Organic and Rural Development

Objectives of this programme is to prevent farmers committing suicide at the loss of agriculture products, non availability of fertilizers, falling of prices during production seasons and failing to repay the loans to the bank. Further, objectives included reversal to organic agriculture programme for small and marginal farmers, to strengthen fair price for the products, alternative local marketing opportunities with direct supply to domestic and residential clients and to provide chemical free food to registered consumers.

This programme was initiated by 5 states networking group of NGOs under the nodal agency at Aurangabad called IIRD(Institute for Integrated Rural Development).

This project was implemented by following NGOs:

• SEVA - West Bengal.
• Janodaya - Karnataka
• WORD - Andhra Pradesh.
• IIRD - Nodal agency.
• DPRC - Tamilnadu.

Since 5 years, this programme is supported by HIVOS - Netherlands.

2685 farmers from 5 districts of 41 villages are assisted with trainings and production technical support for organic products and marketing by Janodaya. 1600.25 acres of land belonging to small and marginal farmers has been brought under organic agriculture. Approximately 800+ kgs of vegetables, fruits and food crops are marketed every week among the 1264 registered consumers through our alternative marketing system which are :

• Mobile van.
• Roadside markets.
• NGO network outlets.
• Door delivery and supply.
• Sale outlets by farmers.
• Supply to other organic outlets.
• Exhibitions and weekly markets.

This programme having completed its 1st phase of operation and now is renewed for support from HIVOS for the period from October 1st 2009 to March 31st 2011.

Organic farming and marketing activities of farmers in the 2nd phase are designed to create "Small enterprises for sustainable livelihood" to the target groups.

Central and state government organic agriculture departments have noted Janodaya programmes and have given the following projects with the budget detailed below: