Agriculture contributes nearly 14.5 % of India’s GDP but more than 60% of workforce is workforce depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Hence agriculture is considered as the backbone of India. Being home to more than 17% of world’s population and due to constant increase in population at an alarming rate the pressure on agricultural land is being increasing constantly. On the contrary agricultural land is reducing due to industrialization and growing number of cities, thus creating job opportunities for skilled and unskilled labors. Due to all these reasons and changing life style migration is a major challenge for the rural economy. Although there are different opinions about positive and negative effect of migration, but in long term migration is not a solution. So there is an urgent need to generate alternative employment within the villages to stop migration.

Jamnagar is known as Halar in Saurashtra region. It is situated at the sea coast of Gujarat. Natural calamities like uneven rainfall, drought, and earth quake affect the farmers. Kharachia village of Jodiya block is situated near the sea coast. Total population of the village is 1860 comprising of major communities like Patel, Rajput, Bharwad, Koli and Harijan. Rainfed agriculture is the major source of livelihood in this village. Fadsar, Kharachia, Utbet sampar and Zinzuda are the 4 villages selected under IWMP-10 (Integrated Watershed Management Programme- Fadsar cluster). According to village survey conducted before preparation of Detailed Project Report, after the monsoon season due to lack of work agriculture and casual labors migrates to nearby cities and women were confined to stay back at home without any work. Women could not go for work as per the socially imposed structure. During survey and focus group discussion with the villagers it was elicited that women want to do home based works without hindering their daily household works.

After providing various concepts building training for SHGs, Shree Khodiyar Bachat Mandal was formed with 10 members in May 2012 with monthly small savings of Rs. 300 (@ Rs. 30 per member at Dena Bank, Aamran branch. Before finalizing livelihood activity under IWMP, various group level and village level meeting were conducted by the watershed development team. As there is a predominant demand of the sewing work for the local market and according to the requirement of the group for home based work, sewing activity was selected for this group.

In November 2013 a memorandum of understanding was signed between VWC and SHG to start the activity. Ten sewing machines were purchased at the cost of Rs 6200/- each and Rs. 30000/- for purchasing procuring raw materials from nearby market at Dhrol, Aamran and Morbi.

One month training and workshop programme on sewing activity was arranged by the Project Implementing Agency (DWDU) for imparting necessary skills to the SHG. Other trainings were also conducted in coordination with Vikas charitable trust as per demand of SHG members with support of VWC and WDT members.

Fig. 1 : Training on sewing of Shri Khodiyar Saving Mandal

After implementing the activity there is remarkable growth of their business. Now after 3 months the group is able to earn Rs3000 (approx) per month. The work orders of items like stitching uniform (150 rs/piece), blouse (120 rs/piece), fall (30 rs/item), dress material (100 rs/piece) from nearby blocks has been increasing constantly. The group has also started to make cushion cover (80 rs/piece) and carry bag (30 rs/piece) to sell in their own village and nearby villages.

Fig. 2 : Sewing activity of Shri Khodiyar Saving Mandal

According to the president Jyotiba Parakramsinh Jadeja of Shree Khodiyar Bachat Mandal : “All of us are women residing in Kharachia village belong to other backward caste (OBC). Our literacy level is very low and our family is totally dependent on our husbands, who were the sole breadwinners of our families. Thus, managing the household expenses was always a major problem and we had to slowly cut down our food expenses in order to meet the children’s education expenditure. Now after starting sewing business our economic status has increased as we have started contributing to our family”

This small initiative has brought a great economical and social change in their lives. With the extra source of income the women are not only contributing to their family income but also started lending to other members. The group members have started to participate in the decision making process inside their houses. Even in social gathering and Gram Sabha’s the group has started their participating actively. Considering the escalating demand of the products the group is now planning to expand their business. This micro entrepreneurship is not only helping this village to reduce migration but also acting as a role model for women empowerment.

Contributors: Smit Hingrajiya (Technical Expert), WDT Team (IWMP-10), DWDU Jamnagar

Luhar Anusuya Ben, a female resident of remote village Adivada which is a part of Becharaji taluka, belongs to a deeply conservative family where she is the head of the family. The idea of women leaving their homes to earn livelihood is inconceivable in this strata of the society. Over the last few years, the economic situation of her family had gradually declined to an eventual standstill as they are doing labour work to survive. Anusuya ben ultimately decided to explore alternative means of income generation to provide her children a better living standard.

The total project area of the Adivada (IWMP-4) village is about 793.5 Ha of which 393.5 Ha is proposed to be treated under Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP). The nearest town is Bechraji which is about 10 to 20 Km from watershed area, which is well connected by pucca road. The project area lies in nearest boundary of patan district. Patel, Thakor, Rabai, Harijan, Darbar community resides in the village.

As Anusuya ben had the skills of making handicraft items, she was chosen as the livelihood beneficiary of the IWMP project. She had been given the training through Chuvad Gram Vikas Trust for making the handicraft items for one week. She had found the training useful for adding values to her skills of making handicraft and marketing with business representatives of different locale. As per Anusuya Ben “ The training took me a step ahead involved in making handicrafts of decorative items, how to improve upon their quality and how to meet the demand.”

Fig. 1 : Displaying Handicraft Items during National conference team visit (Rajasthan team) at Mehsana

For initiating the work she had been given a financial support of Rs. 10,000 under IWMP Project during Aug 2013. From that money she purchased the raw materials required for making handicraft items from Mahesana & Ahmedabad at wholesale price. She prepared the handicraft items at home like decorative wall hangings, door hangings, pearl anklets, bangles etc. She sells her handicrafts items at the neighboring villages of Adivada and also manages to bring order from the customer easily.

Her business has been doing well and she would like to continue developing it by streamlining the goods and products that are high in demand. Anusuya Ben business generates Rs. 50/- to Rs 70/- on per item. Every month she sells around 50 handicraft products which fetches her Rs. 2500/- to Rs. 3500/- per month respectively. A portion of her income is invested in the business while the rest contributes to the household expenses.

According to Anusuya ben : “Life has been good. I get enough money to sustain my family and I get to meet people and organize my Store of handicraft items on project occasions at Adivada Village. It has made me more responsible and improved the financial situation of my family.” 

Fig. 2 : Display of items in front of Anusuya Ben's home

Although it is a very small step taken for livelihood augmentation but it has bring a remarkable positive impact in her life. For future prospect of her business DWDU Mehsana is continuously involved for capacity building and scaling up the business.


Contributor: Bhatt Rajal Ben (WDT CM), Choudhary Balwant Bhai (WDT Agri), Deepali Solanki (Technical Expert), Arun Adhikari (Technical Expert)

Introduction 

Watershed management has emerged as an important intervention for supporting natural resource based livelihood mean in different agro-climatic regions in India and Gujarat. This case study is discussing the high level of community participation in watershed management. This programme is being implemented by the District Watershed development Unit, Amreli under the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP). This intervention created an awareness and participation among women residing in the rural pockets of Amreli, which had empowered them to play a positive role in holistic development of themselves and the society. The user groups and self-help groups were also closely associated with economical issues, thus directly contributing to the economic and social development of Sanaliya village under Liliya Taluka, Dist. Amreli.

 

Role of Women 

Women have played an ‘invisible’ role for a long period of time in the economic development of rural areas, as they have been perceived as helpmates, wives and mothers, and as generally subservient to the dominant economic work of men, both in farming and outside it. The Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in micro watersheds have received much attention from the policy makers and others for their perceived ability to contribute significantly to the economic growth and poverty alleviation. These groups are homogenous groups having common interest who are dependent on the watershed area such as: landless laborers, agricultural laborers, rural women, shepherds, scheduled castes/tribes etc. Around 50 per cent of villagers who are directly or indirectly dependent on watersheds should generally be enrolled as members in the SHGs. Evidences show that the SHGs are formed mostly for Women-oriented activities.

Fig.2 : STUDY AREA: IWMP 7 (Batch II) Sanaliya Village, Liliya Taluka, District Amreli

District Watershed Development Unit,(DWDU),Amreli in its endeavor had facilitated the SHG “Shree Jee Self Help Group” in Sanaliya village lies under Kutana Cluster in IWMP-8 (Batch 2) in Liliya Taluka.

• Name of SHG: Shree Jee Self Help Group 
• Number of Members: 14 (ALL WOMEN) 
• Date of Formation: 26/07/2011 
• Status of Participants: APL Mission: To enhance and strengthen economical status of members. 

 

Introductory Level

At the very first stage of planning process of the cluster, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), was done with the help of the villagers and the Watershed Committee, in which a special meeting was held only Women in which information regarding SHG was put forward, and its members were decided duly on democratic pattern, after that SHG nomenclature was done, and the name of SHG "Shree Jee Self Help Group" was coined.

 

Activities Chosen

After the formation of the SHG a meeting was carried out to choose the activity(s) under the supervision of WDT-CME and Nodal of PIA and in this meeting the members were asked to interact with each other and to discuss what activity(s) to be carried out in the SHG. The thing which came out of the discussion was that to make different kinds of Home decoration handicraft as it was a tradition over here to gift it in marriages and other auspicious events. The members also said that there is a vast opportunity of selling these items as there is an availability of local market demand for these items.

 

Pre Activity Work

Before starting the Handicraft Activities a proper well structured training session was needed. The SHG members of Shree Jee SHG decided had undergone a comprehensive training in the nearby village of Godavadar. A local trainer is employed for the purpose. The SHG members went on to training in the day time and practiced the same at night. The training was organized for a month to enable them to gain expertise. The trainees of the SHG were certified by DWDU Amreli.

Fig.3 : Training to SHG	Fig.4 : SHG Members Practicing at Common Place
Fig.5 : Training and Practicing session of Handicraft Making by SHG Members

Fig.6 : Training Certificate Distribution

Fig.7 : Training Certificate Distribution

 

Post Activity

After the training and practicing session for one month the SHG members were now quiet familiar as well as well expertise with SHG activities as well as Handicraft making. Later on they started selling the handicraft items on small scale. Later with the increased familiarity and demand they went on to join hands with the "Ramapir SHG Group" functioning in "Bhurakhiya Village" under IWMP-10,Chhabhadiya Cluster to open a Handicraft selling shop near the famous "Bhurakhiya Hanuman Temple" which use to sell the handicraft items from different villages. It sells the products on Commission basis. The shop was opened on 11/02/2013.

Fig.8 : Handicraft Selling Shop at Bhurakhiya Hanuman Temple, Bhurakhiya Village, Lathi Taluka

 

Handicraft Store 

“The SHG’s participated in Gram Haat organized at Ahmedabad on 28/02/13 to 02/03/2013 and they sold items worth Rs.6000.Taking together of items sold at Amreli and Ahmedabad it constitutes of Rs.17000.”

 

Conclusion

The whole program not only made the women of Sanaliya village economically established but also boosts up Self Confidence and now they can achieve a greater responsibility in Society. The most pivotal thing to be marked here is the Decision Making role of them, in their socio-economic life. Indeed their success can be summarized as a role model for other Watershed intervene Livelihood activities.


Contributors: DWDU Amreli, Nischal Chudasama (Technical Expert)

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)

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

Cash Crop Grown by the Farmer

               



The impact of the drip irrigation has been categorized into two broad heading namely human and environmental impacts.

Human impact: Due to the implementation of drip the agricultural production has increased up to 30% -40 % i.e. also the farmers are able to take three crops per year with the help of drip irrigation. The weeding cost had also come down after implementing drip in the farms as per the farmers. Water saving expected with the adoption of micro irrigation motivated the beneficiary farmers in shifting to high value crops.

              
Contributors Dipali Solanki, Technical Expert and DWDU Mehasana

Motivation of Youth by DWDU

The approach of Integrated Watershed Management Programme(IWMP) is completely based upon Participatory module, which includes Community Participation, Village Institutions, Enhancements of Productivity, Sustainable use of natural resource and Equity in distribution of benefits.

Livelihood approach under IWMP too focuses on sustainable rural livelihoods development through scientific and integrated watershed development approach so as to preserve the natural resources as well as enhance the socio-economic condition of the rural people especially those who are jobless and asset less people. Ecological Balance is the prime focus of IWMP and maintaining the Socio-Ecological phenomenon is the utmost important of the current era. Day by Day trees and other plants are being cut down by the human being and it had led to serious challenges against the nature. Obviously, IWMP understands these vagaries of nature and therefore is involved extensively in ecological restoration along with social strengthening.

Taking Inspiration from this programme, under District Watershed Development Unit, Amreli (DWDU, Amreli) a SHG of Youth has been formed named; "Navrang Yuvak Swaysahay Juth". This SHG works in SALADI Village, under LILIYA Taluka.

STUDY AREA: SALADI VILLAGE, LILIYA TALUKA, AMRELI.

SHG FORMATION

During the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) activity in Saladi Village, several Youth of the village enquired about IWMP and DWDU works. After that they showed interest in forming a SHG of their own interest, with DWDU facilitation. A total of Eighteen(18) young man formed a SHG which was named as ; "Navrang Yuvak Swaysahay Juth". Registration No: 20/9CG-December-2011. It was decided at the very first meeting of the group that a monthly sum amount of Rs.50 will be taken from all the members for SHG savings

ACTIVITY CHOSEN

Village Saladi is mainly an agriculture based income generation village with people engaged in various kinds of agricultural, animal husbandry activities along with afforestation activity was also needed, as procured from PRA and survey done by DWDU. Also, the youth of the village were nature lover and they took keen interest in Plantation and Gardening.

TRAINING

For any activity to be carried out successfully, there needs to be a proper training session to be conducted, so that a better knowledge could be gained for the people involved in that particular activity. A training cum exposure visit was being conducted for the NAVRANG YOUTH SHG on 17/12/12 for which they visited the "Hill Nursery" in Chavand, under Lathi taluka. The SHG was well trained with Nursery raising technique as well as concept of Green House.


Training of the Rural Youth

The training also emphasized on certain factors in nursery raising like

• Site Selection
• Soil Selection
• Plastic Bag for Sapling
• Plant type
• Fencing etc..

WORK OUT

After proper training of the youth, the group started to work out on the nursery raising. First of all a proper safe site was chosen where there should be availability of electricity, water, as well as safety could be maintained. They hired a nearby land on rent in the village itself (80x120 feet) the land was already fenced from three sides so the SHG needed only one side to fence the nursery plot. After that soil from nearby pond was brought according to nursery requirement. The SHG worked day night harder to bring out the nursery in good shape.

Within six months the results were seen clearly as plants were now being grown on large basis.

MARKETING

The SHG till date has sold out many plants locally in the village, and the neighboring villages. The local people from the nearby villages and Taluka are now being aware of the nursery. The SHG is working hard to get in touch with more and more people, to sell out there products. Till now a total plants of value Rs.1500/ had been successfully sold out by this NAVRANG SHG,who once were unemployed and idle.

Contributor: Nischal Chudasama and DWDU, Amreli