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Report on
Sustainable Community-based Approaches to Livelihoods Enhancement (SCALE) Programme
Sajjata Sangh
Project Leader: Natu Macwana
Gujarat, India
Report prepared for – Aga Khan Foundation, New Delhi
Period January – December 2010
C/O Development Support Centre
Near Government Tube Well
Bopal, Ahmedabad: 380 058
Phone: + 91-2717-235994, 235995,
E-mail: [email protected]
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Executive Summary
DSC has promoted a network Sajjata Sangh (SS) which has 31 NGO partners across the state. These
partners work, in about 8000 villages in rainfed and irrigated areas. The main focus of SS is to
promote and build capacities of NGOs as well as Community Based Organisatios on agriculture
productivity enhancement, cost reduction, risk mitigation and value addition.
Project Goal
To contribute to rural poverty reduction through innovative community based approaches to natural
resource management and livelihood enhancement that are suitable for wider adoption by
government and others.
Progress
The year started with a state level workshop on Weather Insurance to initiate a policy dialogue to
introduce Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) in the state. About 145 participants
including Mr. K.N.Rao, Deputy General Manager, Agriculture Insurance Company, Dr. B.S.Suran,
General Manager, NABARD, Mr. Apoorva Oza, CEO, AKRSP(I), Mr. Zubin, Progamme Head,
Oxfam India, policy holders, farmers, representatives from Sajjata Sangh partners, media
professionals etc have participated in the same Experiences of the weather-based crop insurance in
Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Gujarat shared during this event were helpful to initiate
dialogue with the Government of Gujarat to increase role of Government in promotion of weather
insurance in the state. Issues such as high premium rates and reference weather stations were
highlighted by policy holders.
The intervention on developing and promoting weather insurance by the Sangh has been recognized
by NABARD by sanctioning Rs. 83.79 lakh for three year period to subsidize premium of rainfall
insurance. Costal Salinity Prevention Cell (CSPC) initiated by AKRSP (I) and Sir Ratan Tata Trust
(SRTT) has sanctioned a grant of Rs. 4.29 lakh for promotional activities carried out under weather
insurance initiative in coastal area.
Total 4223 farmers including 2818 (67%) small/marginal farmers have been covered under weather
insurance for Kharif 2010. Farmers contributed Rs. 27.72 Lakh as premium and total 3118 (74%)
farmers have received total payout of Rs. 27.90. For the first time in the state, Sajjata Sangh has piloted
weather insurance covering risk of temperature, humidity and unseasonal rainfall for the crop of wheat
and cumin in Rabi 2010 season. Total 1409 farmers covering 1599 acres of land have been insured
under weather insurance scheme in 12 talukas of 6 districts.
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During the year Sajjata Sangh continued to adopt and strengthen innovative models of farmer-centric
agriculture extension. “Sajjatano Sang Lave Khetima Rang”- radio programme completed 200
episodes during this period. The year 2010 was celebrated as SAMPARK VARSH. During this year
radio team has visited about 1200 listeners in 8 districts.
The Agriculture Department requested SS to use the wheat calendar developed during 2009 for
wider dissemination. About 50,000 copies have been printed and disseminated during the Krushi
Mahotsav and other training programmes organized by the Department. The Extension Director of
Junagadh and Anand Agriculture University have appreciated wheat calendar and audio CD on
cotton and groundnut published by Sajjata Sangh.
Total 85 NGO staff members from Sajjata Sangh partner organizations and 282 members from
farmer organizations/CBOs have participated in various exposure visits, capacity building
workshops and meetings organized on subjects such as livestock development, organic cotton,
weather insurance etc during the year.
In coordination with Dr. Tushaar Shah, Sajjata Sangh has started a study on “The collective effort
of NGOs in strengthening the backbone of Gujarat’s sustainable agriculture: Impact of
irrigation, watershed and allied activities”. This study will highlight the contribution and impact of
the work done by NGOs for sustainable agriculture which will give a recognition and visibility to
NGOs of Gujarat at state and national level.
Sajjata Sangh has partnered with different state and National level networks such as Voluntary
Action Network India (VANI), International Network of Alternative Financial Institutions (INAFI),
India Development Gateway and WASSAN to co-host state level workshop on various subjects such
as voluntary action policy, Weather Insurance, Information Technology for agriculture and allied
services and Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWDP) etc.
Sajjata Sangh has collaborated with Credibility Alliance under a special Accreditation Drive for
small NGOs. As a result of constant coordination with Credibility Alliance and applicant partner
organization, MAHITI, SARTHI and Shroffs Foundation have been awarded with accreditation
during this period. 3
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Narrative Section
Result I: INCREASED AWARENESS AND ADOPTION OF APPROACHES THROUGH
DISSEMINATION OF BEST PRACTICES
1.1. A. Development of Radio Programme to promote improved agricultural practices
amongst farmers, with particular focus on the need and priorities of small and marginal
farmers in drought-hit regions of the state.
Year 2010 was very successful for the radio programme as it completed 200 episodes in December
2010. Total 52 episodes were produced and aired during the period. A series of episodes on land
development were very inspiring and becoming popular. As per the need of farmers, special episodes
on Weather insurance, weather based crop planning, importance of certified seeds were designed
which were very popular.
The radio programme emphasized on adoption of low cost technology to small and marginal
farmers. The year was celebrated as SAMPARK VARSH. More than 1200 farmers have been
contacted by radio team through field visit, Shrota Sammellan etc. It is observed that farmers have
utilized information related weather and climate change forecasted on radio programme. Sajjata
Sangh also had focused on promotion of organic farming as cost reduction tool. Sajjata Sangh
partner organizations are now actively involved in the programme to make it widespread.
Representatives from partner organization have participated in Shrota Sammelan and shared their
views to make this useful.
Workshops for sharing experiences of radio programme
Sajjata Sangh and DSC conducted a seminar for NGOs which were producing radio programmes as
a means of extension. Six NGOs from the state viz. Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA),
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India) [AKRSP(I)], Janpath, Drishti, Centre for Social Justice
(CSJ) participated in the workshop. They shared their methodology of production of radio
programme and the problems faced with All India Radio.
Sajjata Sangh and DSC also conducted a Shrota Sammelan where more than 70 listeners attended
from about 11 districts. The participants discussed their experiences and shared how the radio
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programme had been useful during Rabi and summer season. They shared the problems related to
their crops and animal husbandry. Mr. U A Parasara and Dr Sawani from Amul Dairy provided
appropriate guidance. They also took an oath for creating awareness on the radio programme in
nearby villages.
Avaaj Otalo
On the basis of a pilot project on spoken web with IBM Research Laboratory, from January 2010
DSC with the help of Mr. Neil Patel- a doctoral student of Stanford University initiated its own
spoken web which can be accessed by dialing 07930142000. The main feature of DSC’s Avaaj Otalo
is quick search and fast forward facilities with Q&A, Mahiti Vibhag, Anubhav and previous Radio
episodes.
The Avaaj Otalo caters to the needs of farmers by a mobile phone. Total 300 listeners have been
benefited under Margdarshan Seva. An average of 15 hits has been registered under AO. Mr. Rushi,
a student from Standford university is now associated with AO experiment and he found it to be a
very useful ICT based communication tool to empower small and marginal farmers.
JATAN an organization promoting organic farming in Gujarat has studied and adopted this AO
model as an effective extension.
1.3 Developing Agriculture based IEC material
a. crop-specific CDs
Last year Sajjata Sangh had produced CDs on cotton and groundnut. This year Sajjata Sangh
developed CDs on wheat and castor. The 40 minute CD covers information on necessary scientific
practices such as land preparation, sowing practices, irrigation management, practices to cope up
with pest and diseases etc. For easy understanding and sustaining the attention of farmers, a drama
format is used. A series of CDs for major four crops have now been developed. 500 copies of each
crop was disseminated during shrota sammelan, partners meetings, training etc.
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b. crop calendar
During the last year Sajjata Sangh published a crop calendar on wheat. This year Sajjata sangh
published crop calendar on maize and cotton. These calendars contain information on organic
farming and IPM approaches. Compilation of these calendars is based on guidance and observations
from agriculture experts from partner organizations, Dr. S.M. Khanorkar (Head & Senior Research
Scientist, Main Maize Research Station, Godhra), Dr. V.Kumar (Research Scientist, Main Cotton
Research Station, Navsari), Dr. U.A.Parasara (Agriculturist, UPL), Dr. Maheshbhai Patel (Professor
and Head, Dept. of Agriculture, Anand Agriculture University) and Dr. J.G. Patel (Department of
Extension Education, Anand Agriculture University). As recommended by scientists, in IPM
chemical insecticides/pesticides have to be used in a manner which is least disruptive to biological
control. Total 500 copies of both the calendars have been printed and disseminated to the partner
organizations and farmers.
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Result II: TRAINING AND EXPOSURE VISITS FOR SAJJATA SANGH PARTNERS FOR
CAPACITY BUILDING
Sajjata Sangh organized total 4 training cum exposure visits, 5 regional meetings during the year.
Total 85 NGO staff members from Sajjata Sangh partner organizations and 282 members from
farmer organizations/CBOs have participated in different capacity building events.
2.1.1 Training-cum exposure visit on Livestock Development
A two day training and exposure visit was organized on 11-12, March 2010 in collaboration with
Anand Agriculture University (AAU) under RKVY scheme. About 74 farmers and 10 staff members
from partner organizations participated in this event. An exposure visit was organized at Nandanvan
farm which is well developed and maintained stable by Manishaben Patel at Valasan village of
Anand district. Veterinary doctors & professors of Anand Agriculture University, Senior Manager
from AMUL and Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry from Anand and Gandhinagar provided
inputs in this training. Participants received basic knowledge about food and fodder, diseases and it’s
precautionary and curative measures, new emerging technology – hydroponic fodder, care for
pregnant cows and calf etc. Participants were very happy with the exposure and various session
organized during the training. A group of 12 farmers including 5 women from Maan and Jobat
(M.P) field area of DSC also participated in the workshop.
Unique features:
1. The training was co-hosted by AAU under RKVY scheme.2. Each scientist /veterinary doctors provided inputs on issues raised by only without formal
presentation. 3. An Exposure was organized at Nandanvan farm at Valasan, Anand which is run by one
woman named Manishaben Patel.4. Shared information on hydroponic fodder- a new technology for fodder.5. Sessions were conducted at farms of university.
2.1.3 Training cum exposure visit on organic farming of cotton
Training and exposure visit was organized on organic farming of cotton on 13th & 14th December,
2010 at Vivekanand Reseach Training Institute, Mandvi. About 60 participants from 10 partner 8
organizations participated in the workshop. First day the group has visited the farm of Kantibhai, a
small farmer growing organic cotton. The group also visited Agrocel Company who promotes
organic cotton in Gujarat. Shri Maheshbhai Patel from Suminter Company gave the information on
Certification process, it’s need, benefits and issues. Shri Jaswantbhai from Kutch Navnirman
Abhiyan – SETU and their farmers shared their experiences on organic farming. He shared
experiences of the Producer Company promoted by SETU. On the second day of the workshop, Shri
Shaileshbhai, Agrocel, Shri Mahesh Kankal - cotton connect and Shri Shailesh Vyas from Satvik
provided technical guidance on inputs, marketing, certification etc. Participants were happy to know
about organic farming market, fair trade and better cotton initiative, process to deal with farmers,
consumers, retailer, spinner, ginner etc. in the concluding session, the panelist Shri Shaileshbhai
Vyas, Shri Pramod Sahu from CSPC and Shri Pankaj Dave from AKRSPI-sayla shared their views
on way forward. It was planned that Agrocel will assist NGOs for fair trade and other market
linkages and CSPC will support coastal area partner NGOs to initiate pilot for organic cotton
farming. A representative from Sumintar Company also gave surety for the marketing of organic
cotton and other crops after studying possibilities.
2.1.4 Documentation on application of new wheat varieties by Sajjata Sangh partners
Sajjata Sangh had conducted an exposure visit to Madhya Pradesh for 56 participants – farmers and
NGO staff. About 10 farmers purchased four new varieties of wheat i.e. HI-1500, HI-1479, HI 8498,
HI-1418 and took up trial plots in their respective fields. Two follow-up workshops and two visits
were organized to share the management practices adopted, suitability of new varieties and its yield
potential. Follow-up workshops were organized at Bagasara in Amreli district and Mahuva in
Bhavnagar district. It is observed that the varieties can be grown with only 2 to 5 watering instead of
10 to 15 watering for local varieties. However, it needs to be studied whether these varieties are
suitable for saline areas or not. The Sajjata Sangh has collected data on the experiences and
performance of the new wheat varieties which have been tried out in different regions of Gujarat by
the farmers. Total 8 organizations have mobilized about 750 farmers for sowing less irrigated wheat
variety. Total 4560 kg seeds of HI 1500 & HI 8498 have been provided to farmers on their own cost
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in Rabi 2010 season. This internal document will be further developed incorporating experiences of
other farmers.
2.1.5 Regional level meeting with partners on issues of NRM and rain fed agriculture
Five regional meetings were organized during the year. Out of 31 partner organisations, 29 actively
participated in such meetings. Discussion on status of each activity planned under Work plan 2010
was made during meetings. Participants also shared their feedback on activities to be proposed for
work plan 2011.
Meeting of eastern/ southern tribal regional centre was hosted by Shroffs Foundation Trust, Kalali,
Baroda; meeting of central and north Gujarat partners was hosted by Manav Kalyan Trust at
Khedbramha and M.G. Patel Sarvoday Kendra at Virampur. Such meetings have been proved to be
very useful tool to scale up radio programme which is a well organized agriculture extension effort
of Sajjata Sangh and DSC. Participants also suggested decentralizing certain programmes to create
visibility of the Sangh at district level. The promotion of less irrigated wheat variety, scaling up of
weather insurance as risk mitigation tool in rainfed agriculture and issues of spurious seed were
discussed during the meetings. Partners have suggested to organize a workshop on Seed Act for
agriculture staff of NGOs. This activity is proposed under work plan 2011.
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Result III: IMPROVED AND RESPONSIVE PROCEDURAL FRAMEWORK FOR RURAL
LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT AND NRM AT STATE LEVEL ACHIEVED.
3.1. State level workshop on Weather Insurance
The Sajjata Sangh organized a state level workshop on 6th March, 2010 for sharing the experiences
of weather insurance. About 145 participants including policy holders, farmers, NGO workers,
practitioners, bankers and insurance company, media etc participated in the same. Experiences of the
weather-based crop insurance in various states including initiatives in Gujarat by Sajjata Sangh and
SEWA, Andhra Pradesh by BASIX, Maharashtra by Micro-Ensure and in Rajasthan by the
Agriculture Insurance Company were shared. Linkages and role of Government in promotion of
weather insurance in each state was highlighted by each presenter. The policy holders in Gujarat
shared their experiences and issues related to rainfall insurance policies made during Kharif 2009. A
majority of them were of the view that it was a very useful product and should be scaled up further.
Two major issues identified were the need to subsidize the premium rates which at present were in
the range of 12% to 15% and in some cases even more and the need for having more weather
stations. There was discussion on the proposed strategy and approach for scaling up of weather-
based crop insurance as a potent tool for risk mitigation of farmers in Gujarat particularly to help
them counter the adverse impacts of climate change. As a result of the discussion and experience
sharing during the workshop, NABARD agreed to support Sajjata Sangh for further scaling up.
3.2 Influence policies and programs of government
State level Consultative workshop on National policy on voluntary organization and
implication of direct tax code”
In continuation of the consultation on ‘Voluntary Action Policy’ organized by VANI in
collaboration with Sajjata Sangh, Janvikas, EDI and UNNATI at EDI, another state consultative
workshop was organized on 18th January 2010 at Ahmedabad Management Association. The agenda
of the workshop was to review the progress on the Voluntary Action Policy and the implications of
the Draft Direct Tax Code.
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A committee was formed to prepare a draft the state policy. A session on Direct Tax Code (DTC)
was facilitated by Sajjata Sangh. Mr. C.A.Shah, Charted Accountant explained DTC in detail.
Weather Insurance
Exposure Visit for Weather Insurance:
Weather plays a very important role in deciding the quality and quantity of the produce. It can make
or break a farmer’s fortune. Not only rainfall but other weather parameters such as humidity,
temperature etc also play a role in crops, growth of pests and fungal diseases. Winter crops such as
wheat and cumin crop production is highly unpredictable and risky business and so there is a need of
institutional financial support to cover associated risks. An exposure visit was held at Dungarpur &
Udaipur districts of Rajasthan from 28 – 30th October 2010 with 26 participants from 10 partner
organizations. The groups has visited village Auda where CII, JK insurance broker agency are
involved in promotion of weather insurance. CII shared their experiences on weather insurance.
After the exposure with villagers, Mr. Arindom from Centre for Insurance and Risk Management
(CIRM) discussed the product design. On the second day the group visited the Agriculture
Department at Udaipur. Mr. Verma, Joint director –agriculture, Udaipur informed about role of the
state government in product design, extension activities and marketing of weather insurance product.
They thereafter visited village Gudael of Udaipur. Badlav Organization promotes weather insurance
in this village. Mr. Anil Kothari, Director, Badlav has shared their experiences on promotion of
weather insurance in village. Farmers explained about wheat product and process of claim
settlement. After the visit, Mr. Anil Kothari took one session on Rabi product of Wheat and cumin.
He explained the components of the product in detail.
Result of the workshop:
Sajjata Sangh piloted weather insurance products for Rabi crop such as wheat and cumin for 2010
season. Very first time farmers were made aware about the insurance package covering temperature,
humidity and unseasonal rain affecting to wheat and cumin crop. As a result total 1409 farmers
covering 1599 acres of land has been insured under weather insurance scheme in 12 talukas of 6
districts.
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Coverage under Kharif 2010 season:
Kharif 2010 was a very encouraging season for Sajjata Sangh to promote rainfall insurance in
Gujarat, particularly after NABARD’s support to farmers associated with Sajjata Sangh Partner
NGOs. NABARD has sanctioned a grant assistance of Rs. 83.79 lakh to Sajjata Sangh for
implementation of the three years project ‘Sustainable up scaling of weather based crop insurance in
Gujarat’. Total 9 Partner Organizations of Sajjata Sangh had undertaken promotional activities in 35
blocks of 9 districts focussed on extensive coverage of locations and farmers. Kharif 2010 season
also witnessed the participation of organizations like Shri Khambhat Taluka Anusuchit Jati Sahakari
Kheti Utpadak Sangh Ltd. - Daheda, Manav Kalyan Trust – Khedbrahma, Sadguru Foundation –
Dahod, and DSC – Meghraj unit, which had not participated in the earlier rainfall initiatives of
Sajjata Sangh.
Due to limitations of time available for promotional activities, partner organizations were constrained
in reaching out to the maximum number of farmers to make them aware about rainfall insurance.
However, with the support of AIC and NABARD, Partner Organizations have put in their utmost
efforts to achieve the coverage of 5000 farmers. Nearly 4300 farmers covering 5227 acres of land
have been covered under rainfall insurance for Kharif 2010 season. The main crops covered were
cotton, groundnut, maize and paddy.
Immediate benefit to policy holders
Against the total premium of Rs. 40.76 lakhs, NABARD has contributed Rs. 13.04 lakh in the form
of premium subsidy to the insured farmers. Out of total premium contribution of Rs. 27.72 lakh from
farmers, they have received payout of Rs. 27.90 lakh from AIC.
Out of total 4223 farmers, 3118 farmers have received payout in range of Rs. 13 to 2911 in Kharif 2010
per acre.
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NGO Accreditation:
A mutual agreement has been made to initiate accreditation process for member organizations of
Sajjata Sangh on the base of minimum norms set by Credibility Alliance (C.A). Interested members
of Sajjata Sangh would be given a discount of 25% on accreditation fees (i.e. administration costs of
CA). Organisations such as the Shroff Foundation, Deepak Charitable Trust, Sikshan and Samaj
Kalyan Kendra (SSKK), Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF) have applied for the same in first phase.
Meanwhile Prakriti Foundation, Sarthi, Mahiti, SSKK, Gram Vikas Trust, Vishwa Vatsalya and
Utthan, has been included in a special Accreditation Drive with the help of a grant from Canadian
High Commission to be implemented in the year 2010 where total accreditation fees would be
waived for Small / medium level voluntary organisation. (Organization with annual receipts up to
Rs 25 Lakhs is termed as small and above Rs 25 lakhs upto Rs 1 Crore is termed as medium).
As a result of constant coordination with Credibility Alliance and applicant partner organization,
MAHITI, SARTHI and Shroffs Foundation have awarded with accreditation during this period.
3.3. Research and documentation on contribution of Sajjata Sangh partners and other NGOs
in agriculture growth rate of Gujarat: This is a two year research study being planned in
consultation with Dr. Tushaar Shah. A preliminary meeting with Dr. Tushaar was organized on 30th
June 2010 where member organizations had shared their views on proposed study. Methodology and
scope of the study was discussed during the meeting. As per the discussion and suggestions received
from partner organization the study will be titled as “The collective effort of NGOs in
strengthening the backbone of Gujarat’s sustainable agriculture: Impact of irrigation,
watershed and allied activities”. Final ToR has been signed between the Sajjata Sangh and India
Natural Resource Economics and Management (INREM) Foundation during this period.
The study was started in November 2010 and will be completed by June 2011. Through meetings
with the network partners and communication, INREM will capture the individual work of each
NGO as well as the common attributes that can be summed up. For example, some initiative will
have a very local appeal to the community there eg. Salinity control measures, whereas another can
be transported to a much larger level eg. Check dams. This study will capture all such ideas, both in
a objective way – as much as possible with measurable indicators and data – as well as in a
descriptive manner of case studies of work of the NGOs. The study will also involve self-assessment
by the NGOs. 14
A list of responsible member from each organization was prepared by Sajjata Sangh. The agency
has started dialogue with them on phone and the first round will be on a general level to make
categories of work of different NGOs. As a part of the first round data collection a questionnaire has
been shared with all partner organization for their feedback.
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