful way. The group helps them to gain access to important information and technical knowledge while exploring their potential and creating space for them within their family and community. It has been observed that well established groups continue to function and serve women as well as the local community beyond the project period and form an integral part of their day-to-day life.

Opening a Bank Account

Within three months of its formation, every group opens a bank account in the name of the group in a bank in their vicinity. Thus through their groups, these women are able to gain access to formal financial institutions which was a distant dream before joining the group. Prior to this, many members rarely visited any bank. Members slowly gained confidence and also

learnt to fill the bank deposit form and to deposit the money held by them jointly in the group. The members visit the bank in rotation and the expenses incurred are borne by the group.

As the group progresses and matures, the savings of the group is not enough to meet the financial needs of the member. Under such circumstances, the group approaches the bank for a loan to fulfil the needs of its members.

Bank Loan

Availing a bank loan is an experience for the group as well as the bank. If the loan is taken, well utilised and repaid, it can help to build the confidence of the members and the bank. This linkage with the bank can play a significant role in giving a boost to their confidence while enabling the members to meet their financial needs and come out of poverty.

Bank linkage as an approach has been taken up in various locations like Urulikanchan, Pune, Surshettikoppa, Hubli, Tiptur, Tumkur in Karnataka, Kaprada, Valsad and Songad, Tapi in Gujarat. Based on this approach, SHGs are encouraged to shift from grant-based development to credit-based livelihood programmes.

Approach

At the SHG level, the need for credit linkage was realized and emphasized and a strong linkage of the groups with banks was initiated. Capacity building and sensitisation of members about bank linkages was extensively carried out. A systematic process of loan disbursement was initiated for the convenience of the members to follow and practice. Based on the activity selected, the members take a loan. Proper discipline was established through norms. It not

Veena Halwe, Pune

Establishment of Linkages with Banks:Women as Business Facilitators

13 The BAIF Journal

only helped the groups to repay their loans but also facilitated the members to undertake livelihood activities systematically.

Process of bank Linkage

The capacity of the groups was developed for proper functioning and establishment of suitable linkages thereby encouraging the groups to avail loan from the bank.

Bank SHG Member

All the members are sensitised about the utilisation of loan and process of repayment. One or two members from each group have been trained to complete the process required for bank loans which included preparation of loan application, filling in the required documents, preparing the balance sheet of the groups, monitoring of activities through loan and regular repayments.

Loan Repayment

The group members in rotation go to the banks for repaying the loan on a monthly basis. Review and discussion of this system is taken up during group, village and federation meetings.

Outcome

The credit facility from banks has helped the groups to establish suitable linkages with formal financial institutions. Women have learnt the procedure and discipline and started a range of livelihood activities.

Banks have come to know about the SHGs promoted by BAIF. As groups maintain discipline and repay the loan on time, the bank has developed trust in the groups, their creditworthiness and are willing to disburse loans on a regular basis.

Members have developed mutual trust, experience and confidence to handle external fund. The members are trained to complete the bank loan procedure which has also helped them to develop confidence and reduce their dependency.

Impact of the bank credit on SHG

These loans have helped the families to take up stable livelihood activities and earn regular income. In many places, migration has come to an end. Tribal families have started engaging themselves in livestock activity and improved agriculture. The decision making capacity of women in the family has also increased. Women have developed leadership qualities and participate extensively in family and community development programmes.

Huchamma is a widow living in the remote village of Baluveneralu in Tiptur, Tumkur district of Karnataka. She joined the Sridevi Mahila Swa Sahaya Sangha in 2001 and started saving Rs. 10 every week. Under the Navachetana programme in 2005, she took a bold decision and availed a loan of Rs. 25000 to purchase a flock of 8 sheep and a crossbred cow. After repayment of the loan, she took another loan of Rs. 50000 to increase her herd and to build a cow shed. Today, after taking a total loan of Rs. one lakh, she is the proud owner of a flock of 250 sheep, 2 cows and lives in a house with concrete walls and toilet. She is no longer landless and has purchased some land. Her children are helping her in her business and she is also able to ensure that her grandchildren attend school and have a brighter future.

Ushaben Gamit from Chorwad village is the president of Surabhi Federation. Taking care of three children, a jobless husband and mother-in-law was becoming difficult. Ushaben took Rs. 20000 as loan and purchased a cow. With the income from sale of milk, she started taking care of her family. After repaying the loan, she availed of another loan to purchase another cow. Now, she is constructing a house and educating her children with the money saved.

Sustained SHGs

Reduced migration, enhanced livelihood options and income

Impact of

Bank loan

Capacity of working with banks - Empowered members

14 The BAIF Journal

Functional Literacy Class with a Difference

t is the month of July. I am at village Devgarh in IPratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh. Although it is rainy season, the rain has halted for a few days. A bright sunny day brings rise in temperature, humidity in the air and sweat. Since there is no rain, paddy fields are empty. Paddy seedlings are ready for transplantation; what everyone is waiting for is good rain. Our car stops at the roadside and we cross many narrow lanes and finally reach a house. It is a small traditional house with a verandah in the front. Kanaklatabahen comes outside and welcomes me. She takes me inside. It is a small room with a grass roof in a corner of the verandah. There is no electricity in the room. There is a window giving sufficient light. As I go inside, I start sweating because there are 20 women learners, one educator and me. Obviously there begins a curious whisper. I give them a smile and concentrate on what Kanaklata is teaching. In a few minutes, all the women become engrossed in learning.

Revision lessons are going on. Kanaklata starts a lesson, know the ‘X’ (X H$s nhMmZ). She draws a letter

on the blackboard to make them understand all the curves of a letter. She further explains them with a card on which a letter is printed in bigger, bolder size so all can easily see it.

She asks them to tell words starting with X. Answers

start coming in clear, confident voices.

‘X’ go Xma

‘X’ go {Xdmb

‘X’ go XX©

‘X’ go X‘

‘X’ go XmoñVr says Prabhavati Saroj, "dosti, jaise meri

aur Meera ki hai!"

Prabhavati shows me her file. I see a few lines written about Meera in a clear childlike handwriting. I take a photo with my phone camera. Now Prabhavati is feeling proud as everybody is looking at her with admiration.

Kanaklata asks them to tell me what they have learned. In no time Saralabahen stands up and

starts counting bids in a chain (Manimala: A tool for counting exercise) straightway 1 to 100. Sharmilabahen starts reading a lesson with great ease. Seetabahen, Kusumbahen, Meerabahen, one by one write their names in bold letters on the blackboard.

"Wow!" I react, "How do you feel now that you know reading and writing?"

Again a series of reply; in clear, confident voices

"Very good Didi."

"Now we can read and know where the bus goes?"

"We can sign, now!"

"Now we know School reports of our children."

"Earlier people used to see us as ignorant. Now we go to the bank, write the slip and deposit or withdraw money."

"We all went together for voting. The officer gave us an ink pad to put our thumb impression but we took a pen and signed our names. The Officers kept on wondering."

All faces were blooming with happiness, confidence and feeling of self esteem.

Total, 25 women are learning in this centre cutting across castes and classes, sharing a common bond of learning. Noticeable percentage is of women from Saroj community. Pig-rearing being a traditional livelihood, they used to be placed almost at the bottom of the caste ladder. Many of them rely on labour wages as they do not have land. There are times when attendance in the centre fluctuates, but drop out percentage is very less.

Preeti Karmarkar, Pune

15 The BAIF Journal

Wishing them best in their endeavour, we proceed towards Rastipur. Here, the number of Muslim women is more. Along with them are Brahmin, Thakur and Kumhar women.

"We didn't even know each other earlier; forget visiting each other's homes….."

Now they are working together to learn. For an answer to some question, a serious discussion is going on between Saraswati and Mehrunnisa. There are a few young women in their early twenties. They have never gone to school but they are amused by this school. They have babies on their laps; some small children are playing around. Still the studies are on with joy and enthusiasm. That was a month of Ramadan (Ramzan), a month for keeping Roja, a day-long fast. Some are experiencing weakness; non-Muslim women are taking care of them. One can sense in the air, the enthusiasm for celebration of Id the next day.

Our next halt is Husainpur which is comparatively a remote village where hardly any NGO has reached. The centre is located on the main road before entering the village; there is a cool shadow of Neem tree. This centre was started late as compared to the others. I go inside and sit among them. Some discussion has started but most of the women are not participating. They seem to be under some stress. They are hesitant. One of them starts reading a lesson but she is stumbling. Their trainer Sushilabahen is also confused. The reading is still on; it is a story of a young woman, 'Chuka ki Kahani'. Chuka loses her parents and goes far away with her

Women’s Literacy Project is being supported by Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and implemented by BAIF in Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh through 40 learning centres. 1004 women are enrolled in these centres. So far, 624 women have completed the basic course and are now preparing for the advanced course.

brother for their livelihood; she has to face many difficulties. I could gather the gist of the story; which is a revelation for me to make them talk. I tell them to keep all books aside, assure them that it is not an exam so to keep aside all the fears regarding reading, writing, etc. I ask them whether one feels grief for Chuka. "She faced so many difficulties, so have you all" Everybody is quiet. I can see them heaving a sigh of relief. Slowly they start talking one by one;

"You are correct Didi; Chuka's grief is our grief."

"We too work hard, toil in the field for the whole day."

"We are just working and working every day."

"This is our story, Didi."

"Each one of us has her own story like Chuka."

The awkwardness has gone. They were stressed with many thoughts; what would the visitor ask? Whether they would be able to answer properly? What if they couldn't, etc. Now they are relaxed and they start telling me many things with a childlike enthusiasm.

Knowing the alphabets, reading/writing the words is indeed important. They may not have achieved perfection but they have correctly understood the meaning of those words and are even able to relate their text book lessons with their real life stories.

Wishing them well, I come out. Now neither the heat nor the sweat makes any difference to me. My mind is filled with admiration and respect for them. And the rain starts; which was awaited with hope. All faces lit up.

"Oh it's raining, so you will be busy in farms now." Although it is not my intention; but my words reveal concern about the attendance of the centre. Two of them come forward and hold my hand.

“May be just for a few days Didi, but we will definitely study." one of them assures me and looking at the rain, she continues "jeevan (life) to aage badhna chahiye na?"

Enjoying those drops of life, I take their leave.

The BAIF Journal16

Tribute to an Admirer of BAIF and a VisionaryDr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam dreamt of a Progressive India of Vaitagwadi. The villagers had proposed to and was concerned about the development of change the name of their village to "Abdul Kalam Rural People. Passing through a stressful wadi" during this visit. Dr. Kalam declined and childhood which made him sensitive to the distress suggested renaming the village as "Asha Kiran" of the rural poor, he made a mission to develop wadi after seeing the faith of the villagers in new Rural India through application of appropriate technologies. In January 2006, he visited science and technology and by Providing Urban Manjunathpura cluster in Tumkur district of Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA). He also Karnataka where he interacted with progressive conceived a realistic and viable Programme "Vision w o m e n f ro m s o c i o -2020" with a focus on economically backward grooming children to turn communities. He also into responsible citizens admired the work of BAIF to build a modern India. in roof top rainwater His dream was to build an harvesting programme e m p o w e r e d r u r a l which had helped the community which would villagers to recover from be literate to improve the fluorosis. In May 2007, he agricultural productivity visited the sodic land and to lead a life of dignity development programme without los ing their in Raniganj cluster of identity. Pratapgarh district of

Uttar Pradesh and interacted with farmers engaged Realising the practical approach of BAIF to support in dairy husbandry and sustainable agriculture. He the rural poor by providing sustainable livelihood, appreciated the leadership of local women in ably Dr. Kalam took time out from his busy schedule to managing socio-economic challenges through tour the programmes of BAIF and to observe the their SHGs. impact of various development programmes in Impressed with the commitment and impact of remote villages across the country. He graced the BAIF's programmes and its development strategy programmes of BAIF in various states during his apart from its understanding of mental and Presidential tenure between 2002 to 2007. During physical poverty, Dr. Kalam referred to these his visit to the BAIF Central Research Station at replicable models of poverty alleviation in his Urulikanchan in November 2002, he appreciated speeches on various occasions across the country the BAIF approach to take modern biotechnology and also in his Address to the Nation on the eve of to the doorstep of poor farmers to improve the Republic Day in 2006. productivity of livestock which was affordable and

widely replicable across the country. He was the As Dr. Kalam always realised the potential of the second President of India to visit CRS after the visit youth and considered them to be a focal point for of Dr. Zakir Hussain in 1967 to lay the Foundation development, during every visit, he spared Stone of BAIF. adequate time to interact with children and youth.

His inspiring address for the youth, sensitised them In March 2003, he visited BAIF's wadi programme to think about "What I will be remembered for?" in the remote villages of Gujarat located in the

dense tribal belt of Vansda in South Gujarat. In We pay our homage to this great son of the soil with October 2005, he visited the Sustainable humble beginnings who has left behind a rich Development - "Jana Utthan" Project in Igatpuri, legacy for the citizens of this country particularly Maharashtra and particularly to the tribal hamlet the youth.

Visit to Karnataka

The BAIF Journal17

Ears to the GroundListening to perspectives in current issues of women at the grassroots

Background

Since 1999,BAIF has been felicitating women groups from its programmes for their notable contribution to community development and socio-economic empowerment. To understand the existing situation in rural areas in the context of current socio-economic transitions in the areas of livelihood and quality of life, a study entitled "Ears to the Ground" has been taken up with these groups in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, where all the groups studied, belong to tribal communities except for UP.

Methodology

The study was undertaken in the following areas using Focus Group Discussions as the tool for generating information:

Ø Livelihood and technology

Ø Health and nutrition

Ø Gender and Governance in PRI

Initial Observations

The following observations have emerged from this study:

Ø Livelihood and technology

Agriculture is the major source of livelihood and women are extensively involved in agriculture-related work. Land remains in the name of men usually an elder in the family. Women have no access to land deeds and other important land documents.

Over the years, the crop production has increased. This is due to use of improved varieties, awareness and availability of water. After keeping aside some of the produce for home consumption, the bulk quantity is sold.

Year-round employment and food security are the noticeable changes.

Dairy husbandry by maintaining crossbred cows is a reliable source of livelihood for families in some parts of Gujarat. Although, it not a traditional activity for the tribals, since 2006-07, as credit was available through SHGs, 80% of the families have taken up this activity and are enjoying sustainable livelihood.

Landless families are able to secure work in the village. Men and women receive equal wages. Payment is done on a weekly basis and women have the right to retain their earnings. In many areas, men even hand over their wages to women.

Migration of women has reduced to a great extent. Even men do not migrate as often as they used to earlier.

Most of the women own cellular phones and although they have understood how to receive calls, some of them are still not able to make calls.

Farm machinery such as tractors, pumps, motors, sprayers, etc are generally handled by men.

80% of the SHG members have their own savings bank account.

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

Women expressed the need for greater capacity building and awareness in livelihood and technology aspects.

Ø

The diet of all the families has improved with intake of green leafy vegetables and the quantity of food cooked is also sufficient food thereby indicating that food security is enjoyed by the families. All the family members follow a system of eating together. Rice is the staple food in tribal areas while in Uttar Pradesh, it is wheat.

Safe drinking water is ensured with strict hygiene control and maintenance thereby reducing the incidences of diseases.

Most of the women visit the primary health centre or consult a health guide without delay for minor ailments such as headache, body ache and back pain and take preventive medicines to prevent the problem from becoming serious.

All the women visit the hospital at the time of their confinement. They have also become aware that if the weight of the newborn is less than 2.5 kg, it is underweight and needs immediate attention. All the children are immunised against infectious diseases.

Ø Gender

Earlier, the family size was large with an average family of 5 to 6 children but now with awareness of the benefits of a small family, most of the families do not have more than two children. The disparity between girl or boy child has reduced.

With better access to education and freedom to attend schools, girls are aspiring for higher education. Realising the value of education, their parents are also encouraging them to pursue higher studies even if it means that they have to send their daughters outside the village or admit them in a hostel.

The marriageable age of girls has increased from 19 to 21 years. In UP, dowry continues to be a matter of serious concern. However, there is a change now as the parents of the girls subject to dowry harassment no longer suffer in silence but take suitable action by lodging complaints with the local police station.

In tribal areas, widowhood is not considered a stigma and widows have the right to remarry.

In UP, earlier, domination by men was prevalent. However, after the formation of groups in various villages, the men have changed their outlook and have started respecting women and their views.

Ø Governance

Today, there is greater awareness among the women about Government schemes. All the members of the groups attend the Gram Sabha regularly and also exercise their vote. However, women are still not aware of the functioning and role of the Panchayat.

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

Health and nutrition

18 The BAIF Journal

Regional News

MAHARASHTRA

Hon'ble Chief Minister of Punjab, Shri. Parkash Singh Badal visited the BAIF Central Research Station at Urulikanchan near Pune on June 9, 2015. He was accompanied by Shri. Cheema,

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister.

Shri. Girish G. Sohani, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF, briefed the Chief Minister and his team about the sustainable rural development programme launched by BAIF in 1967. He further highlighted the pioneering role of BAIF in taking the Artificial Insemination delivery programme to the doorsteps of small farmers in 12 dairy states through more than 4000 dairy animal production centres with genetic upgradation of non-descript cattle and buffaloes being the major focus apart from conservation and improvement of indigenous breeds of cattle and buffaloes.

Mr. Ramesh Rawal, Executive Vice President, BAIF informed the Chief Minister about the work of BAIF in five districts of Punjab through the establishment of 100 Integrated Buffalo Development Centres for upgradation of buffaloes. The buffalo development programme has made positive impact on the livelihood of 130,000 marginal and landless families since inception of the programme in 2010 leading to the birth of more than 2 lakh calves, he added. Under the bull production and procurement programme initiated by BAIF, elite buffaloes and cows are selected on the basis of their performance recording and the male calves produced in the process are used for semen production, he further added.

Dr. Ashok B. Pande, Senior Vice President, BAIF, briefed the dignitaries about the technological advancements made at the Central Research Station in the areas of molecular genetics, animal nutrition and seed technology to develop good production practices for benefit of rural communities.

The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction with the work of BAIF - "My visit to BAIF has been an eye opener. The institute is doing an excellent job both in crop and animal husbandry", he stated and extended an invitation to BAIF to establish a similar Technology Development Centre in Punjab. He also took a multi cut forage variety of bajra (BAIF Bajra-1) released at the national level and sufficient for sowing on one acre of land for sowing in Punjab. Dr. Jayant R. Khadse, Chief Campus Coordinator and other BAIF scientists were also present on the occasion.

Chief Minister of Punjab visits BAIF

UTTARAKHAND

A review of the programmes being implemented by BAIF in various districts of Uttarakhand was chaired by the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Shri. Harish Rawat at the Bijapur Guest House in Dehradun

on July 5, 2015. The meeting convened by Mr. A.K. Pandey, Chief Development Officer, Dehradun was attended by Mr. Ramesh Rawal, Executive Vice President, BAIF, Mr. R.M. Shukla, Additional Chief Programme Coordinator and Dr. S.K. Singh, Thematic Programme Executive, BAIF. Mr. C.P. Mohan, CGM, Mr. H.K. Sablania, DGM, Mr. R.P. Singh, AGM and Mr. P.K. Mishra, DDM, NABARD were also present.

Mr. Rawal provided an overview of the work highlighting the progress in the tribal development programme

through promotion of wadi, improved vegetables, smokeless chulha, sericulture and heifer rearing with very

BAIF Programme Appreciated byChief Minister of Uttarakhand

19 The BAIF Journal

favourable response from the Chief Minister who was extremely impressed with the progress and received a

similar feedback from NABARD senior officials present for the high-level meeting. They were joined by the

CDO, Dehradun who also praised the impact of the programme and recommended replication of this

programme under the model village programme launched by the Government of Uttarakhand. He was advised

by the CM to distribute 5 plants of guava to each family participant under ITDP, Sabhawala project. The other

highlights covered hill area development programme in Khetikhan through promotion of horticulture

plantation, establishment of poly houses, water management and silvipasture development under Van

Panchayat land and new initiatives such as promotion of mini apple tree, French breed and Water Box

technology. The future plan of developing a training and demonstration centre at Khetikhan in Champavat

district was also shared and the Hon'ble Chief Minister assured support to develop this centre.

Based on his satisfaction with the work undertaken by BAIF, the Chief Minister directed the Senior team from

BAIF to develop a detailed project proposal for all the blocks of Almora district selecting a cluster of 700 to 1000

families in each block including Monari village in Bhikiyasen block of Almora district and similarly, select one

cluster from the remaining 12 districts for funding with criteria on location of poor families and those having

less than 0.5 acre land and including components such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Fodder Development

through Vanpanchayat and Water conservation/ management. BAIF was also advised to develop a good

nursery of walnut plants or provide the source where we can purchase quality grafts of walnut. Traditional

practice of "Chal Khal" for water conservation in hill regions was emphasised.

In the International Year of Soils, BAIF Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chaswad, Dist. Bharuch in association with

Bharuch District Agriculture Department, Government of Gujarat celebrated World Soil Day on December 5,

2015 at KVK Campus, Chaswad.

On this occasion as Chief Guest, Shri. Sandipsinh Mangrola, Chairman, Shri. Ganesh Sugar Cooperative, Valia

stressed on the adoption of recommended package of practices to reduce cost of cultivation and fertiliser use

based on soil testing. He also advised farmers to balance soil fertility status to reap maximum production by

using facility of soil analysis at Shri Ganesh Sugar Cooperative.

Shri. Mansukhbhai Vasava, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, GoI chaired the programme. He informed

the participants about soil as a "solid ground for infinite life". He emphasized on making effort to maintain soil

as a living entity through use of biofertilisers and organic manure. He also expressed his pleasure about the

progress of BAIF and KVK. The programme included lectures on Importance and Sustainability of Soil Health,

Utility of Soil Health Card in Agriculture, Enhancement of Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE), Use of Biofertilizers,

Role of micro nutrients in plant growth and uptake of major nutrients. The lectures were delivered by

Mr. Mahendra Patel and Mr. Lalit Patil of KVK, Chaswad. Practical training on soil sampling was imparted by Mr.

D. J. Modi and Mr. S. R. Gomkale of KVK, Chaswad.

The stall at KVK demonstrating importance of soil, soil sampling procedure and testing, district soil map,

various micronutrients grades and biofertilisers was arranged by Mr. H. M. Vasava and Ms. N. S. Limbachiya.

Dr. K. G. Patel, Principal, College of Agriculture, Bharuch, Dr. J. G. Patel, Principal, Polytechnic College of

Agriculture, Bharuch, Dr. D. D. Patel, Asso. Professor, College of Agriculture, Bharuch, Mr. B. S. Panchal, DAO,

Bharuch and Mr. K. S. Patel, Project Director, ATMA Project, Bharuch were special guests and spoke on the

occasion.

1142 Soil Health Cards and kits of biofertilisers and micronutrients were distributed among the farmers.

Around 1200 farmers, farm women, scientists and representatives from BAIF participated in the programme.

GUJARATBAIF - KVK Celebrates World Soil Day

20 The BAIF Journal

Kesar Mango Festival at BAIFesar mangoes commonly known as the queen of mangoes, is well known for its quality, shape, fruit, colour of the pulp, taste and shelf life. Generally K

grown in Gujarat, this variety is slightly smaller in size than the Alphonso variety but it has a unique taste. Kesar is available in the months of May and June.

At Vasundhara Agri Horti Producer Company Ltd (VAPCOL), Pune, marketing of fresh Kesar variety of mangoes was launched in 2007. Over the years, VAPCOL has strengthened its brand image and has been organising the supply of this superior quality mango to urban retailers using effective communication strategies including verbal communication resulting in the sustainability of this venture.

During the year, the farmers' cooperative procurred 59 tons of Kesar mangoes from 700 to 800 small and marginal wadi holders spread over 15 to 20 villages of Vansda in Navsari district of South Gujarat.

To reach out to a wider consumer segment, VAPCOL organised a two-day "Kesar Mango Festival" on May 30-31, 2015 at the premises of BAIF in Pune. Through this event, Kesar was formally introduced by VAPCOL in Pune. The marketing strategies included development of attractive posters and flyers. Posters were put up at petrol pump kiosks and on public transport buses for wider publicity apart from E-mail and Facebook invites and announcements in leading newspapers of Pune.

Based on these initiatives, attention was drawn to the festival and nearly 2000 visitors visited the festival. Kesar mangoes amounting to 2 tons were sold during the festival which also showcased tribal bamboo handicrafts, silk and cotton garments, handmade quill jewellery and snack and juice counters. This event was able to send out an important message to urban customers that brand Vrindavan provides the best quality mangoes of the season while direct marketing through VAPCOL was able to fetch good returns for the farmers' cooperative and also enabled the customer to enjoy best quality fresh mangoes at a modest price. It is planned to take this effort forward and make it an annual event and to increase the sale of fresh mangoes by three-folds.

To popularise millets and to ensure its inclusion in one's diet for better health, a "Millet Food Festival" was held on April 5, 2015 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. If taken on

regular basis, millets which are a naturally energetic food and nutritious, can prevent cancer and cardiovascular diseases, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and incidences of tumour occurrence. With a view to combat

malnutrition through popularisation of finger millet and other millets and to create awareness among the urban people about this miracle grain, an exhibition-cum-sale of various millet products was held. It is aimed to bring out a recipe book on various preparations using millet and to ensure its wide scale distribution. The visitors were served with a welcome drink made of Finger millet (Nagli) locally

known as Ambil. 10 food products were prepared. They were able to savour delectable preparations with fried millets and millet Manchurian balls being the most preferred along with savouries such as Chakli and Sev. People also purchased Finger millet grains and flour during the exhibition-cum sale.

Millet Food Festival

- Rama Mishra, VAPCOL, Pune

- Vandana Maurya, SBI Youth for India Fellow

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

BAIF Integrated Development Programme in Madhya Pradesh appreciated by

Government of Australia on their Website

Registration with R.N.I., Registration No.: 39839/82

BAIF was awarded the 8th Agriculture Leadership Award for its significant contribution

to agricultural development in the country. The award instituted by the National

Magazine, "Agriculture Today", was conferred on BAIF at the Agriculture Leadership

Summit 2015 held on September 18, 2015 in New Delhi. The award was received by

Mr. Ramesh Rawal, Executive Vice

President, BAIF from Shri. Rajnath

Singh, Union Home Minister, in the

presence of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan,

Mr. Aphonsus Stoelinga, Ambassador

of Netherlands, Shri. K.S. Solanki,

Governor of Haryana and Mr. Siraj

Hussain, Secretary, Agriculture,

Government of India.

AGRICULTURE LEADERSHIP AWARD for