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Facilitating Post-Harvest Technology of Paddy- Story of Keshbandh village (Dangs)

By : GSWMA

Preface:- 

The agriculture in India was, so far, largely dependent on farmers who were using the conventional methods of agriculture. But nowadays, modern agriculture in India has shown significant progress in terms of infusion of technology and improved agricultural practices. Farmers have adapted to rapid diversification, mechanization and value addition practices, leading to better returns, more value added products and growing opportunities for various agri-input suppliers. However, at the same time, farmers are facing severe constraints in terms of receiving quality extension services, proving to be a major bottleneck for future growth. At the same time, increasing modernization of agriculture is also opening up better business opportunities for specialized agriculture extension services and enterprise development.

Background of study:- 

The Dangs is the tribal district of South Zone in Gujarat District. Agriculture is one of the main livelihood occupations in this region while various constrains like rainfall dependence, lack of extension services and quality inputs making this profession insecure to support the growing population. Alternatives livelihood options are limited due to natural constraints like lack of water and the quality of land. The main limitations for increasing productivity of agriculture are the quality and quantity of land and water. The cropping pattern is adjusted as per this topographical condition. Farming in Dangs can be considered as the most challenging tank due high slope of land (more than 60%), extreme rainfall during rainy season, lack of irrigation facility, lack of transport facilities etc. Paddy is the main crop in this region and farmers practise traditional methods for dehusking and winnowing of the grains. Dehusking is done by beating the grains on wooden pallet placed on open ground. After dehusking, winnowing is done by dropping the grains in wind direction. Then the rice is kept in ground without any cover. As dehusking is done in ground the entire grain is not collected for further processes and there is a loss of nearly 8-10% of grains. After dehusking, the winnowing process is entirely dependent on nature. Even during storage the open storage of grains are also exposed to adverse climatic risks. Hence there is a considerable amount of loss of produces in the entire post harvesting process. Although desirable, but in tribal zone the per capita income of the farmers is very low and it is difficult to purchase an electric fan for winnowing or a polythene sheet (Tadpatri) for covering the harvested grain. All these factors are resisting the farmer to come out of the vicious cycle of poverty.

Intervention under IWMP:- 

Keshbandh village from IWMP-1 Kakshala with a total population of about 1200 has been selected for this intervention. Farming community comprises around 62%. The total agriculture land is around 42ha land out of which paddy is grown in 32ha land approximately. Yearly production of paddy is around 9600kg which generates income of Rs. 11,5200 considering Rs. 13-15 price per kg.

Under the head of livelihood & micro-enterprise polythene sheets (tadpatri) were provided to 42 farmers & 4 electric fans and 5 hand fans were provided to a user group (UG). The cost of tadpatri is Rs 2395 and cost of electric fan is Rs 7300. The electric fans are being used on a sharing basis of the community. Because of tadpatri the loss of grain has reduce to nearly 10 % due to ease of collecting the grains. Due to electric fan farmers are no longer depending on wind. It is also observed that the percentage of husk in final marketable grains is lesser than earlier process. Vasubhai Manashyabhai Gavit is a member of the UG and according to him under ideal condition the net profit per ha ranges between Rs 2300-3900. Apart from direct benefits, now post harvesting operation takes lesser time and hence farmers get involved in separate activities to earn additional income.

Estimated income is mentioned below


Before condition:
After condition:-
Final yield per ha:
900-1200 kg
1000-1300 kg
Price Per kg :
Rs. 14-15
Rs. 14-15
Income:
Rs. 12600 -18000
Rs. 14000-18200 to 15000-19500


Fig. 1: Before Condition:- Dehusking & winnowing operation are being done on open ground which causes post harvesting losses
Fig. 2: After Condition:- Dehusking & winnowing operation are being done on tadpatri which has helped in reducing post harvesting losses

Observing the profit figure the UG is now saving for any future maintenance of the assets. Although this intervention is very small comparing to the project cost and other soil and water conservation interventions, but the impact of this intervention is clearly visible with in a very small time period. In other way it shows that the selection of the activities is done after proper analysis of the ground situation and need of the community. There is also a huge scope to replicate the activity in rice producing areas in Gujarat and other places. As it is found very helpful for the farmers of Dangs, a positive outcome is expected from other places under IWMP.

 

User Group (UD) Detail:- 

Sr. No.
Name of Project
Name of beneficiary
1



IWMP-1 Kakshala
Urmyabhai Tanayabhai
2
Lagnyabhai Manasyabhai
3
Vasubhai Manasyabhai
4
Babjibhai Mohlyabhai
5
Bhukyabhai Sukriyabhai


Contributors: - Miss Priya A. Kadam (Technical Expert, Dang), Mr. Vipul Pardesi ( WDT-Agri, IWMP-1 Kakshala Project)

Concept to Reality – ‘Revolving Fund’ (A Small Attempt for a Bigger Change)

By : GSWMA
A self-help group (SHG) is a village-based financial and social intermediary usually composed of 10–20 local women. The first SHG was formed by Mysore Resettlement and Development Agency (MYRADA) in 1985. After the success of their initiative the concept was replicated exponentially in all parts of India. Later on from 1992 National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) had taken greater initiatives to link the SHGs with banks commonly known as SHG bank linkage programme. Various Government and Voluntary organisations have promoted the linkage programme and tried to link them with main stream economy.

Revolving Fund Concept: The conceptual framework of Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWMP) is to augment the livelihood status of the people dependent on a particular catchment area. District Watershed Development unit (DWDU) is acting as project monitoring and implementing agency in Patan district of Gujarat. In few projects where forest area is more than 33 percentages then the implementing agency is District Forest department. DWDU has taken a major initiative in promotion of the concept of revolving fund in Patan under the IWMP project. By definition ‘Revolving Fund’ is a capital raised with a certain purpose which can be made available to the same users more than once. The Revolving Fund is expected to be utilized for income generation activities and return within 18 months. This repayment will be deposited in the Watershed Development Fund (WDF) to utilize the fund in future.

The risk factor of this concept is delayed repayment of the fund or turning loan amount into a bad debt. To overcome the risk factor DWDU has promoted revolving fund on SHG basis rather than individual basis. The SHG then lends the money to the individual as per their demand and norms of the group. It has been observed that due to proper selection of individuals by the group and peer pressure, the repayment is secured. Beside this the SHGs are formed with majority of similar occupational and social backgrounds, therefore the group activities selected by them are quite similar in nature. Hence increases the chance of success. This also increase the managerial ability of the SHGs as all decision was taken by the groups themselves.

 

The main benefits of this initiative as per the beneficiaries: 

1. Availability of fund at 1 % interest which is very nominal than other informal lending sources. The money lender is the main source of informal credit in village with usually interest rate of more than 24-30 % depending of the requirement of the individual. While revolving fund is interest free. In some cases SHG itself decided to impose minimal interest to the borrower to ensure repayment and enhancement of group savings.
2. Timely availability of fund: The fund flow is flow Village Watershed Committee (VWC) to respected SHGs. The SHGs then provide the fund to the individuals ensuring repayment within 18 months. The administrative process is simple and there fund is available timely to individuals.
3. Promote group activities: DWDU is acting as a key agency for capacity building of the SHGs. Hence group activities based on livelihood enhancement are being promoted with proper training from different resource persons.
4. Being different from a grant based system this approach enhance the group’s ability to become self sustainable.
5. Improves managerial skill of the SHG

 

Initiatives: 

The first revolving fund of Rs 25000 was given to Jaychetrapal SHG for package tea business in Bhilot village (IWMP-11) of Radhanpur Taluka. The group then procured bulk quantity of local branded tea which is having high demand in that area, and packet it in small pouches to sell in the village. The indicator of their healthy business is depicted by the timely repayment of the loan. Within 6 months they have already deposited Rs 10000.

Being encouraged by their success revolving fund is highly encouraged in IWMP project area of Patan. In Mubarakpura village (IWMP-2) at Sami taluka a group named Arti SHG has taken revolving fund on Nov 2012 for procurement of cumin seeds for cultivation on farm land that was taken on lease by the group members. The seed money was given to 7 members of that SHG. Although cumin production was not very high due to acute shortage of rainfall but still they were able to repay the amount by May 2013 (within 6 months). Now again this year they are willing to take revolving fund for cumin expecting a higher yield compared to last year as average rainfall in this region is more than last three years average.

Naroda Gangaben Chehabhai, a member of GangaMaiya SHG, Anwarpura Village (IWMP-9 ) located at Sami Taluka, received Rs 25000 as revolving fund under Integrated Watershed Management Prorgamme (IWMP) during April, 2013. With her own contribution of Rs 6000 she purchased a Mould Board plough with Rs 35000. The MB Plough with her own tractor have been rented for Rs 600/hr. As her first business startup she had managed to operate nearly 45 days for the Kharif season of 2013. Her reported average revenue was approximately Rs. 63,200 whereas the expenditure was Rs 34650 towards diesel expenses and Rs 20350 for maintenance (including driver). Her net income during the season is Rs 8200. Now she is all ready to catch the Rabi season and also started to repay to revolving fund. On the other side it is also helping other farmers for timely tillage practices.

Fig. 1: Plough of Anvarpura village
Fig. 2: Godhana SHG group
Fig. 3: SHG group of Bhilot
Fig. 4: Kirana shop of motipimpli


Mrs. Jamiben Kanji bhai native of Motipipli village IWMP -11 located in Radhanpur Taluka is a member of Jai Chamunda SH started on Nov, 2007 with 16 members. Being a member of the SHG, Jamiben received various trainings on understanding of the concepts of savings, skills development and entrepreneurial development trainings from DWDU. After the training she decided that it would be good to start a provision store as there were no other provision stores in nearby adjoining areas. Incurring her demand, the Village Watershed Committee has provided Rs 25000 as revolving fund to the SHG on 6 July 2013 to start a provision store. She manages to procure materials in bulk from the Radhanpur market situated at 10km from the shop. At the starting the shop was doing average business and she was able to save Rs. 200 per day (i.e monthly earning of Rs 6000). Within few months she was able to understand the customer preference and apart from regular provisional goods she also keeps seasonable goods and manages to earn Rs 4000-5500 per month taking into the account expenses on electricity. She has so far repaid an amount of Rs 7000 to the SHG.

Small kirana shop, cutlery shop, cattle feed shop, agri implements and various other small business and entrepreneurship has been evolved by this small effort of revolving fund. Till now nearly 28.38 lakh revolving fund has been disbursed to more than 76 groups and 40 villages. In all the groups the repayment time is remarkable.

Although it is a minor step but these small initiatives are bringing great impact on the life of people. There is still a huge scope to promote revolving fund for not only in Patan but in other villages of Gujarat. Now the SHGs themselves are very much interested to receive the revolving fund and generate alternative livelihood.

Contributors: M.K.Patel (Project Director, Patan), Manishaben Patel (MDT-CM), Chetnaben Patel (WDT CM), Nainaben Patel (WDT-CM), Abhinandan Das (Technical Expert, Patan), Megha Jhamb (Technical Expert, Patan)

A Step Towards 3rd Green Revolution

By : GSWMA

Preface:- 

Green Revolution started in late 1960s refers to a series of research, development, and technology transfer initiatives that increased agriculture production worldwide, particularly in the developing world. Agriculture in India has a significant history. Today, India ranks second worldwide in farm output. Agriculture with its allied sectors like fishery and animal husbandry, is the largest livelihood provider in India. It also contributes a significant figure (nearly 17%) to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Sustainable agriculture and environmentally sustainable technologies such as soil conservation, sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity protection, are essential for holistic rural development. It is after the green revolution and white revolution that India has turned into a self sustainable nation from an import dependent country.

 

Background of study:- 

In the Dangs there is high pressure on the agriculture lands, since majority of the land is forestland (59%) and only a limited amount of land is available for agriculture to support a growing population. Another limiting factor is the fact that 68% of the agriculture land is situated on a slope. There is very little space for infrastructural development or expansion of agricultural lands. Sole dependency on rain fed agriculture, insufficient agricultural land, low agricultural productivity and a lack of alternative employment sources are the main problems in this region. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood; 85% of the population is either a cultivator or employed as an agricultural labourer. The whole Dang district has very limited opportunities for irrigation, since there is a scarcity of flat land. The cropping pattern of the Dangs is conditioned to rainfed nature of agriculture and lack of irrigation. Most of the cultivation is being done during monsoon and Paddy is the main crop. Pesticides and chemical fertilizer are not commonly used; even farmers with bigger land holdings do not use fertilizers in the production of rice. In this context it is interesting to note that the Dangs has the lowest ranking amongst all districts in Gujarat on the percentage of gross irrigated area and fertilizer consumption, only 0.53% is irrigated and only 1.20 kg fertilizer is being used per ha. Even though in agriculture productivity and agricultural production per household, Dangs ranking is 8th and 12th (7247 Rs/ha. and 1301 Rs/capita). This provides lots of opportunity for taking up organic farming in the district.

Main reason for the deteriorating quality of land is erosion of the top soil layer due to heavy rainfall. The practice of burning timber for improving soil condition, locally name as “adar”, further enforces deforestation. Hence land is prone to erosion and it also reduces soil fertility due to loosening the top fertile layer of soil.

 

Traditional method of paddy farming:- 

 Here paddy farming is done by adar method. In this method timber is allow to burn on soil in order to kill the bacteria. Also seedlings are not prepare properly and transplanting is not done properly, Use of seed per ha is also high.

 

Disadvantage of adar:- 

1. Less productivity
2. Pressure on forest
3. Increase in soil erosion
4. High cost of production
5. More requirement of water.

Intervention through IWMP- 

After analysing the situation and coordinating with Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) it was decided to implement System of Rice Intensification (SRI) tech. for paddy farming. AKRSP is already working in this region to promote SRI technology for augmenting agriculture production.

Method of SRI:- 

1. Seed treatment:- 

SRI technique was developed in 1983 by the French Jesuit Father Henri de Laulanié in Madagascar. However the reach of this technology was very limited until last decade. The main principles of this technology are application of minimum quantity of water and individual transplantation of very young seedlings in a square pattern. Here, seed is treated in brine solution before using for seedling preparation. The brine solution is concentrated to such extend that a potato or egg can float in the solution. Once the solution is prepared seed is poured in it. The seeds which float on water are not used for seedling preparation and thus rejected. The good quality seed is taken out from water & then washed with clean water. Then this seed is tightly packed in cloth bag & put it for 1 day until sprouts come out from the bag.

2. Seedling Preparation:- 

For seedling preparation the above sprouted seeds are used. Raised bed which is being treated with vermi-compost is prepared. These seed are spread on this bed.

 

3. Land Preparation:- 

Land preparation is done by normal method. The only difference in this method is that depth of water impounding is less as compared to traditional method.

 

4. Transplanting:- 

Seedlings of 12-15 days are transplanted as root growth is fast & more pillars are developed. During transplanting row to row & plant to plant distance is maintained as 25 × 25 cm.

 

5. Weeding:- 

As proper spacing is being maintained, weeding operation is done very easily. Here, Cono-weeder is used for weeding operation. It helps in easy weeding operation & land in being pulverised during operation so aeration is done. It also helps in proper growth of paddy.

 

Advantages of SRI:- 

1. Less cost of production
2. Less use of water i.e. water conservation
3. High productivity -around 2-3 times increase in production

Detail of Work:- 

In District Dang there are total 109 beneficiaries of SRI intervention. The expenditure for this activity was Rs. 1496 per beneficiary per acre. Somabhai Pandubhai Pawar of Nirgundmal village in IWMP- 6 (Shamgahan Project) is among one of the farmers selected for SRI demonstration in the village. According to him the production of paddy has increased by 2-3 times. Earlier the production was 300 kg and now after practising SRI techniques the total production is nearly 750 kg. Considering the market price of paddy as Rs. 18 per kg, the increase in gross revenue is nearly Rs 8100 per acre.

Fig. 1: Seed treatment with salt solution
Fig. 2: Uprooting of 12-14 days seedlings
Fig. 3: Transplanting seedlings by maintaining 25 * 25 cm spacing
Fig. 4: Land after final transplantation

 

Effect of study:- 

Likewise Green Revolution, this tech has found to be very useful in increasing livelihood of farmers. This technology has proved to be a boon for major rice producing places in India. Not only in Dangs but also in various other eastern parts of India, this SRI technology is being practices for last few years and expanding its reach considerably. With this remarkable achievement in rice cultivation other farmers are also accepting this technology. For promotion and as a part of extension service various training are also being organised by DWDU in coordination with KVKs and NGOs. For better result seed treatment and seed spacing should be maintained properly. To monitor the practices all extension departments along with DWDU is constantly engaged in training and capacity building activities of the farmers.

Contributor:- Miss. Priya A. Kadam (Technical Expert, Dangs), Mr. Salieshkumar M. Patel (WDT-Agri, IWMP-6 Shamgahan Project, Dangs), Mr. Jayesh Ikubhi Chaudhari (WDT-Surveyor, IWMP-6 Shamgahan Project, Dangs)

Small Farms Success Story: Creeper Vegetable Cultivation

By : GSWMA
Visdaliya village is located in Mandvi block of Surat District of Gujarat. The total geographical area of village is 164 Ha. The region is characterized by moderate rainfall. The average rainfall in the region is only 1000-1100 mm. The topography of the land is undulating with moderate slope. Mostly inhabited by the tribal communities of Vasava, Chaudhari and Gamit, poverty in this village is partly due to poor natural resources, lack of irrigation facility and small land holding. Most of the villagers are dependent on forest resources especially for fuelwood and fodder. Some of them also harvest small timber for construction of kacha houses and agriculture implement purposes. Most of the villagers are engaged in agricultural activities for their livelihood. Forest department provides land for agriculture purpose on lease basis which is known as ‘Sanad land’. Paddy and vegetable cultivation is the main crop for earning and for domestic consumption purpose.

Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) had started its interventions in the village in 2010-11 (IWMP 6- Ambapor project) which includes 19 villages. The total geographycal area of the watershed is 7248.2 Ha. out of which 4700 Ha was proposed for treatment under Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).
Fig. 2: Bottle gourd intercropped with Tomato in Rabi

Fig. 2: Bitter gourd intercropped with Chillies in Kharif







Mahendrabhai Mangabhai Chaudhari a tribal farmer who owns 0.3 Ha (0.75 acre) of land in the village has benefited by renovation work done in his openwell and a gabion structure constructed in the nearby nalla that flows through his land. This activities under IWMP has helped in reducing soil erosion and recharging groundwater thus enhancing his agriculture productivity. He used to cultivate kharif paddy, which yielded about 40-45 quintals in 2/3rd of his land and vegetables in 1/3rd of his remaining land. His annual income was approx. Rs. 1,00,000/- from agriculture upto the last year.

IWMP programme has provided subsidy of Rs. 24000/- for cultivation of creeper vegetable to him in the month of May, 2013 for enhancing his agricultural productivity. The subsidy includes 100 RCC pole, 67 Kg galvanise wire and 10 pheromone traps in 0.11 Ha (0.27 acre) of land. The contribution from the beneficiary includes high yielding seeds and labour cost for land preparation, pit digging, installation of pole, sowing of seeds, weeding and harvesting of crops in one season accounting to nearly Rs. 5500-6000. In Kharif season he cultivated bitter gourd as main crop and chillies as an intercrop. The total production of bitter gourd and chilly was 480 Kg and 224 Kg. The total earning was Rs. 37000/- by selling both these vegetables in the nearby markets of Mandvi and Zhankhvav. Beside this his own consumption amounts to Rs 3000/- approximately. Due to heavy rainfall during 2013 he had harvested the crop prior to its actual season. In Rabi season he has cultivated bottle gourd as main crop and tomato as intercrop and earned Rs. 39000/- by selling 2150 Kg bitter gourds and 1620 Kg tomatoes excluding his own consumption amounts to Rs. 3000/- approximately. Accumulating both the season he has earned net profit of nearly Rs. 70000/- from 0.27 acre of land through vegetable cultivation. Now his annual income is approximately Rs. 1,65,000/- from agriculture in this year.

Fig. 3: Creeper vegetables bitter gourd
Fig. 4: Creeper vegetables Bottle gourd














 According to him this system can yield better profit in small acreage of land. Before that he used to cultivate vegetable on land but most of them were spoiled due to direct contact of water and soil. Hence the produces were unable to fetch good market price. The wastage was also more in earlier system of cultivation. Beside this, intercropping in possible with this “Mandva” system, hence augmenting the income exponentially. Most of the farmers had replaced the wooden pole with cement ones as wooden pole is often infested with termites. After viewing this positive impact most of the farmers demands the same. Total 300 farmers in three blocks namely, Mandvi, Mangrol and Umarpada of Surat district are adopted such a system through IWMP. Three training programme were organized by DWDU with the help of KVKs in Mandvi, Mangrol and Umarpada blocks on cultivation practices of vegetable crops for better yield.

 

The Cost benefit model of the intervention: 

Description
Unit
Quantity
Rate
Amount
Rs.
Fixed cost (subsidy from IWMP)
Providing and fixing of cement pole at spacing of 3mt
No
100
180
18000
Providing and fixing of 12 gauge galvanise wire on cement pole for making wire mandap
Kg
78
40
3120
Providing and fixing of 16 gauge galvanise wire on cement pole for making wire mandap
Kg
80
27
2160
Pheromone trap
No
72
10
720
Total
24000
Utilities & other expenses (per cycle) (beneficiary contribution)
Seeds (Bitter gourd/ Bottle gourd, etc.)
gm
250
300
Providing fertiliser like vermicompost or organic manure
Kg
500
2
1000
Pesticide/ fungicide
Kg
20
15
300
Power
1000
Labour charges
20
100
2000
Transportation
1200
Miscellaneous expenses
200
Total
6000
Turnover (per cycle)
Production in Kharif season
Bitter gourd
Kg
480
60
28800
Chillies
Kg
224
50
11200
Total
40000
Production in Rabi season
Bottle gourd
Kg
2150
12
25800
Tomato
Kg
1620
10
16200
Total
42000
Turnover (2 cycle per year)
Rs.
82000
Fixed cost (per year)
Fixed unit
24000
Other expenses including utilities
12000
Total
36000
Profit Analysis
Net profit (per annum) from creeper vegetable cultivation (1st Yr)
Rs.
46000
Other expenses including utilities (per annum) (from 2nd Yr onward)
15000
Approx. Net profit from 2nd year onward excluding utilities and other expense
Rs.
67000

The mandva method is considerably protected from pest and termite attack and also enhances vegetable production. The quality of produces is also of grade A due to less contamination from soil and water borne diseases. Most of these cultivators are small and marginal farmers and this intervention has brought a significant change in their livelihood. It is highly accepted in Surat districts and there is a huge scope to promote this activity in other places with suitable condition. The market of this produces are comparatively low in Kharif season than in Rabi season. Hence promotion of creeper vegetable in Rabi season with life saving irrigation could bring substantial change in the livelihood status of millions of farmers.

Contributors: N. A. Suthar (Project Director, DWDU, Surat), Ms. Prajakta Rathod (Technical Expert), Tejas Rathod (WDT, Agriculture)

Fishery - A Livelihood Generating Case Study of Panchamal District

By : GSWMA

Introduction

The Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) came under implementation in Gujarat since 2008. The Gujarat State Watershed Management Agency (GSWMA) serves as a State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA) to undertake the IWMP in the state. One of the main objectives of project is promoting eco friendly and locally suitable activities with the required capacity building of the stakeholders. Other important aspect of that is the activities planned under the project have to be demand driven and need based with active participation of community members.

Background

The IWMP-8 project is sanctioned under the batch-2 projects of the state in the year of 2010-11. The project area lies under the Kadana Taluka of the district of Panchmahal. District Watershed Development Unit is the Project Implementation Agency (PIA) for this project.

Project Area

The IWMP-8 project area is located in South West side of the Kadana taluka; Panchmahal district, Gujarat state. The project consists of total sixteen villages and has a Geographical area of 6225.41 ha, of which 150.35 ha has been covered under Watershed –Hariyali Project hence the remaining area of 6180.74 ha is covered under Integrated Watershed management Programme.

Socio Economic

The total population of IWMP-8 project area is 9871. Majority of the population belong to Scheduled Caste (75.25%). The literacy rate is 47.75% and among them the female literacy rate is 33.28%. The people depend on Agricultural and animal husbandry for livelihood and income generation. During lean season people migrate to nearby cities for casual labour. This migration period lasts for 3 months .Out of the total 1903 households 967 are under Below Poverty Line (BPL).

The whole population of Pandorini Andhari village belong to Scheduled tribe and out of total 28 households 15 belong to BPL. People involved in Agricultural related activities along with animal husbandry. The agricultural practices are purely traditional and the seeds used are local variety. The major crops are Maize and Paddy. Crops are practiced only in 2 seasons. Due to water scarcity only 60% agricultural area is available for cultivation of 2nd crop.

The first step towards change

The Project villages are located nearby Kadana dam. The adjacent villages depend on the dam for income generation through fishery. They use their own boats and equipments to indulge in the activity. Previously, the members either had to wait to get a chance for vacant boat or else they had to catch fish on the shores using fishing rod. They used to get very less catch and the size of the fish is also not that big to fetch good prices. Many at times they had to leave their villages and migrate to near cities in search for employment. Many of them used to work as daily labour in nearby cities in lean seasons.

The Intervention

The livelihood activities are identified and selected under the livelihood component of the project. This exercise is done through the standard process in the preparation of DPR as per the operational guidelines. In the operational guidelines it has mentioned that the preference has to be given for activities that are especially targeted towards asset-less families including land less, small and marginal farmers. This objective is achieved by organizing the deprived people and formation of their Self Help Group (SHGs).

Fig. 1: Members of Jai Mahinadhi Men Self Help Group
The Self Help Group ( SHG) , “Jai Mahinadhi Men Self Help Group” was formed during the year 2012 in the village of Pandorini Andhari. Fishery is taken as an activity to be carried out under this group since the members were involved in catching fish in the dam.

Shri. Pador Shaileshbhai Khatrabhai is the president and Shri.Bhivabhai Khatrabhai is the cashier/secretary of the 10 member SHG group. All the members belong to the Scheduled Tribes (ST).

Table No: 1 Member details

Name of SHG Member
Pandor Shaileshbhai Khatrabhai
Pandor Bharatbhai Koyabhai
Pandor Jivabhai Khatrabhai
Pandor Rameshbhai Koyabhai
Pandor Parvatbhai Khatrabhai
Pandor Nathabhai Hirabhai
Pandor Koyabhai Somabhai
Pandor Dayabhai Nathabhai
Pandor Parvatbhai Koyabhai
Pandor Jashvantbhai Rupabhai

The SHG has registered and the bank account has opened in Bank of Baroda. They started regular savings with a contribution of Rs. 30 per month per person and developed the habit internal loaning. Until the end of November, 2013 the group has successfully saved Rs. 6000 and an amount of Rs. 3000 has been used in the internal loaning. The regular meetings of SHG, assisted by the Watershed development Team (WDT) of District Watershed Development Unit (DWDU), helped to facilitate proper understanding and establish rapport among themselves. The SHG approach helped the under privileged to build their self-confidence and internal financial support through the internal loaning in emergencies. Interaction in group meetings and collective decision making enables them in identification and prioritization of their needs and resources.

The components provided to the SHG as the part of IWMP activity are listed out in the table below

Table No:2 Estimate of Activity

No.
Item
Unit
Price/unit (Rs.)
Total cost (Rs.)
1
Boat
3
15000
45000/-
2
Fish catching net
5
5000
25000/-

Total
70,000/-

The boats they received under IWMP have greatly increased their capacity. Everyday two or three members use a single boat to catch fish. The table mentioned below, explains the average income received by the members of the SHG members in every month since the items received from the IWMP. Hence the average catch of individual/per day is two to three kilograms and the average income received is Rs.200.

Table No:3 Details about the Catch and Income Generated per Boat

Month
Catch(Kg/Month)
Avg. Price/Kg
Income (Rs.)
April
130
80
10400
May
120
80
9600
June
130
80
10400
July
60
80
4800
August
70
90
6300
September
50
90
4500
October
150
90
13500
November
170
90
15300
Total
880
74800

The average catch varied from month to month and so is their income. The catch is especially low in the months of July, August and September, because of monsoon. But the change is clearly visible in their income. Since the fishing activity requires less labour and time these people can indulge in regular agricultural related work and other works in the village during day time. Hence now they are able to generate sustainable income that can support themselves and their family.

Fig. 2: Men in action – Men Laying net

Way Forward

The group has plans to upgrade the quality of fishing equipments and tools from the regular savings they make. The periodic maintenance and related expenses are met from the savings they make. As per their own estimation they will able to add 2 more boats to their credit by next year.

Contributor: Kiran.K.P (Technical Expert, Panchmahal), Damor Laxmanbhai Maganbhai (WDT-Community Mobilizer), DWDU Panchmahal

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