Download - Ambuja Annual Review Final
Energise Involve Enable
annual review 2010-2011
the spirit that propels change
Contents
Section 1: Introduction
01 The Mission
02 About ACF
03 I CAN
04 Members of the Board
05 Chairman’s Message
06 The ACF Footprint
07 What We Do
13 Our Partners
Section 2: Our Spread
20 Andhra Pradesh
22 Chhattisgarh
26 Gujarat
36 Himachal Pradesh
42 Madhya Pradesh
44 Maharashtra
50 Punjab
58 Rajasthan
71 Uttarakhand
74 Uttar Pradesh
76 West Bengal
Section 3: Funds and Resources
84 Funds and Resources
85 Auditors’ Report
86 Audited Balance Sheet
87 Income and Expenditure Accounts
88 Expenditure Data by States and Main Activities
Section 4: Key Performance Indicators
96 Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators
104 Consolidated SHG Details
105 Stakeholders’ Speak
Section 5: Our Team
108 ACF Team
110 Contact Information
112 Our Publications
The Mission
Energise
Involve
and Enable
Communities
to Realise
their Potential
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Ambuja Cement Foundation, established in 1993, is the social
development arm of Ambuja Cements Ltd., working exclusively
with rural communities on issues related to Natural Resource
Management, Agro & Skill-based Livelihood Generation, Health,
Education, Women’s Empowerment and Rural Infrastructure.
ACF’s community development work is based on its mission
and underscores our belief in communities and in our role as
catalysts to bring in change. ACF undertakes projects and
schemes for promoting the social and economic development
for communities in and around the manufacturing locations of
Ambuja Cement Ltd. These development initiatives are in line
with the needs of people, in partnership with them and in close
collaborations with like-minded NGOs and the Government.
A team of 343 dedicated professionals implement its projects
and programmes. Our work currently extends to 20 locations in
11 states across India, reaching out to 1.5 million people.
Ambuja Cement Foundation
ACF is accredited by Credibility Alliance
as adhering to the desirable norms
prescribed for good governance of
voluntary organisations
Give a man orders and he will do the task
reasonably well. But let him set his own
targets, give him freedom and authority
and his task becomes a personal mission:
I CAN.
This process of tapping individual initiative for team
synergy is at the heart of the culture at both Ambuja
Cements and ACF. It is this I CAN spirit that is reflected
in the woman who steps over the threshold to become
a village health worker; in the farmer who adapts
organic methods of farming to protect the earth, while
earning a better livelihood; in the youth who learns a
trade to become self-employed; and in the villagers who
pool in their labour to build a new reservoir for water
conservation.
The ‘I CAN’ spirit affirms that each person contributes her
potential to achieve a goal. At ACF, this translates into
the willing participation of governments, non-government
organisations, communities, other stakeholders and
ACF to come together and contribute the best of their
abilities towards achieving a common goal.
4
Mr Suresh Neotia, co-promoter and Chairman of Ambuja
Cements Limited, is a businessman and industrialist of repute.
He is currently a member of the Central Board of the Reserve
Bank of India. He is also known for his association with numerous
cultural institutions as well as charitable organisations. He was
conferred the Padma Bhushan by the President of India in 2008.
Mr Narotam Sekhsaria, an industrialist reputed for his
business acumen, is the main promoter of Ambuja Cements Ltd.
He is known to have created new benchmarks in the cement
industry with his path breaking innovative thinking. He is
currently the Vice-Chairman of Ambuja Cements Ltd., and the
Chairman of ACC Ltd.
Mr. Onne van der Weijde, a Dutch national, holds a
Bachelors’ degree in Economics & Accounting from Rotterdam,
the Netherlands and a Master’s degree in Business
Administration from the University of Bradford, UK. In the year
1996 he joined Holcim and after holding various positions,
he was appointed Director and General Manager for Holcim
(India) Pvt. Ltd. in March 2005. He was the CFO of ACC from
2006-2008. He possesses more than 15 years of experience
in cement industry including 6 years in Indian cement industry.
He is currently the Managing Director, Ambuja Cements Ltd.
Mr A L Kapur has been closely associated with the cement
industry for more than three decades, before becoming the
Managing Director of Ambuja Cements Ltd. He has previously
held positions on Boards of several large corporates. He was
also the President of Cement Manufacturers Association
(CMA), Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National
Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCBM) and
Chairman of the Development Council for the Cement Industry.
Members of the Board
Mr B B Tandon, IAS, a retired IAS Officer, (1965) of Himachal
Pradesh Cadre. He retired as the Secretary-Personnel,
Government of India. He also served as Secretary-Mines during
his career. He has been the Chief Election Commissioner of India.
Presently, he is on the Board of various prominent organisations.
Mr P K Laheri, IAS, an IAS officer (1969) of Gujarat
Cadre, retired as Chief Secretary in March 2005. Mr.
Laheri served as CMD of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam
Ltd., Gandhi Nagar. He has worked on many portfolios
such as Industry, Education, Information, Water Supply,
Fashion, Tourism, and Rural Development during his career.
Mr Manmohan Malhoutra, educated in Delhi and Oxford,
was a former member of the Indian Administrative Service (1961-
1978) and served in the Secretariat of Prime Minister Indira
Gandhi from 1966 to 1973. He also served at the Commonwealth
Secretariat. He was a Board of Director at the International Institute
of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), Stockholm and
also served as Secretary-General of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.
Mr Sharadchandra Kale, IAS, a retired IAS officer (1963) of
Maharashtra Cadre, has held high offices in his career including
the position of the Secretary of important departments in the
state of Maharashtra. He has also served as the Additional Chief
Secretary (Planning Dept.), the Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust
and Chairman of the Reserve Bank of India (Services Board).
Ms Padmini Somani, Founder-Director of Salaam Bombay
Foundation has represented India at various international
forums on tobacco control. A patron of art, she also takes keen
interest in organizing dance and cultural programmes. She is
a graduate from the London School of Economics and has a
M.Sc. in Financial Economics from University of London, U.K.
Mr V K Jain, IPS, a retired IPS Officer (1958) of U.P. Cadre,
was the Director General of Police in U.P. Thereafter he held
various important portfolios including the offices of the Special
Secretary (ISP), the Home Ministry, Special Secretary,
the Department of J&K Affairs, Government of India and a
Member, National Security Advisory Board. He is currently
also a Member of National Disaster Management Authority.
Ms Pearl Tiwari, graduated from the prestigious Tata Institute
of Social Sciences, Mumbai, where she also served as a faculty
for 2 years. Currently a Vice President (CSR) in Ambuja Cements
Limited, she has been associated with the developmental sector
in India for over 25 years. She is particularly sensitive to issues
of social responsibility
5
This year saw ACF convening two
important conferences in Gujarat
and Rajasthan to create a platform
for government and the civil society
to discuss experiences related
to water, and plan together to
address the issue of depleting water
resources in these states. I am
heartened by the positive response
and participation from so many
organisations. My sincere gratitude
to all our programme partners at the
national, state and local government
level and institutions like NABARD,
ICAR, SACs, NRHM, and Sir Ratan
Tata Trust. They have supported us
at every step of the way. We are also
grateful to the Dutch organisation,
Solidaridad, for partnering and
supporting us in the Better Cotton
Initiative project.
I would like to extend my warmest
wishes to the entire team at
Ambuja Cement Foundation for
their continued commitment to
the development process. Their
dedication has strengthened our
presence in communities across
the country, creating lasting impact
in the lives of many. I urge my
colleagues to continue their good
work with the underprivileged with
sincerity and sensitivity.
I also wish to express my thanks
to the Board of ACF who have consistently provided direction,
support and encouragement to our team. We are privileged to
have Mr. Onne van der Weijde, Managing Director of Ambuja
Cements Ltd., on board. We look forward to his support and
guidance.
I am grateful to all community members across locations, whose
support and participation has enabled us to work for social
change and development. Lastly, my thanks to Ambuja Cements
Ltd. for their unstinting support in making this possible. We hope
to consolidate our achievements, and take our initiatives to the
next level of sustainability in the coming years.
SURESH NEOTIA
It gives me immense pleasure
to present Ambuja Cement
Foundation’s annual report for
the year 2010-11. This year we
entered our 17th year of working
with communities, reaching out
to more than 1.5 million people
across India. Much of this effort
has been possible due to the
spirit of I CAN among us and the
communities we engage with.
For ACF, it has been a year
of consolidating our efforts
and strengthening our ties
with people, institutions,
organisations and governments.
We are now part of the global
alliance promoting sustainable
cotton farming practices through
the Better Cotton Initiative. It
has translated into sustainable
cotton growing practices for
farmers.
ACF is now involved in
the running of 12 Skill and
Entrepreneurship Development
Institutes, up from five last
year. With a 70% placement
record, these institutes enable
rural youth to explore and learn
new trades, facilitate the entry
of a skilled workforce into the
industries, and encourage a
healthy employment rate in the
rural areas. SEDIs have grown to be one of the priority issues for
ACF, and we plan to create more such institutes in other regions
of the country, to enable youth to be skilled and economically
independent.
Our work today integrates the best of technology to reach out to
farmers with information. It has been possible due to the support
provided by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR),
which has enabled us to run one of the best KVKs in the region.
We look forward to their support in establishing more KVKs in
our other areas of operation to enable access of technology by
other farming communities.
The Ambuja Manovikas Kendra was started to fulfil a felt need
in Ropar. Ten years down the road, the school for special
children has grown to be one of our most effective and emotive
processes. We are also very proud of our four stars from Ambuja
Manovikas Kendra who have qualified to represent India at the
Special Olympics World Summer Games to be held in Athens
this year. We are sure that Ramandeep, Ashish, Gurcharan and
Harbindar will do all of us proud.
Chairman’s Message
Our strong relations with the community are built and strengthened on the basis of
mutual respect and trust.
6
The ACF Footprint Reaching out to 1.5 million
people in 740 villages
Over 300 Sakhis impacting lives
of over 1 lakh people
Support to over 315 schools benefitting 32000 children
Over 20600 hectares of land upgraded through soil and water conservation initiatives
Support to 791 SHGs with 9795 members and a corpus of R 3.9 crores
ACF Footprint eaching out to 1.5 million
eople in 740 villages
ver 300 Sakhis impacting lives
Himachal
Pradesh
Uttarakhand
Punjab
Rajasthan
Gujarat
Maharashtra
Andhra
Pradesh
West
Bengal
Uttar
Pradesh
Chhattisgarh
Madhya
Pradesh
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What We DoOur StrategyPrior to initiating any field level intervention,
Ambuja Cement Foundation begins
by assessing the needs of the people.
This is done through baseline surveys
and participatory rural appraisals. Once
community needs are identified, they are
prioritised and a plan of action for implementation is drawn up.
The means of identifying needs, engaging with communities,
monitoring and evaluating the work done is carried out on a
continuous basis. All our projects attempt to utilise people’s
knowledge to work on issues identified by them.
While engaging with the communities on a multitude of issues,
ACF works incessantly to build the capacity of the people and to
empower them. To this end numerous training programmes and
exposure visits are organised. We work in close collaboration
with state, district and local government and non-government
organisations on our various projects. For example, under
our Health Programme, among other collaborations, ACF is
involved in private-public-partnership under the National Rural
Health Mission. We work as a ‘Mother NGO’, and run the ASHA
Training and Resource Centre in Uttarakhand. In Gujarat, ACF
works closely with the Irrigation Department of the Government
of Gujarat on salinity ingress and mitigation projects under our
NRM programme. A large number of organisations across all
locations provide technical and knowledge support, enhancing
the quality of our programmes and impact. At all times, our work
is enhanced by the consistent technical and voluntary support
provided by Ambuja Cements.
Natural Resource Management - Rejuvenating Land and Water ResourcesACF’s Water Resource Management Programme works to
enhance water availability to communities and create a positive
impact on agriculture and allied activities in the region. The
programme not only addresses the issue of water in agriculture,
but also its usage in domestic areas. Interventions are based
on the needs of the local population, factoring in issues like the
local terrain, rainfall and existing water bodies. Thus, in coastal
Gujarat our focus has been on mitigating salinity ingress and
constructing roof rain water harvesting structures. In the arid and
semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, ACF concentrates on renovating
traditional water reservoirs like ponds and increasing the spread
of groundwater through the construction of dykes. In Himachal
Pradesh, the hilly terrain prompted us to look at watershed
management as a means of conserving water and improving
the quality of livestock and land. In Maharashtra, we constructed
check dams to manage availability of water throughout the year.
In Andhra Pradesh, where the quality of drinking water is very
poor, we set up community water purification units. Plantations
and forestation programmes also help revive soil quality and
fertility, and rejuvenate our land resources
8
Agro-Based Livelihood Generation Programme - Ensuring Food & Livelihood SecurityWe work closely with farmers to promote improvements in agro-
based livelihoods, leading to greater productivity and profits.
ACF also promotes allied activities like dairy production, bee
keeping and animal husbandry to help communities, especially
women, supplement their incomes. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra
in Kodinar, Gujarat, regularly conducts trainings, on-field
testing, and live demonstrations for farmers to integrate new
technologies in agriculture.
In 2010, we worked with cotton-growing farmers in Bathinda,
Kodinar, Chandrapur and Nadikudi, to integrate Better Cotton
Initiative (BCI) techniques in farming practices. Through planned
interventions, strategic use of pesticides, contamination
prevention and effective picking, storing and harvesting
methods, more than 2552 farmers across locations have been
able to realise a reduction of R 3000 per acre on production
costs. And BCI cotton has been able to command upper-band
rates, bringing in profits to farmers.
In Ropar, Punjab, organic farming has taken a leap with more
farmers beginning to take it up. With certification, these farmers
will be able to command a premium price for their produce. ACF
has also established a seed bank to store indigenous seeds.
Organic farmers contribute seeds for storing and exchange,
thus sustaining our seed diversity. In West Bengal, small farm
holders are now practising the Systematic Rice Intensification
(SRI) programme introduced by ACF. The project has found
widespread favour with the farmers due to lower input costs and
higher yields and profits.
Skill-Based Livelihood Programme - Creating Avenues for Gainful EmploymentACF’s Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Institutes (SEDI)
have been established to train local youth in varied technical
skills including welding, carpentry, repairs of domestic
appliances, mobiles, and two-wheelers, computer basics &
DTP, beautician’s course, and security guard training. SEDI’s are
set up in partnership with banks, other technical organizations,
and the government in different locations. This year, the number
of SEDIs has increased to 12, though some of them are in
various stages of development. More than 1500 students have
been trained this year in 17 different technical trades and we
have been able to place up to 70% of the students in jobs or
in self-employed practices. This year, ACF also expanded
its Mason Training programme to hone the semi-skilled into
skilled professionals. This programme blends ACF’s community
mobilization skills with technical inputs from Ambuja Cements,
and governmental support to train hundreds of unskilled tribal
youths into skilled masons.
9
ACF’s integrated natural resource management achieves conservation objectives, keeping the economic development of rural communities in focus.
10
generation programmes and training of village health and
sanitation committee members. The programme also supports
communities to build low-cost toilets, construct soak pits, and
create effective garbage disposal systems.
HIV and AIDS Prevention Programme:ACF implements a strong HIV and AIDS awareness and
prevention programme catering to high-risk groups across
various locations. We reach out to the large and migrant workers
population around Ambuja Cements plants. The programme
is implemented in collaboration with Apollo Tyres Foundation,
and State AIDS Control Societies. Health care centres have
been set up in Surat and Nalagarh to provide screening and
testing of STIs along with counselling and referral services.
We also have numerous outlets for condom
distribution to enable easy access for migrant
and local populations. Individuals identified as
HIV positive are then referred to ART centres
for further treatment. Our strong relations
with Positive People’s Networks are integral
to the programme. One of our initiatives is to
support network members through training
in various livelihood generation programmes.
In Punjab, ACF also implements the Targeted
Intervention Project for intravenous drug
users. The programme reaches out to almost
10000 migrant workers in the industrial areas
around Ropar, seeking to reduce incidences of
infection and transmission of HIV.
The workplace intervention programme, for
employees of Ambuja Cements, holds regular
clinics and uses media, literature, and one-
to-one counselling to generate awareness on
HIV/AIDS. Youth group members are trained as
peer educators, and they take the programme
forward through events like block level sports
competitions, quizzes and theatre activities.
Red Ribbon clubs of Sankrail have been
established in Senior Secondary schools,
enabling students to have correct information
on the issue. World AIDS Day is observed at all
locations, and includes popular communication media such as
films, street plays, and group discussions.
Education Programme – Making Learning Fun!ACF’s Education Support Programme works on raising the
quality of education in village-level government schools, and
creating learning environments for children. It works closely
with students, teachers and trainers on integrating various
innovative learning tools and concepts. ‘Activity-Based Maths
Learning’, introduced this year, integrates a hands-on approach
to make maths enjoyable and fun. ‘Reading as a Way to Literacy’
focuses on building and retaining a child’s interest in reading.
Introduced in three locations in HP, UP and Maharashtra, the
programme includes training of teachers, resource acquisition,
and refurbishing of existing school libraries. ‘Concept Learning
through Technology’ was launched as a pilot project in primary
schools in Dadri and Darlaghat incorporating computers in
Integrated Health Programme - Providing Access to Quality Health CareAccess to quality health care is one of the critical issues in
communities surrounding manufactuaring units of Ambuja
Cements. ACF’s integrated health programme incorporates
preventive and promotive aspects of health with a strong
focus on women and children, the most vulnerable sections
of the society. The programme is implemented on the ground
by a strong cadre of village-based trained health workers
called Sakhis. They conduct sessions on health with women,
and youth, interact with Panchayats to implement sanitation
programmes in the villages, and work closely with state-run
anganwadis and the public health system. Currently, 306 Sakhis
from 258 villages cater to a population of over 1.4 lakhs and 110
sakhis have received accreditation to work as health workers.
The clinical aspects of our health programme are implemented
through mobile dispensaries. Mobile medical vans travel to
villages providing much-needed medical services, especially
in far-flung areas where access to public health institutions is
difficult. Regular health camps are also held at all locations.
The programme is moulded to address specific regional and
social issues. In Bathinda, ACF implements a drug de-addiction
programme, while malnutrition among young children is a key
area of focus in Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh. Given the skewed
sex-ratio in Punjab, ACF implements a programme against sex-
selection in Ropar. In Chandrapur, Maharashtra, ACF broadened
the Home Based Neo-natal Care (HBNC) programme to tackle
maternal and infant mortality, institutionalize deliveries and
promote safe child care. This shift in approach has enabled
ACF to meet the needs of the community better. ACF also
tackles the issue of sanitation in villages through awareness-
ACF’s HIV & AIDS Prevention Programme follows a holistic approach and includes education, treatment, support and rehabilitation.
11
ACF’s integrated health programme incorporates preventive and promotive aspects of health with a strong focus on women and children
12
the school learning system. We have also set up non-formal
education (NFE) centres wherever a need has been perceived.
NFE centres are active in West Bengal, Punjab and Uttarakhand.
These centres offer school dropouts and children without access
to formal schools an opportunity to get good quality education.
They act as a bridge to formal education, with children moving
into regular schools once they are sufficiently prepared.
One of our important intervention strategies is the strengthening
of the existing school management committees (SMCs). Set-up
by the government, these committees are empowered to take
decisions for the school. With ACF’s intervention, the SMCs
in schools across the three locations are now able to make a
bigger difference.
Women’s EmpowermentFormation of women’s groups is a strategic first step towards
empowerment. Self help groups (SHGs) are not just tools for
saving or lending; they are a space to share discuss concerns
and initiate and implement plans for change – in themselves,
their families and their community. In Ropar, the groups have
evolved from simple monthly savings to setting up sustainable
livelihoods. Women in Bhatapara have found the SHGs to be a
great way to utilise their skills. Income generating activities like
paper-plate making, candle making and aqua-culture are quite
popular here. Mushroom cultivation is keenly taken up by SHGs
in Darlaghat, with efforts being made to scale up its marketing.
Women also benefitted from training gained at ACF-run SEDIs
in skills like tailoring. Apart from SHG groups, sakhis, who form
the backbone of the Integrated Health Programme, are great
role-models for change. Their commitment to the community
and their work are an inspiration and a demonstration of the
‘I CAN’ spirit.
13
Chhattisgarh NABARD
CARE, Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency
(CREDA)
Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Raipur
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhatapara
Gayatri Pragya Peeth, Baloda Bazar
Industrial Training Institute, Sakri
Indian Leasing and Financial Services (ILFS)
Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Chhattisgarh
Public Health Engineering Department, Baloda Bazar
Education Department, Government of Chhattisgarh
Fisheries Department, Government of Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh Co-operative Bank, Arjuni and Karmada
Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank, Arjuni and Baloda Bazar
State Bank of India, Rawan and Baloda Bazar
HDFC Bank, Baloda Bazar
Gujarat, Ambuja Nagar Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi
Government of Gujarat
Gujarat State Irrigation Department
Gujarat State Water Resources Development Department,
Gandhinagar
Salinity Ingress Prevention Department
District Rural Development Agency, Junagadh, Gujarat
District Planning Committee, Junagadh
Water and Sanitation Management Organization ,
Gandhinagar
Junagadh Agricultural University
Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation, Junagadh
Gujarat Energy Development Agency, Vadodara
Our Partners
ACF acknowledges the cooperation and support of local SHGs,
farmer’s groups, gram panchayats, taluka panchayats, other
panchayati raj institutions, and community based organisations’
participation, support and collaboration in making our projects
sustainable and effective. ACF also extends its sincere thanks
the various government, non-government, corporate, public
institutions, private organisations and individuals who have
backed our endeavors to make a difference across 11 states.
Andhra Pradesh Abhaya Hospital, Piduguralla, Dist. Guntur
Regional Agriculture Research Station, Guntur
Department of Horticulture Government of A.P.
Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of A.P.
Department of Agriculture, Government of A.P.
Department of Rural Development, Government of A.P.
NABARD
ST Corporation
Citrus Research Station, Tirupathi
Cooperative Development Foundation, Warangal
Balavikasa, District Guntur
CROPS
TATA Projects Ltd, Hyderabad
Indian Immunologicals Ltd, Hyderabad
Solidaridad
14
Coastal Salinity Prevention Cell, Ahmedabad
Farmers Training Center, Junagadh
Gujarat State Forest Department, Junagadh
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development,
Junagadh
District Disability Rehabilitation Center, Junagadh
Cattle Breeding Farm, Junagadh
Sir Ratan Tata Trust, Mumbai
Shivanand Mission, Rajkot
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India), Ahmedabad
Department of Animal Husbandry, Junagadh
Sajjata Sangh, Ahmedabad
Development Support Center, Ahmedabad
Block Health Office, Kodinar
Emergency Management Research Institute (EMRI),
Ahmedabad
Civil Hospital, Junagadh
Director of Groundnut Research Station, Junagadh
State Bank of India
Bank of Baroda
Cooperative Union Bank, Kodinar
Dena Bank
Solidaridad
NASSCOM Foundation
Gujarat Green Revolution Company Limited
National Horticulture Mission, Gandhinagar
State Department of Agriculture, Junagadh
State Department of Horticulture, Junagadh
Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA),
Junagadh
Sabarmati Ashram Gaushala
CIFT, Veraval
CMFRI, Veraval
MPEDA, Veraval
ANARDE Foundation, Keshod
Janseva Trust, Reyon Ltd., Veraval
Agricultural Insurance Company of India
Gujarat Cleft and Craniofacial Research Institute
Gujarat, Dahod HIV/AIDS Positive People Seva Mandal, Dahod
Mahila Housing Trust
Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, Tribal Development Department,
GoG
Gujarat, Sanand Water and Sanitation Management Organization,
Ahmedabad
Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited
Development Support Centre
Gujarat Green Revolution Company Limited
Anand Agriculture University, Anand
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India), Ahmedabad
Bapupura Milk Cooperative Society
Government Polyclinic, District Bavla
National Insurance Corporation
Bank of India
Dena Bank
Cluster Resource Centre
National Institute of Design
The Rural Development and Self-Employment Training
Institute (RUDSETI)
Gujarat, Surat Soruchi, Bardoli
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India), Ahmedabad
BAIF Development Research Foundation
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Navsari
WASDA, Valsad
Navsari Krishi University,
Surat Municipality Corporation, Surat
METAS Mission Hospital, Surat
Sumul Dairy, Surat
Government Animal Husbandry Department
Prasanti Charitable Trust – Surat
Lok Vikas Sansthan, Surat
DRDA, Surat
Shroff Foundation, Surat
Apollo Tyres Foundation, New Delhi
The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of
India (FOGSI), Surat
Cohesion Foundation, Navsari
Mahila Vikas Mandal, Songadh, Surat
Institute of Rural Technology, Bajipura, Surat
Himachal Pradesh, Darlaghat HP State AIDS Control Society
Department of Elementary Education & Sarva Shiksha
Abhiyaan, GoHP
Department of Horticulture, GoHP
Department of Animal Husbandry, GoHP
National Research Centre for Mushroom, ICAR, GoI
Our Partners
15
Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Shimla
Sanitorium Hospital, Shimla
Y S Parmar University,
NABARD
Punjab National Bank
Sir Ratan Tata Trust, Mumbai
National Council of Vocational Training
Himachal Pradesh, Nalagarh Apollo Tyres Foundation
Truck Union, Nalagarh
HP State AIDS Control Society
Government Hospital, Nalagarh
Municipal Council Nalagarh
YS Parmar Horticulture and Forestry Agriculture University,
Nauni, District Solan
Regional Research Station, Balachore, District SBS Nagar
(Punjab)
Department of Animal Husbandry, Solan
Raghu Dental Clinic, Nalagarh
Maharashtra, Chandrapur Block Resource Centre, Rajura and Korpana
District Dairy Development Department
Integrated Tribal Development Department, Chandrapur
State Bank of India, Lakhmapur and Gadchandur
General Hospital, Chandrapur
Rural Hospital, Gadchandur
District Health Department, Chandrapur
District Animal Husbandry Department
Veterinary Hospital, Gadchandur
Education Department, Zilla Parishad, Chandrapur
Maharashtra State Vocational Education and Examination
Board, Mumbai
National Council of Vocational Training, New Delhi
District Vocational Education Officer, Chandrapur
Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM), Chandrapur
BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune
NASSCOM Foundation
Salaam Bombay Foundation
Navnirmiti, Mumbai
UNICEF- Amachi Shala Project
Foundation for Research in Community Health, Pune
Amhi Amchya Arogya Sathi, Gadchiroli
NABARD, Pune
HiWEl, Delhi
Appropriate Rural Technology Centre, Pune
Magan Sanghralaya Sameetee, Wardha
Solidaridad
Maharasthra, Panvel Zilla Parishad Schools, Targhar Gram Panchayat
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Panvel
District Rural Development Agency, Panvel
Primary Health Centre, Ghavan
Population Services International(PSI), Vashi
Jana Shikshan Sanstha, Raigad
Lijjat Papad, Panvel
Career Guidance, Dadar
Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM), Karjat
Vidhayak Sansad, Virar
Stree Mukti Sanghatna, Chembur
Shramjivi Sahayata Mandal, Mahad
IDBI, Panvel
Bank Of India, Belapur
Raigad District Bank, Panvel
Kana Bala High School, Moha
Punjab, Bathinda NABARD
Punjab State Aids Control Society
Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA)
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bathinda
Red Cross Society, Bathinda
NRHM
Department of Police, Bathinda
District Administration
District Rural Development Agency
Municipal Corporation, Bathinda
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan
State Bank of India
District Wushu Art Association
Asra Welfare Society
Bhagat Singh Youth Club, Bathinda
Punjab, Ropar Horticulture Department, Punjab
Department of Animal Husbandry, Punjab
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
16
National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped, Govt. Of
India, Secundrabad
NABARD
Department of Agriculture, Ropar
Punjab Energy Development Agency
State AIDS Control Society, Chandigarh
Punjab State AIDS Control Society
Control Union Certification
Central Institute of Integrated Pest Management, Jalandhar (
IPM )
Punjab Milkfed
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ropar
National Trust for the Welfare of Autism, Mental
Retardation Cerebral Palsy & Multiple
Disabilities, Government of India
Punjab & Sind Bank
UCO Bank
Punjab Gramin Bank
India Bank
State Bank of India
Cooperative Bank
State Bank of Patiala
Rajasthan, Chirawa Jhunjhunu Kendriya Sahakari Bank,
NABARD
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Abusar
Morarka Foundation, Jaipur
PHED, Jhunjhunu
Rajasthan, Marwar Mundwa Thar Gramin Bank
NABARD
District Milk Production Co operative Society,
Nagaur
Agriculture Universities, Rajasthan
Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rajasthan
District Animal Husbandry Department
Rajasthan, Rabriyawas State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, Rajasthan
NABARD
Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur
College of Technology and Agricultural Engineering, Udaipur
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rajasthan
National Rural Health Mission, Jaipur
Rajasthan Mission on Livelihood, Jaipur
Zilla Parishad, Pali
Gramin Vikas Trust, Rajasthan
District Health Department
Uttarakhand, Roorkee Health & Family Welfare Department, Uttarakhand
National Rural Health Mission
Uttarakhand State AIDS Control Society
NABARD
National Horticulture Mission
Department of Agriculture, Uttarakhand
Department of Animal Husbandry, Uttarakhand
Uttrakhand Livestock Development Board
Punjab National Bank
State Bank of India
Canara Bank
Punjab & Sind Bank
Dharam Gramin Utthan Sansthan
Astha Seva Sansthan
Happy Family Health Care & Research Association
Disha Social Organization
Our Partners
Uttar Pradesh, Dadri Education Department, Government of UP
Block Resource Centre
Integrated Child Development Services
Block Office, Dadri
Community Health Centre, TSC
Department of Animal Husbandry
Krishi Vigyan Kendra
KRBL
NABARD.
District Rural Development Agency
Punjab National Bank
State Bank of India
Canara Bank
Syndicate Bank
UNICEF
NASSCOM Foundation.
Institute of Physically Handicapped (I.P.H)
RUDSETI
17
West Bengal, Farakka United Bank Of India, Farakka
State Bank Of India, Farakka
National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development,
Murshidabad
Block Development Office, Farakka
District Rural Development Agency, Murshidabad
Comprehensive Area Development Corporation,
Murshidabad Gram Panchayat
Industrial Training Institute, Malda & Berhampur
Krishi Vigan Kendra, Godda & Murshidabad
West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency
(WBREDA)
Customer Support Group-ACL
Pulse & Oilseed Research Station
DISHA, Farakka
LIONS CLUB, Farakka
St. John’s Ambulance, W.Bengal
PRASARI, Kolkata
SPMUS, Farakka
Association of Voluntary Blood Donors, West Bengal
Gramin Vikas Trust, Godda-Jharkhand
Infrastructure Leasing & Finance Service Limited, Kolkata
(ILFS)
West Bengal Minorities Development & Finance Corporation,
Kolkata
Teesta Agro Industry Private Limited
Kocchar Infotech Private Limited
Strengthening Rural Decentralization Project, Farakka
West Bengal, Sankrail Agriculture Development Department, Sankrail Block
Agriculture Development Department, Jagatballavpur Block
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jagatballavpur
International Labour Organisation, New Delhi
UNICEF, Kolkata
West Bengal State AIDS Prevention & Control Society
Apollo Tyres Foundation
NABARD
Howrah District Central Cooperative Bank
PRASARI, Kolkata
State Bank of India
United Bank of India
Paschimbanga Gramin Bank
West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency
(WBREDA)
District Health Department (CMOH)
Block Health Department (BMOH)
Howrah Network for the HIV Positive
M.P. Birla Eye Clinic, Kolkata
Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vidyalaya
Comprehensive Area Development Corporation
SPARSHA
Dhulagori Mahila Samity
PARIVAR SEVA
Enable India Foundation
State Resource Center
CINI
Health Latex Limited
TCI
School of Tropical Medicine (ART Center )
DOT, Sankrail
Local Government Institutions
SUPRAVAT
Sikkim Manipal University
Chakari.co.in
West Bengal State Technical Institution
District Industries Centre
Our SpreadEnergise
Involve
and Enable
Communities
to Realise
their Potential
20
Andhra Pradesh
OverviewACF works in Nadikudi, focusing on agro-based livelihood and
its water resources programme. Good quality drinking water is
a scarce resource here, and ACF’s activities involve installation
of reverse osmosis plants in villages to reduce dependence on
commercially marketed water.
Under our agriculture programme, farmers have shown
keenness to adopt the Better Cotton Initiative as it has
demonstrably distinct advantages over traditional forms of
cotton cultivation. The programme supports farmers through
regular trainings, crop monitoring and provision of technical
inputs from agricultural experts.
NadikudiAgro-based LivelihoodIndiscriminate use of pesticides and fertilizers has had a
depleting effect on the quality of the soil, environment and
health of farmers. ACF has been promoting organic farming
among the farmers of Nadikudi to reduce the harmful effects
of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which over the last many
years have led to depleted soil fertility and adversely affected
the environment and the health of the community.
Kotta Ramarao from Ambapuram village is one of the farmers
who has adopted organic farming practices for his chilli crop.
He experimented on an acre of land using non-pesticide
management (NPM) techniques promoted by ACF. The quality
and quantity of the yield he obtained surprised him. The result
was particularly remarkable since many crops in the area did
not produce a good yield as the unexpected rainfall left behind
infested crops. In light of this experience, many farmers were
convinced about the effectiveness of NPM. ACF followed it
up through establishment of farmer field schools and training
programmes for farmers from nine villages. Close to 180 farmers
have taken up the NPM method of cultivation of chilli, while 135
farmers initiated the use of organic inputs in their fields.
As part of the farmers’ training on non-pesticide management
techniques, farmer field schools were set up on demonstration
plots in each village. ACF supported farmers with technical
inputs to create fencing crops, refugee crops, inter-crops and
attractant crops. Bio-manure and neem powder were used to
enrich the quality of the soil. The training helped farmers identify
ways to control pests without resorting to harmful pesticides.
Farmers were also encouraged to opt for vermi-composting for
organic manure through establishment of commercial vermi-
compost units. This helps farmers to earn profits from the sale
of organic manure as well. The master demonstration plot
maintained by ACF is divided into three parts to grow crops
using integrated pest management techniques, experiential
research, and traditional farming methods respectively. This
gives farmers an opportunity to compare the results of three
different types of farming in the same climatic conditions.
The BCI project is implemented in seven villages of Nadikudi –
Andhra Pradesh
those that have been traditionally growing cotton for decades.
The project is supported by our trained village extension
volunteers (EVs). In the reporting year, 378 farmers took up
BCI as a mode of cotton cultivation. These farmers have been
organised into 37 learning groups with 20 farmers each to
enable them to share their observations and learnings on BCI.
Each of these groups has been trained on integrated pest
management and non-pest management by agricultural
experts and trained EVs through classroom sessions, video
presentations, demonstrations and the farmer field schools.
Farmers are also encouraged to maintain a field book detailing
expenditure incurred on crop cultivation, enabling them to
compare costs while growing crops through different methods.
Following an assessment of cotton crops, 30 groups were found
to be eligible to sell their produce as better cotton. The quality of
cotton was also independently assessed the BCI Coordinator,
India. These farmers were able to sell their certified produce
to a Hyderabad-based company for a profit. The village of
Kachavaram has seen 105 farmers adopting sustainable cotton
cultivation. The impact of the process is felt most in this village,
with farmers being able to produce good quality yield and
realise good profit.
Training of EVs is also an integral part of the BCI project. Training
programmes for EVs were conducted in collaboration with the
Regional Agriculture Research Station, Guntur. They covered
topics like practices in chilli cultivation, BCI and integrated pest
management (IPM) in cotton cultivation.
The wadi project, supported by NABARD, is implemented
among three mandals in villages around Nadikudi. The project
aims to develop 500 acres of land for horticulture and the
process has been initiated with the cultivation of sweet orange,
guava and mango in 198 acres of land.
ACF initiated trainings on dairy economics for farmers from
WADI programme in village Chakrayapalem
21
ACF also provided electric motors for the bore wells in these
villages on the request of the community.
In response to the need for drinking water pipe lines, 410 metres
of pipe were laid in two villages. The work is being supervised
by the sarpanches themselves. Ninety percent of these villages
now have access to drinking water.
Women’s EmpowermentACF conducted an audit of the books of 24 self help groups
(SHGs). On compilation of a final data sheet, numerous flaws in
their functioning were identified. The SHGs were given training
in these areas. The training programmes included management
of the revolving fund, internal lending and the roles and
responsibilities of SHGs. ACF also established a tailor-training
centre, with the first batch comprising 20 women.
five villages. Close to 100 families participated in the training
programmes to learn more on aspects of machine milking;
techniques to improve percentage of fat in milk; cultivation of
advanced fodder crops; and the concept of unit-wise dairy
maintenance. Post-training, 40 families have started two mini
dairy units with 20 buffaloes in each unit.
Under the animal husbandry programme, ACF held
gynaecological and de-worming camps in collaboration with the
Department of Animal Husbandry. Almost 10,000 animals were
treated or vaccinated at various cattle camps organised by us.
Water Resource ManagementDue to the high level of dissolved salts in potable water,
sometimes as high as 3,000 ppm, people are forced to buy
filtered water from commercial sources at huge cost. ACF
mobilised communities through different village level meetings
to install reverse osmosis (RO) based water purifier systems
within their villages.
RO based systems with 500 litres/hour capacity were established
in Budavada and Kachavaram villages; a similar system with
1000 litres/hour capacity was set up in Nadikudi village. Water
from the RO system is affordable as its supplied to the people at
R 3 for a 20 litre can. The distribution and maintenance of water
is the responsibility of members of the village based committee,
while ACF provides the technical and monitoring support. ACF
worked on minor drinking water projects like construction of
cisterns. Villagers contribute their labour, while ACF provides
the materials required for construction. Tanks have been built
in the villages of Gadevaripally, Takkellapudu and Budavada,
ensuring availability of water even during a power shortage.
Villagers during the inauguration of the RO plant at Nadikudi
EducationACF organised a Balotsavam for school children, in which
children were taught to make toys and greeting cards from waste
material like broken bangles, paper and stones. Four hundred
and fifty children from seven schools took part in the fair. The
Balotsavam was an opportunity for children to showcase their
creativity and skills.
ACF also organised paediatric camps for anganwadi children in
five programme villages. Four hundred and nine children were
examined and provided with medicines as required.
Children explore arts and crafts at the Balotsawam
22
OverviewNatural resource management is one of our key areas of focus in
Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh. The region’s ground water resources
are being depleted due to over-exploitation. ACF’s efforts focus
on renewal and rejuvenation of underground water through the
construction and renovation of water harvesting structures,
ponds and check dams across villages around Bhatapara.
Under our agro-based livelihood projects, ACF promotes the
Systematic Rice Intensification (SRI) method among paddy-
growing farmers. ACF also promotes the wadi project among
farmers, in collaboration with NABARD.
Malnutrition among young children is one of the prevailing
problems in the region; aggravated through a lack of access
to quality health services. Our integrated health programme
focuses on raising awareness about ante- and post-natal care
for women, and neo-natal care for infants. Regular health camps
conducted in various villages also enable us to reach out to
more women and community members on issues of health and
sanitation.
Chhattisgarh
Bhatapara Water Resources ManagementTo ensure the availability of water for drinking and irrigation
for a longer duration, ACF helped village based communities
to conduct de-silting in five ponds. It helped increase the total
water storage capacity by 51,750 cubic metres. Hand pumps
have also been installed in four villages.
Agro-based LivelihoodACF demonstrated the SRI method of rice cultivation in 254
acres of farm land belonging to 229 farmers. This helped farmers
compare the advantages of SRI over traditional methods and
make an informed choice.
During field demonstrations in the kharif season, 50 acres were
planted with arhar and soya bean. In the rabi season, field
demonstrations were carried out with mustard and sunflower
on 25 acres of land. One hundred farmers were encouraged
to cultivate vegetables like onion, cauliflower, tomato and
chilli. Seeds for kitchen gardens were also distributed to 410
households through our sakhis.
Under the animal husbandry programme, ACF held 27 animal
treatment-cum-awareness camps during the year. Artificial
insemination was carried out on 400 animals. Eight travis, which
are iron frames used to tie cattle, were installed in the villages to
facilitate treatment of animals.
Chhattisgarh
SRI farming at a village near Bhatapara
23
Integrated Health ProgrammeA number of general health camps, including ante-natal camps,
were organised during the year. Specialist camps for blood
testing and detection of diabetes were held in 12 villages. The
camps were organised with support from doctors of the Ambuja
Cements’ Occupational Health Centre. An eye camp was
organised jointly with the Pragya Mandal Gayatri Shakti Peeth,
Baloda Bazaar and the Government Hospital, Baloda Bazaar.
More than 180 eye operations were conducted at the camp.
Our sakhis worked tirelessly on creating awareness about
health and hygiene in young children through action and song
at various khelwadis. The sakhis also participated in health
tanks, pipe lines and roof rain water harvesting structures are
under construction in the schools. ACF also supports schools
through provision of sports gear, teaching aids, mats, utensils,
furniture and books for students’ libraries.
ACF conducts regular meetings with the village education
committees to ensure that the schools function smoothly. The
government schools had reported a shortage of teachers; ACF
provided 12 subject-specific teachers and eight computer trainer
volunteers to five schools in the villages of Pousari, Arjuni,
Rawan, Karmada and Mopar. Computer education is supported
in five schools under our education programme. ACF supports
the village knowledge centre in Rawan village, in collaboration
with the NASSCOM Foundation,
where students, youths and
community members learn about
computers and access information
through the internet.
Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute Despite proximity to the industries
of Raipur and Bilaspur, youth from
the villages around Bhatapara
were at a disadvantage. A
lack of technical skills were
hampering their chances at
wage or self-employment. ACF
recognised the need for a skill and
entrepreneurship development
institute, and conducted a baseline
survey to gauge the response
of youths to the idea. The survey
revealed an high interest among
youth for a SEDI, and in courses
like carpentry and electrical two-
wheeler mechanics and driving.
In August 2010, ACF established
a SEDI in Baloda Bazaar, to
provide skill-based training to
unemployed youth. It began with
offering courses in carpentry and
electricals; and soon included
training in masonry as well. The
first batch of 33 students have
been trained in these courses,
and have been employed in various establishments around
Bhatapara and Raipur.
Women’s EmpowermentACF supports 60 SHGs in 14 villages. They have a cumulative
strength of 778 members. ACF conducted ten training
programmes during the year, on accounts and book keeping;
strengthening of the SHGs, their roles and responsibilities;
and the bank linkage process. Two training programmes were
conducted for the SHGs on income generating activities like
candle, agarbatti and vermi-compost manufacture. They were
also taken on exposure visits to observe the best practices of
other SHGs and replicate them in their own villages.
Villages of Bhatapara are quite distant from one another. Sakhis had not been able to reach out to far-flung
areas earlier. With bicycles, came increased mobility, and the scope to serve families in distant locations, and
respond to every emergency on time.
camps where they disseminated information about government
schemes. They provided the community with valuable follow-
up and referral services. Special days like World AIDS Day,
Pneumonia Day and Girl Child Day were observed to create
awareness among the community.
Under our sanitation programme, ACF supported the
construction of 53 toilets in a village with the people’s
contribution.
EducationACF’s education programme is implemented in 23 schools
across 12 villages. Amenities such as boundary walls, overhead
24
Infrastructure DevelopmentACF supported the construction of a community hall and
boundary walls for village Bharseli and the government. school
in village Mopar. Two cemented ghats were constructed in
the villages of Pousari and Khairtal during the year. Our other
infrastructure projects during the year included construction of
concrete roads, setting up of street lights, and building of water
tanks to ensure sufficient storage of drinking water.
Kitchen gardens, promoted under the integrated health programme, are taking roots in many homes. With this, the fight to reduce incidences of iron-deficiency anaemia has begun right at home.
The kitchen garden initiative,
under ACF’s integrated
health programme, focuses
on improved nutrition as a
way to sustained health. In
village Rawan in Bhatapara,
sakhis Ambarica Patel and
Asha Singh are paving
the way for nutrition and
food security by initiating
kitchen gardens in homes.
However, when they first
mooted the idea during a
group meeting, the village
women were very reluctant.
They were unsure about
their land and worried about
the amount of water, seeds,
and fertilizers to be used,
and doubted their own skills.
After a bit of convincing,
Geeta Verma from Rawan
agreed to the idea. ACF
shared the cost of good
quality seeds with her, and
Geeta carefully followed
instructions by the sakhis
about raising plants.
Sohadra Verma from the
same village showed
interest in raising bitter
gourd around her house.
Within months, both women
were extremely surprised
to see the results. The
plants thrived, bloomed and
produced excellent quality
vegetables!
A proud Geeta is now
motivating many of her
neighbours to start their
own vegetable patches.
ACF sakhis from other
villages are visiting Rawan
to learn about this process
for replication.
Sakhi Ambarica is
convinced that kitchen
gardens can make a
difference in bringing about
sustained health. “These
small plots of land around
the house can be cultivated
to produce enough yield for
the family. It’s fresh, non-
expensive and healthy,” she
says. Today, Geeta is keen
to expand her garden, and
looks forward to enough
yield to be able to sell in
the village market. Sohadra
is planning to venture
into different varieties
of vegetables. Both are
now convinced about the
viability of the process, and
its potential as a business
venture. They have also
proved that improved diets
and enhanced nutrition are
possible in a cost-effective,
sustainable manner.
HOME-GROWN NUTRITION
Chhattisgarh
Wadi plantation at village Bharsela
25
Regular health programmes conducted in villages ensures that every single person left out of the purview of other health services too have access to healthcare.
Left: Students get their HB levels checked during a health camp in
Bhatapara.
Below: Geeta Verma, in her flourishing kitchen garden.
26
Gujarat
OverviewAmbuja Cement Foundation began its community based
interventions in Gujarat at Ambujanagar, in the Kodinar
taluka of Junagadh district, 18 years ago. Given the nature
and availability of water in the coastal areas of Gujarat, it
was natural for water resource management (WRM) projects
to be given priority. Our WRM interventions have included
construction of water harvesting systems like check dams,
interlinking of rivers, deepening of ponds, recharging of wells,
establishment of percolation wells and conversion of mine pits
into water reservoirs. Various projects are being implemented
in partnership with the Irrigation Department, Government
of Gujarat (GoG), Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) and Water
and Sanitation Management Organisation (WASMO). Our
interventions have proved to be effective in preventing salinity
ingress and increasing the ground water table in the project
villages.
This has had a positive impact on the agriculture; health and
economy of the community. The large farming community has
directly benefitted from the increase in the availability of water.
Farmers are now able to grow two to three crops a year. The
Bhekeshwar Dam is in its final stages of completion and will
benefit 1,067 hectares of farm land with its 35.31 mcft capacity.
Gujarat
A Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) was set up in Kodinar in 2007 in
collaboration with the Indian Council for Agricultural Research
(ICAR). KVK offers on-and off-campus training to farmers
to update them with new technologies and development
strategies. The farmers attend front line demonstrations on farm
testing, farm development and seed production, and participate
in extension activities. Our focus areas include health, animal
husbandry and horticulture.
We have expanded our reach in Gujarat to include the districts
of Surat, Sanand and Dahod. In Surat, two school knowledge
centres have been established with the support of the NASSCOM
Foundation. The centres are utilised by over 700 students and
villagers to access the web, to learn about IT, government
schemes, rights and benefits, weather, market prices and PRI
schemes. A Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute
(SEDI) was set up in 2010 to equip youth with technical skills
that will help them find employment.
In Sanand, we continue to receive support from Anand
Agricultural University to train the farming community on
vegetable farming, Systematic Rice Intensification (SRI)
and medicinal plants. Like most towns that are on the cusp
of being urbanised, Sanand is doing well economically;
however, much needs to be done on health aspects. This year,
ACF facilitated construction of 62 sanitation units and have
actively campaigned on health issues among communities.
In Dahod, ACF implements its mason training programme
with tribal youth, in partnership with the Tribal Development
Department, GoG, with technical support provided by Ambuja
Cements. Castor crop in village Virpura
The Devaka-Khari Link Canal, Kodinar
27
Ambuja NagarWater and Land Resource ManagementThe Bhekeshwar Dam, which is being constructed by ACF in
partnership with the Irrigation Department, GoG across the
river Singoda, is nearing completion. The dam has tremendous
potential to increase the water storage capacity in the coastal
villages of Kodinar. Construction of a check dam across the
river Saraswati in Sutrapada was completed this year. It has
a storage capacity of 2.2 mcft, and will provide water to 95
hectares of agricultural land, besides recharging 45 adjoining
wells. Renovation of check dams at Dudhana, Chhachhar
and Ronaj has improved the local water situation. Currently
ACF is constructing the Arithiya and Tobra check dams with
increased storage capacity. The Devaka and Khari rivers have
been interlinked with a 4.5 km long canal. It stores 68 mcft of
water and benefits 302 farmers in 750 hectares of land. Three
percolation tanks built by ACF in Sutrapada and Bhetali have
increased the available water by 2.37 mcft, providing water to
150 wells and 165 acres of farm land.
Coastal salinity is a major issue in large parts of Kodinar taluka.
ACF and SRTT have been working on salinity mitigation in
Kodinar and Sutrapada villages. Saline-resistant horticulture,
less-water intensive agriculture, organic farming, kitchen
gardening and drip irrigation are promoted under the project.
Saline-resistant horticulture crops like sapota, cashew, figs,
coconut and mango were planted in over 120 hectares of land.
Eighty tissue-cultured date palms and 30,000 teak stamps
were planted along farm boundaries in saline-affected villages.
The farmers were given 400 integrated nutrient and disease
management kits to plant saline-resistant, less-water intensive
crops and were encouraged to take up vegetable farming and
kitchen gardening. The salinity issue was also addressed by
the construction and renovation of drinking water wells, water
harvesting structures and drip irrigation systems.
A
ACF and Water and
Sanitation Management
Organisation (WASMO)
have initiated the Coastal
Area Development Project
through pani samitis in 23
villages. We collected water
samples from villages, got
them tested in our KVK
laboratory and shared the
results with the community.
This motivated the pani
samitis to plan, execute
and manage assets
created for drinking water.
The pani samitis work
towards creating
infrastructure to supply
every household with
drinking water, with 10%
of the cost contributed by
the families. As of now,
they have mobilised a
cash contribution of R 29.47
lakhs in 27 villages. Pipali
village has successfully
provided drinking water to
all its households through
pipelines and taps. It is now
a model for other villages.
PANI SAMITIS
reduces water consumption, increases crop productivity and
requires less manpower. It has been adopted by farmers on 233
hectares of land. Our sprinkler irrigation programme is being
implemented in collaboration with the GoG. ACF is motivating
farmers to adopt sprinkler irrigation devices for efficient
utilisation of water. These methods ensure that water is used
judiciously for agricultural activites, reducing the impact on the
environment. Our efforts this year have been more successful
than last year; the technique is being applied in 266 hectares
of land.
The conference on salinity ingress and prevention in coastal areas was an opportunity to evolve sustainable options to mitigate salinity.
state-level workshop on salinity ingress and prevention saw
a participation of 130 members from across government,
corporate, academic, NGO, and rural sectors. The workshop
was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Agriculture and
Water Resources, GoG. It was a platform to discuss salinity
mitigation methods undertaken by various organisations across
the coast. It also paved the way for more collaborations, and
sharing of information and resources for greater impact. Some of
the recommendations of the workshop included better policies,
and implementation to conserve, rejuvenate, and harvest water
for domestic, agricultural and industrial use.
Training and exposure visits were organised for the farmers to
understand drip irrigation for judicious use of water. Drip irrigation
28
KVK scientists interacting with farmers during a field visit
thus reducing their dependence on chemical fertilizers.
Animal husbandry is a secondary source of income for many
farmers. However, cattle need intensive care. During the year
ACF organised 10 cattle health camps in collaboration with the
Veterinary Department. Cattle were diagnosed for infections,
administered vaccinations and provided with treatment at these
camps. More than 4135 cattle belonging to 691 farmers were
treated by vets during the camp.
Based on the feedback from farmers, ACF collaborated with the
National Dairy Development Board to manage the Sabarmati
Gaushala under its Cattle Breed Development Programme.
We also streamlined artificial insemination (AI) programme in
all the villages of Kodinar and Sutrapada talukas. Twenty five
paravets were given training to promote the procedure and help
in preservation of the Gir cow breed. By supporting them with
loans to buy containers for nitrogen and semen doses, ACF
helped the paravets to become self-employed professionals.
Agro-based Livelihood Krishi Vigyan KendraThe Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) is the driving force behind our
work in this region. Training forms an important component of
our work; this year we trained 4,831 people from the farming
and fishing communities through various training modules.
The training programmes included training of extension
functionaries, vocational training of fishing communities
and value-addition training in groundnut farming for women.
Techniques like integrated crop, nutrient, and pest management
in groundnut, brinjal and mango were taught through front-
line demonstrations on the farmers’ fields by KVK personnel.
The farmers were also educated about new technology in
cotton production; crop sequencing in wheat and groundnut;
introduction of new varieties of
onion; and kitchen gardening with
bucket drip irrigation. This year 156
individuals benefitted from 10 front-
line demonstrations conducted on 43
hectares of land.
KVK scientists undertake regular
visits to farmers’ fields to understand
and analyse ground issues pertaining
to agriculture. They share information
about common concerns like control
of pests and crop diseases with the
farmers. The farmers visit KVK to
learn about new technologies and
observe the demonstration plots.
Thirty-two women also went on
an exposure visit to the Junagadh
Agricultural University to learn about
spice-management. KVK is now
upgrading its infrastructure to include
new units and facilities. A model
nursery and leaf tissue analysis lab
are being set up in collaboration with
National Horticulture Mission. A soil
and water testing laboratory, set up
in 2010, collects samples for testing
and provides recommendations along with the test results.
A demonstration fish pond and a ‘crop cafeteria’ showcase
scientific cultivation methods of various fish and crop varieties.
KVK has tied up with the Directorate of Groundnut Research
Station, Junagadh, for production of the SG-99 seed variety. A
herd of 21Gir cattle, which is the best milch breed, is housed in
KVK’s gaushala or demonstration dairy unit.
In an innovative ICT experiment, the kendra sends information
to farmers on their cell phones through a Gujarati SMS service.
This year, KVK reached out to 148 farmers through tele-
counselling. KVK plans to upgrade to a voice SMS service
that will send out information on agriculture practices and
technology to farmers. KVK is now set to raise the benchmark in
its interaction with the community by establishing a radio station
in collaboration with ATMA.
Horticulture has been taken up on a large scale in villages in
Kodinar and Sutrapada talukas, both for cash crops and to
maintain the green cover. Major crops like mango, sapota and
coconut were planted across 237 hectares of land. Under our
forestation programme, teak was planted as farm borders in
over 75 hectares of land.
KVK has also helped form nine SHGs. The SHGs are encouraged
to enhance their savings and promote internal lending. This
year more than 400 people came together at KVK to observe
Farmers’ Day, World Food Day, Women in Agriculture Day and
International Women’s Day. They were linked to Agriculture
Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Junagadh.
Kitchen garden kits were provided to women SHG members to
enable them to grow fresh vegetables in their homes. This year,
they were provided with 200 kits of vegetable seeds like lady’s
finger, bottle gourd and chilli. Farmers have begun setting up
vermi-compost units in their fields, and are using it as manure,
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29
Thus far, 14439 artificial inseminations have been carried out
under the programme.
Weather InsuranceDue to the imminent dangers of climate change, ACF has
initiated weather insurance as a pilot project. Workshops have
been held to emphasise the need for crop insurance. Three
hundred and eighty seven farmers have purchased a weather
insurance policy from Agriculture Insurance Company of India
Ltd. (AICIL). NABARD has offered a subsidy of R 1830 to each
farmer to buy the policy. Sajjata Sangh, an NGO network, also
supported us in promoting weather insurance in Kodinar. This
year the farmers were able to claim insurance worth R 1740 per
acre for losses incurred due to heavy rains.
Better Cotton InitiativeThe Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) project is being implemented
this year at Ambujanagar in collaboration with Solidaridad,
a Dutch-based nodal agency that promotes economically,
environmentally and socially sustainable cotton among
small-land farmers. Traditional cotton growing has become
increasingly dependent on chemicals and pesticides, adversely
affecting the environment. BCI cotton uses bio-agents that have
been successful in controlling mealy-bug, pink boll worm and
other sucking pests. Since cotton is a water intensive crop,
ACF promotes drip irrigation to water the crop. The project was
initiated with 810 cotton-growers in 12 select villages of Kodinar,
Sutrapada and Una talukas after a participatory rural appraisal
process. Close to 1000 farmers have
expressed their interest in taking up BCI
in the coming season.
Forty four learning groups (LGs)
have been formed to coordinate and
strategise practices of cotton farming.
Weekly meetings are held with the LGs
at the Farmer Field School where a
one-acre demonstration plot has been
developed. The ten farmers’ clubs formed
this year are supported by ACF, ATMA
and NABARD with regular trainings.
The farmers have attended 56 training
sessions on various aspects of cotton
farming, like purchasing quality seeds,
land preparation, water management and
storage management. Sixty farmers went
on a two-day exposure visit to understand
drip irrigation systems. Contamination
prevention kits were provided to 200
farmers; 200 others adopted safety kits
for use while spraying pesticide.
IEC materials have been developed
in Gujarati for 1052 farmers. Literature
highlighting the minimum production
criteria for BCI cotton, with details on
costs and profit margins, has been
distributed to 544
farmers in time for
the 2011 sowing
season. A booklet on integrated pest management was
published in Gujarati and circulated to 1000 farmers.
BCI farming has brought tangible profits to the farmers,
because of reduced use of pesticides and fertilizers. BCI cotton
commands a higher price in the market than commercial cotton.
Sixteen LGs have qualified as BCI growers and have been
linked with two ginners’ associations in Una. After assessment
and registration, these groups will be able to fetch higher prices
for their produce in the open market.
Integrated Health ProgrammeACF provides curative, preventive and promotive health care
to the communities within the project area. Doctors and nurses
from Ambuja Hospital travel in mobile dispensaries to 22 villages
around Kodinar, providing services like clinical examinations,
injections and dressings, minor surgeries, health education
and distribution of family planning material to the people. This
year over 10000 patients could access services provided by the
mobile dispensary.
ACF’s health care initiative is supported by a team of 18 sakhis
in 12 villages. They work closely with health service providers
like the PHCs, ICDS, taluka officials and the village panchayat to
reach out to people in remote areas. This year, they participated
in 23 fortnightly capacity-building sessions and interacted with
representatives from the PHCs, medical officers, block health
officials, the taluka officer, education inspector and sarpanches.
As a result, both groups have been able to gain a better
understanding of their roles.
A child is weighed by
ACF’s Sakhi during
“Mamta Divas”
30
Students exploring computers at the Village Knowledge Centre, Singsar
camp was attended by 2500 patients including 325 physically
challenged persons. A cleft and craniofacial camp was held in
collaboration with the Gujarat Cleft and Craniofacial Research
Institute, Ahmedabad where 45 cleft lip and palate deformity
cases were treated.
Seventy toilet blocks were constructed in Mathwa, Muldwarka
and Vadnagar villages to reduce the incidence of open-
defecation. ACF is promoting healthy and hygienic practices
among the rural communities. Children are taught about the
importance of such practices through yoga, storytelling and art
competitions at their khelwadi sessions.
The sakhis conduct regular meetings with the village women,
stressing the importance of immunisation, vaccination of mother
and child and ante- and post-natal care (ANC/PNC). More
than 240 such sessions were held over the year. They provide
the community with timely medical service; this year around
256 complex cases were referred to hospitals for advanced
treatment. The sakhis went on exposure visits to SEWA Rural,
Jagadiya and Bharuch to enhance their practical knowledge.
Following accreditation of seven sakhis as health workers, their
work has gained further credibility.
In the reporting year, 1083 children below 12 years were
vaccinated against Hepatitis B. Eye camps, supported by the
Shivanand Mission Hospital at Virnagar, were held regularly to
screen and identify patients for cataract operations. This year
2,861 patients were screened at 11 eye camps and 350 cataract
operations were carried out. Four village-based general health
camps were held in Kodinar and Sutrapada talukas. A special
health camp was organised in collaboration with the Police
Department, Civil Hospital and Health Department, Junagadh,
where over 100 doctors provided honorary services. The
Skills Training and Capacity BuildingVillage knowledge centres (VKCs) have been set up in
collaboration with NASSCOM Foundation in Vadnagar,
Muldwarka and Singsar villages. They are equipped with
broadband connections and bringing services like IT education
and information on agriculture, government schemes, weather
and market prices to villagers and students.
ACF conducts a student awareness programme with students of
Kodinar taluka to sensitise them about the environment. A total
of 768 students were covered in 15 training sessions. Besides
being taught about best environmental practices, the students
learned about global warming, the green house effect and the
stages of pollution through discussions, classroom sessions
and film screenings.
The coastal belt of Saurashtra is home to various kinds of
industries, generating huge demand for trained and skilled
personnel. ACF established a Skill and Entrepreneurship
Development Institute (SEDI) in 2010, to provide rural youth with
training and employment opportunities. We obtained feedback
from the community through 4000 rojgar survey forms; and
visited six ITIs to learn about the various
trades and management processes of
reputed vocational training institutes.
SEDI - Kodinar received a very positive
response from over 600 applicants in 48
villages, who wanted to be a part of the
SEDI programme.
Women’s EmpowermentTen new SHGs have been formed in
our project areas. These groups have
been trained on various aspects of
SHG management like group-formation,
documentation, internal lending, credit
rotation plans and bank linkages. SHG
interface workshops with bankers from
Cooperative Union Bank - Kodinar,
State Bank of India, Dena Bank, Bank
of Baroda and NABARD helped 12
SHGs to form links with banks and avail
of loans worth R 7 lakh. The workshops
also helped 32 SHGs to get graded by
the banks.
This year, training programmes covered
a range of topics that addressed farmers,
women’s groups, village health workers
and students. Women SHG members
learned about micro credit, bank linkages, grading, availing of
loans from banks and developing a credit rotation plan. A total
of 811 women participated in 37 training programmes. Forty
nine SHG members went on an exposure visit to SEWA Bank,
Ahmedabad.
Special Project: Making Safer Habitats for WildlifeWildlife in the Gir Sanctuary and Reserve Forest is shrinking
rapidly due to human encroachment and intensive farming.
Animals like the Asiatic lion are always at risk of falling into man-
made open wells in their habitat. ACF has been constructing
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31
Promoting vegetable cultivation in village Vasna
parapets around open wells in collaboration with the Forest
Department. This year 191 parapets were constructed. The
farmers are also encouraged to construct parapets around their
open wells to ensure the safety of people and animals.
SanandAgro-based LivelihoodA Participatory Irrigation Management project was initiated
in the Narmada Canal Command Area of Sanand taluka.
ACF became the first organisation to sign a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) with the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam
Limited (SSNNL) for participatory irrigation management in
13,325 hectares. The project focuses on efficient and equal
use of irrigation water supplied through the Narmada Canal
to the 35 villages of three talukas which are watered by three
main tributaries. To build capacity among the stakeholders,
irrigation societies have been formed and women are included
as members of cooperatives.
ACF also collaborated with universities and research centres
for training and expert inputs on agriculture for the farmers.
Scientists from Anand University provided training on vegetable,
rice and wheat cultivation and medicinal plants. Training on SRI
and pest control were provided by ACF in collaboration with
Rice Research Centre, Navagam and Development Support
Centre. Around 426 farmers, including 127 women, participated
in the training. Thirty farmers implemented SRI in 25 bighas of
land and were given on-field support by ACF. They were also
taught about the use of vermi-compost in paddy nurseries for
healthy transplantation. The community has been sensitised
to the dangers of high pesticide content in vegetables. ACF
supported the setting up of kitchen garden plots by providing
seeds and technical inputs. The farmers were provided with
vegetable seeds for their plots; castor seeds were distributed for
winter sowing. The people responded positively and contributed
up to 50% of the costs.
ACF promotes judicious use of water in agriculture. Farmers
were encouraged to use sprinkler irrigation in their farms, and
contributed up to 33% of the cost towards the installation of
sprinklers. Majority of the farmers around Sanand now use
sprinkler irrigation systems. Exposure visits are integral to our
training programmes because the farmers get a chance to
observe firsthand the impact of new technologies like water
resource management; the visits help them to learn how the
pani samitis implement the watershed project in a participatory
manner.
Kolat village was affected by the Crimean Congo virus this year.
The deadly virus is transmitted rapidly through ticks and affects
both cattle and humans. ACF, along with the Bavla District
Polyclinic, vaccinated 891 cattle in four villages around Kolat
and conducted awareness programmes on hygiene and care of
animals. These interventions helped in containing the spread of
infection and proved beneficial to animal and human life.
Bapupura village in Mansa holds the record for the highest
production of milk in India, with an output worth R 10 crores per
year. All the families in the village are engaged in the business.
ACF conducted two training programmes for the milk
cooperative at Bapupura, which coordinates the functioning
of the milk producers. The training served to strengthen the
32
generation of resources from industries situated on revenue
land; trading soil that is excavated from ponds after deepening,
to nearby industries; accessing funds allocated to the local MLA
and delegates of the taluka and district panchayat; and tapping
government resources like the Gujarat Water and Sanitation
Sewage Board, WASMO and the District Rural Development
Agency. The committee has taken up the responsibility
of managing water distribution, as well as operation and
maintenance of the RO system installed at Iyava. As part of their
training, VDC members visited Meharpura, Himmatnagar to
understand how the village committees worked towards earning
the ‘Nirmal Gram’, ‘Gokul Gram’ and ‘Tirth Gram’ awards. Our
efforts in building rural infrastructure included constructing
fences to prevent animals from entering the Panchvati
playground in Iyava village. The old and deteriorating cement
poles were replaced with iron angles and trees were planted
to enhance the scenic beauty of the place. Another example of
a successful collaboration is the installation of the RO system
at Iyava jointly with WASMO, to provide good quality drinking
water to the people.
SuratIntegrated Health ProgrammeIn a bid to reach out to communities with little or no access to
quality health care, ACF organised 12 health camps in villages
Training of women in skill-based activities in village Iyava
functioning of the cooperative. In addition, 75 farmers were
supported in the dairy business with high quality Rajko Anand 2
fodder procured from Anand Agricultural University.
Water and Land Resource ManagementDuring the reporting year, five ponds were deepened in Charodi,
Virpura and Iyava villages. The soil excavated from the well at
Charodi was used to construct a road in Swarnim township. This
is one of the first townships for BPL families, built by the GoG
with support from ACF and other NGOs. A reverse osmosis
plant was installed in Iyava village in collaboration with WASMO
to deliver good quality water to a large population here.
Integrated Health ProgrammeAlthough Sanand is now moving rapidly towards urbanisation,
health and sanitation have not got the priority they deserve.
ACF’s focus has been on raising awareness among the
community through involvement of SHGs. They are instrumental
in motivating villagers to adopt toilets and improve their hygiene.
As part of this process, we facilitated sanitation units for 62
families this year.
ACF also joined hands with the Iyava and Vasna village
panchayats to strategise on solid waste management. We
provided dustbins and drums to collect the garbage, and tricycles
for its transport and disposal at a designated area. Maintenance
and daily operation of the project are being managed by the
taluka panchayats.
Women’s EmpowermentACF continued to bring women together through the formation
of five new SHGs. The existing SHGs underwent training on
facilitating internal loans and regularisation and have been
graded by banks.
The women of the region are keen to utilise their talent and
skills, but are hindered by social restrictions. SHGs have been
an important tool in bringing them together and opening up
windows of opportunities. Women attended training programmes
conducted in collaboration with Rural Development and Self
Employment Training Institute, Ahmedabad. This has led to a
demand for more training back in the villages. An intensive two-
month training for 16 women inspired them to source work for
readymade garments from Ahmedabad, thus beginning to stitch
together a future for themselves.
The Iyava village women traditionally weave beautiful baskets
from wheat straw. Their work was displayed by ACF during
the International Women’s Day celebrations in 2009 and was
much appreciated. ACF recognised the potential to use this
skill to provide the women with a viable source of income and
is now collaborating with a designer for a design-led training
programme that will facilitate the creation of handmade crafts
by the women.
Infrastructure Development This year we worked closely with Iyava village to develop a plan
to make it a model village. A village development committee
(VDC) was set up to represent the needs of all the communities
inhabiting the village. Planned interventions by the VDC include
Women are trained to enhance their existing skills, and learn new ones, enabling them to earn a livelihood
Gujarat
33
A woman being checked at a health camp in village Dumas
and truck yards. The camps were organised jointly with the
METAS Adventist Hospital and the Surat Municipal Corporation;
reaching out to 1143 patients, of whom 43 were referred to other
hospitals for specialised treatment. The organisers were joined
by Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Societies
of India to conduct 12 specialist health camps; these camps
covered skin diseases, blood and eye tests.
The camps have both immediate and long-term impact. A health
camp for adolescent girls revealed a high degree of anaemia
among them. The girls were counselled and prescribed iron
tablets and a healthy diet. A follow-up
camp held six months later indicated
that the number of anaemic girls had
dropped to 37 from 103. A health camp
was also organised for residents of an
old-age home in Surat.
Training of communities and groups
forms an important component of
our programme. During the reporting
year training programmes were held
for women and adolescent girls
on pertinent issues like nutrition,
adolescent health, osteoporosis and
cancer. Post-training, over 1370 trained
participants began disseminating their
learning within their communities.
ACF supported the construction
of 200 sanitation units in Bhatha
and Bhatpore villages. Awareness
campaigns including training sessions
on health and hygiene were conducted
simultaneously. Roads and drainage
systems were constructed in Gavier
village to avoid water logging and
contain water-borne diseases.
HIV/AIDS Awareness Programme Surat is an industrial district with a
large floating population of workers. ACF and Apollo Tyres
Foundation have been working on a comprehensive HIV &
AIDS prevention project with this group around Magdalla Port. A
Health Care Centre was established this year to implement the
programme. Six hundred and fifty five patients were screened
for STI infections at the centre, and treatment was provided to
affected persons. ACF provided information about the infection,
its causes, preventive measures and safe and healthy sexual
practices to 1411 truckers through personal interactions. Besides
this, slogan competitions, video screenings, puppet and magic
shows and street plays were used to disseminate information
among truckers, drivers, labourers and youth. Condoms were
distributed to the target group, and patients were counselled
during screening for HIV/STI.
The programme is supported by seven peer educators who
reach out to fellow truckers and create awareness.
Condom boxes have been installed at the Ambuja Transport
Department, Ultratech truck yard, the Ambuja campus and
the transport office to ensure that condoms are always within
easy reach of the target group. More than 17545 condoms
were distributed during interactive sessions with truckers.
Regular HIV screening camps were held and patients referred
to the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre for advanced
counselling and training.
An awareness campaign was organised on the occasion of
World AIDS Day for high-risk groups, youths, community
members and employees of Ambuja Cements. Students
participated in poster, quiz and slogan competitions. ACF
launched its ‘message vehicle’ to carry the message within the
city and to our programme areas. The campaign was supported
by the Network of Surat People Living with HIV/AIDS and Surat-
based Anti-Retroviral Treatment Centres.
Agro-based LivelihoodTraining programmes were conducted on animal husbandry and
vegetable farming. Farmers were trained in nutrient management,
identification of primary diseases in cattle, home-based
remedies and enhancing milk yields in dairy units. Four animal
health camps were organised, where cattle were diagnosed
and vaccinated against milk fever and foot and mouth disease.
Twenty eight farmers visited the Amul Dairy at Anand and Gram
Bharti, Amrapur, to understand income generation through
animal husbandry.
Over 300 farmers participated in an exhibition at Bhatpore
village, organised in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry
Department, Surat, Nandini Hospital and Jidus Animal Health
Group. They received information on animal husbandry, breed
34
Arun Patil, 38, is a
migrant truck driver from
Maharashtra, residing in
Bhatar Azadnagar in Surat.
He works primarily around
the Magdalla port. His erratic
lifestyle, with long distance
travelling, combined with
alcoholism was affecting
his relations with his wife.
Despite realizing the role
of alcohol in damaging
his relationships, he was
unable to get rid of the habit.
Arun was part of the group
with whom ACF interacted
during a peer-to-peer
session.
These sessions not only
outlined issues related
to HIV and AIDS, but
also explored aspects of
a migrant lifestyle, and
the impact of a high-risk
behaviour on oneself, and
families. Arun decided to
seek help, and came to
the Health Care Centre at
Magdalla. This centre is run
by ACF in collaboration with
Apollo Tyres Foundation,
and its services include
counselling, testing and
supporting Positive people
towards treatment and
rehabilitation. Arun revealed
that he had had instances
of unsafe sexual behaviour
with commercial sex
workers. Following an in-
depth counselling session,
Arun opted for an HIV
screening test, and was
extremely relieved to know
that the results were came
off as HIV-negative. He
realized that it had been an
extremely close shave, and
that he may not be so lucky
the next time round.
Today, Arun has taken
positive steps to control his
drinking habit and strictly
follows safe-sex practices.
He shyly says that he has
been trying to make up to his
wife for his earlier behaviour.
The profound change in his
life is also visible in his new
role as a peer educator. He
volunteers with ACF’s HIV
and AIDS team, interacting
with other truck drivers,
cleaners and workers and
motivating them to adopt a
healthier lifestyle.
A NEW APPROACH TO LIFE
improvement and cattle health through various IEC materials.
They also learned methods to improve milk yield in cattle.
This year 202 kits including quality seeds were distributed
among families to promote kitchen gardens. Women showed
keen interest in the activity as it provided good nutrition to
their families and also augmented their income. Farmers were
encouraged to supplement their incomes by setting up mango
plantations. In Khajod, Budiya, Abhva and Bhaha villages, 929
mango saplings were planted in 22 acres of land. Forty two
farmers were trained in horticulture and contributed 40% of the
costs towards the plantations.
Agriculture demonstration plots were developed in over 50
hectares of land by 66 farmers. ACF provided technical support
and quality seeds; the farmers contributed up to 50% of the cost
of the farms. They were able to generate more than R 25000 per
acre this year.
EducationACF has been promoting education of the girl child, especially
where they have been forced to drop out due to poverty. This
year 37 economically backward girls were given scholarships
to continue their education. Over 200 tribal students have been
supplied with school-education material. Other drop-outs are
educated at the non-formal education centre in Dumas. Four
balwadi centres reach out to young children and encourage
early learning through play and fun-based activities. ACF
works closely with village education committees to promote
quality education in schools. Eighteen meetings were held with
teachers, parents and VEC members where issues like quality
education, attendance, discipline and extra-curricular activities
were discussed.
Students were sensitised about the environment through 22
training sessions that addressed 788 students in eight schools.
They were taught about pollution, global warming and eco-
friendly measures to address these problems. The students
were urged to begin by avoiding plastic bags, saving electricity
and protecting trees in their localities. School-based knowledge
centres with broadband connections were set up in Budiya and
Magdalla villages this year with support from the NASSCOM
Foundation. More than 700 students now avail of IT education.
Villagers also access these centres to access the internet
for information on government and PRI schemes, rights and
benefits, weather and market prices.
Infrastructure DevelopmentEvery year, the Halpati tribal community in the villages around
Surat faces serious health complications during the monsoons.
Rain water that seeps through their mud floors causes severe
bacterial and fungal infections among the entire community. In
2010, ACF supported the renovation of homes in Bhata village
and built concrete floors. As a result, none of the families reported
bacterial infection. ACF also supported the construction of five
toilet and urinal blocks in two primary schools to promote health
and hygiene among children.
Women’s EmpowermentACF started five new SHGs to facilitate better access to micro
credit by rural women. SHG members have now initiated small
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35
Galiben Gopalbhai, a
widow from Undar village
lived with her two young
school-going children, one
of them visually challenged,
in a ramshackle house.
She worked as a daily-
wage labourer, and with no
support from her extended
family, struggled to earn a
livelihood. They had also
never received benefits from
any government scheme.
“My husband and I used
to work in the tile factory
at Morbi, in Rajkot, when
he unexpectedly fell ill. We
spent all our savings on
his treatment, but he did
not survive, leaving me
with two small children. I
was forced to mortgage
our small holding of land
to raise money for his last
rites,” recalls Galiben. On
the advice of a school
teacher, her challenged son
was enrolled in a school in
Dahod. To make ends meet,
she worked as a labourer in
Morbi for most part of the
year. During the agriculture
season, she would be seen
tilling the land in the fields.
Despite her hard work and
difficult situation, her in-
laws kept pressurising her
to migrate and earn more
for the family.
Imagine her astonishment
when the ACF team turned
up at her doorstep with a
proposal! The team sought
her permission to apply
for a home for her under
the government housing
scheme. Galiben realised
that a pucca house would
go a long way in making
life secure for herself and
her children. But she was
afraid to hope…and dream.
In her view, engaging with
the bureaucracy could only
mean more trouble and
expense. She wondered
how this application could
be any different. But she
was in for a pleasant
surprise. ACF got the
required approvals under
the housing scheme, while
our mason trainees quickly
got together to construct her
home. A roof, a door, a toilet,
strong solid walls and lovely
windows opening up to the
sky soon unravelled before
her eyes. Today, she lives in
her new home, with hope.
A DREAM BECOMES REAL
Trainees at the mason training programme conducted by ACF
employer in the country, next only to agriculture, accounting for
11% of the country’s GDP. ACF’s Mason Training Programme
blends technical expertise from Ambuja Cements, community
mobilisation skills of ACF and government funding to create a
strong and professionally trained workforce for the construction
industry. The project is now in its third year, and is supported
by the Tribal Development Department of the Government of
Gujarat under the Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana.
The project comprises two components – basic and advanced
mason training. Basic mason training aims at converting
unskilled labour into a semi-skilled construction force, while
advanced mason training upgrades trained masons to specialist
craftspersons. This year 368 youth, of whom 79 were women,
were trained in basic masonry.
As part of the practical component of the training, trainees
create community assets like common sit-outs, water tanks
and compound walls for village schools. This process, while
benefitting the village, provides valuable practical training to
the students. Following discussions and approvals from the
government, ACF has begun construction of low-cost housing
for the poor this year. We are supported by the village panchayat
in identifying families who have not received help under any
government housing scheme.
scale income-generating activities. This year three SHGs
were provided with a revolving fund of R 45000 to start income
generating activities.
Regular training and exposure visits were conducted for over
272 SHG members to build capacities on SHG management,
internal lending and bank grading. Fifty three members went
on exposure visits to Dr Reddy’s Foundation, Vyara and the
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme, Netrang, to learn about
income generation and group motivation techniques.
DahodACF has been working in the district of Dahod with tribal
youth, to enable them to be employed as professionally trained
masons. The construction industry is the second largest
36
Himachal Pradesh
OverviewACF began its interventions in Himachal Pradesh in 1996-
97, reaching out to communities in and around two integrated
Ambuja Cement plants at Darlaghat. In 2008, we expanded our
operation around the grinding unit in Nalagarh block and today,
ACF has grown to be one of the key development organisations
Himachal PradeshWe are also committed to addressing issues of HIV and AIDS
that are prevalent in the region. The HIV & AIDS programme
is implemented in collaboration with Apollo Tyres Foundation,
and reaches out to groups of truckers, labourers, employees of
Ambuja Cements as well as the community.
Activities under our education programme are currently
implemented in 31 government schools,
and the process is supported by the
strong cadre of balmitras.
DarlaghatWater & Land Resources ManagementACF implements a number of water
conservation programmes, including the
important NABARD-assisted watershed
projects. One watershed project is being
implemented in the Dhundhan panchayat
of Arki tehsil in Solan district. The R 60
lakhs project is funded by NABARD
and spans 16 villages, covering close
to 715 hectares of land. This year,
we have also been awarded two new
watershed projects namely, Daseran
& Saryanj-Sarma, covering 1,100 and
900 hectares respectively, by NABARD,
Shimla. The preliminary capacity building
phase (CBP) has been awarded to us
and subsequently ACF - Darlaghat will
undertake the full implementation phase.
The project is completely monitored by
the Watershed Development Committee
(WDC) through monthly meetings and
review of finances with active hand-
holding of the ACF team.
The Alikhad Watershed Project was conceived jointly by ACF,
the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and the community in 2005. The project
came to an end in March 2011. The WDC, which includes 20
members from all five project villages, is responsible for strategic
planning, execution and monitoring of the project.
ACF also supports communities to construct tanks, water
harvesting structures and revive traditional baoris for
conservation of water. These initiatives are collaborative efforts,
with the community contributing almost 16% of the costs; they
serve to fulfil the irrigation and domestic needs of families.
Awareness campaigns held in villages of Sera and Newari
helped sensitise people on the importance of water conservation.
Village development committees have been organising village
level meetings, and the community is encouraged to take
ownership of the various projects in their respective villages.
The process is also supported by the various SHGs operating
in the region.
Soil erosion is another key issue faced by farmers, due to the
hilly terrain. To conserve surface runoff and preserve the top
soil, ACF has started constructing staggered trenches in the
in the region, reaching out to 92 villages in Solan district. Our
community development work in the region is fraught with the
challenges of manoeuvring the difficult hilly terrain and reaching
out to isolated rural settlements with tiny, fragmented land
holdings.
Water and land resource management and agro-based
livelihoods continue to be one of the key areas of focus, given
the traditional dependence of people on agriculture in the region.
ACF’s interventions bring in improved, scientific conservation
and farming methods to the community.
Health and education are the other key areas of intervention
by ACF in this region. Communities around Darlaghat and
Nalagarh have inadequate health facilities and poor sanitation
infrastructure within villages.
The nearest PHCs are often kilometres away and access
is difficult due to the hilly terrain. ACF’s dedicated team of
sakhis, however, is slowly transforming the situation, engaging
community members, SHGs and youth to bring in qualitative
changes in health.
Gabions are installed to minimise soil erosion during the rains
37
for planting. Farmers who opted for garlic and pea cultivation
were helped in procuring the seeds from various sources. ACF
also helped 280 SHG members set up kitchen gardens and
provided seeds of various vegetables sourced from the National
Seeds Corporation, Solan.
To overcome the shortage of water for irrigation, gravity-
based micro irrigation systems were piloted this year with
five progressive farmers. Their farms will also serve as
demonstration plots to showcase scientific irrigation methods,
vermi-composting and organic farming.
A need has been felt to introduce planned and scientific
methods of animal rearing to raise productivity and yield. Pashu
swasthya sevikas, a cadre of volunteers, work closely with
farmers on livestock development. The sevikas are trained in
diagnosing common animal diseases and providing services
in preventive and curative health and vaccination. This year,
sevikas conducted more than 270 village meetings to educate
the community about cattle health care, breeding, feeding and
management. ACF also organised regular animal health camps
to treat cattle for prevention and cure of various diseases.
Monthly meetings conducted by ACF also helped monitor the
progress of its initiatives and learn about the problems faced
by the community in animal rearing. Traditional insemination
practices on local breeds had been yielding low milk outputs.
Hence artificial insemination was promoted by ACF in
association with the Government Veterinary Department.
Fifty two farmers carried out this procedure on their animals,
encouraging more farmers to adopt AI for their cattle. Since the
quality of milk is also affected by the type of fodder used, ACF
promoted chaff cutters among farmers. Chaff cutters are useful
in cutting fodder, making it easily chewable for digestion.
villages of Ghyana, Dharth and Aer. These trenches help
increase soil moisture and increase production of grass as
fodder. Farm bunds constructed in the villages of Dhundhan,
Lalahana, Mayana and Syari have also helped in enhancing soil
moisture for the agricultural lands.
To stem soil erosion, more than 12000 saplings of indigenous
plants like daru, amla, mulberry, and beuns have been planted
in drainage lines as nala treatment measures. Horticulture
plants like mango, lemon, guava and pomegranates too have
been planted in 16 villages, while 17500 forestry saplings and
140000 Napier grass roots have been planted in five villages. An
effective method is the use of a gabion – a retaining wall made
of galvanised wire, filled with stone and stacked in tiers along
the slope. A large number of gabions were installed in drainage
lines to minimise soil erosion during the rains.
Agro-based LivelihoodMushroom cultivation has been taken up by a large number of
families as a means of sustainable livelihood. The Darla Khumb
Utpadak Samiti (DKUS) is a society which supports mushroom
cultivators to procure raw materials, cultivate, pack, transport
and sell mushrooms in the market collectively. ACF and
NABARD, Shimla supports farmers in effectively marketing the
produce. Dhingri mushroom, cultivated in summer and button
mushroom in winter have been able to bring in substantial
profits to farmers with relatively low investments. This year 60
farmers sold more than 3500 kg of button mushroom and 700
kg of Dhingri mushroom worth R 330000.
Around 180 farmers were motivated to take up ginger, peas,
tomato and garlic cultivation this year. ACF supported farmers
in creating a seed bank through which they could source ginger
Mushroom cultivation at village Jabla, Darlaghat
38
helped raise awareness on the importance of early child care.
Close to 2,000 children participated in 38 school health
camps held this year. A two-day family planning camp, held in
collaboration with the Health Department, included non-scalpel
surgery for men, and laparoscopic operations for women. A
blood donation camp organised in collaboration with the Indira
Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, saw huge participation from
the staff of Ambuja Cements and the neighbouring communities.
One hundred and seven units of blood were collected.
Sakhis undergo steady training throughout the year through
refresher and advanced courses. Workshops covered topics like
micro-planning and PRI and included review and planning of
the health project. ACF also conducted exposure visits to Sewa
Rural and Jhagdia in Gujarat to help participants learn more
from the health care experiences of other NGOs.
HIV and AIDS Prevention ProgrammeThe objective of the HIV and AIDS Prevention Programme is to
bring about behaviour change among communities; and create
an enabling environment for people living with HIV and AIDS.
Strategies to achieve these objectives include using behaviour
change communication, STI case management, condom
promotion, and HIV testing, counselling and rehabilitation
support. We work with migrant workers and truckers around
Ambuja Cements’ plants and at the various dhabas, truck union
offices, truck yards, coal yards and at Chowkiwala Nalagarh.
One-to-one interaction sessions were held with more than
2500 truck drivers and helpers, and included discussions on
Learning the fun way at school in Darlaghat
EducationACF’s education programme is being
implemented in 31 Government Primary
Schools and 16 Government Middle
Schools in the Arki tehsil of Solan district.
Twenty-four balmitras, or volunteers, form
the backbone of this initiative. They have
been trained in pedagogy, participatory
learning and child psychology. Under the
Parivar Milan initiative, a balmitra visits
three families every day after the school
hour and apprises the parents about the
progress of their wards. Thus remote
communities are integrated into the
activities of the school to facilitate their
children’s holistic development. Balmitras
work with children to inculcate habits
of reading and writing through ACF’s
academic support centres in schools.
Children learn through play, attend
balsabhas, and take part in sports and
cultural activities. They undergo regular
health checkups at school health camps.
Schools are encouraged to follow fun,
interactive and participatory methods of
teaching. Teachers have been trained in
teaching-learning methodologies, early
child care and skill-based learning.
ACF works closely with village
education committees and school
management committees, building their capacities to ensure
quality education. A Project Monitoring and Implementation
Committee, including members from the government, education
officers and representatives from Ambuja Cements, meets on
a quarterly basis to assess the direction and success of the
project. Balmelas organised by the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan saw
ACF-supported schools bagging the top prizes among 278
participating schools. Communities also supported celebration
of events like Teacher’s Day and International Literacy Day.
The 2009-10 board examination results are a testimony to the
success of our efforts. The top five positions in the entire block
were captured by ACF-supported schools.
Integrated Health ProgrammeACF’s mobile clinic reaches out to 45 villages every week,
bringing much required health care services to people. This
year, more than 2,400 people received treatment at the mobile
clinics, with sakhis ensuring follow-up at the community level.
Sakhis organise khelwadis to promote healthy practices among
children. Children learn about social and environmental issues
through song, dance and play. More than 700 khelwadis were
conducted this year. Sakhis also facilitated over 370 meetings
with community members on health and sanitation issues.
ACF held 10 ‘Healthy Baby’ competitions to encourage parents
to pay greater attention to children in the 0-3 age group. The
babies were assessed on various development indicators,
mothers’ health, immunisations and the place of delivery. The
competitions saw participation of more than 288 babies and
Himachal Pradesh
39
Training of SHG members at Darlaghat
HIV and AIDS, STI’s, demonstrations for correct condom usage
and distribution of IEC material. We reached out to 683 truckers
through group meetings, and to the community through 41
events including street plays, magic shows, video screenings,
games and rallies. Easy access to condoms is maintained
through the 17 condom vending machines, various outlets and
the health clinic.
Counselling is integral to the programme and is done with
individuals, in a group, with couples and families. However it is
a challenge to reach out to truckers. There have been occasions
when truckers had to leave the ICTC without testing because
of their busy schedules. Their always-on-the-move lifestyle also
makes follow-up of counselling sessions difficult. But health
camps on HIV / AIDS and STI’s are held at regular intervals to
help bridge the gap.
Women’s EmpowermentACF currently supports 108 SHG groups in and around
Darlaghat, with a membership of close to 1420. They have a
cumulative corpus of more than R 87 lakhs and have linkages
with Punjab National Bank, UCO Bank and Jogindra Bank.
SHG members have received training in accounts and record
keeping, group strengthening and IG activities. About 25 farmers
and SHG members attended a one-day training programme
on mushroom cultivation. ACF invited technically qualified
resource persons who shared their inputs with the participants,
following which SHG members started mushroom cultivation
in their homes. Women have also been encouraged to take to
dairy farming, cutting, tailoring, and knitting for their livelihood.
ACF also conducted an exposure visit for SHG groups to
Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, to understand various livelihood
opportunities taken up by women’s groups.
Rural Infrastructure DevelopmentACF’s rural infrastructure development programme helps build
community assets while providing employment opportunities for
people. These programmes are carried out in consultation and
collaboration with village groups; their involvement ensures that
people have a sense of ownership in these activities.
During the year, 1275 metres of plain cement concrete footpath
were laid at Fugana, Banog, Sanghoi and Kashlog villages,
ensuring easy movement even during the rains. Two community
centres were set up at Suli and Koon villages, overseen by the
women’s groups and the gram sudhara sabhas.
ACF supports building of anganwadis in villages wherever they
do not have dedicated premises. This year we constructed an
anganwadi at Rathoh village in the Kashlog panchayat. ACF
also supports government-run schools or local communities to
upgrade school infrastructure. This year we helped construct
additional rooms in schools in Chhamla, Chandi and Mangoo
villages, as well as a fence for the Government Middle School,
Rouri.
The degree college in Arki tehsil was constructed jointly by
the Government of Himachal Pradesh and Ambuja Cements.
Students have been facing a dearth of good quality teachers,
affecting their studies. ACF intervened and provided monetary
support towards teachers’ salaries. Under RID we have been
able to construct roof rain water harvesting systems for the
villagers in order to combat severe water crises during non-
monsoon periods. To date we have been able to construct 45
RRWHSs for the villagers. Our other infrastructure development
activities include building of water tanks, renovation of old tanks,
setting up of pipelines, community toilets, cremation shelters
at cremation grounds, promotion of smokeless chullhas and
construction of boundary walls in villages.
40
It is difficult for Lata Bansal
to wipe the smile off her
face. She’s just topped
the Gram Sakhi exam
for village-based health
workers with a whopping
87.25%, and her entire
village is suddenly in awe of
her. Lata Devi, from village
Malawan, is a Sakhi, part
of ACF’s integrated health
programme and works with
communities on the hilly
outreaches of Darlaghat.
Over the past few years,
Sakhis working on health
and sanitation in villages
across locations have felt
the need for an official
accreditation. This, they
felt, would add a stamp of
authority, and ease their
work with local panchayats,
government functionaries
and public health systems.
The National Institute of
Open Schooling (NIOS)
conducts the Gram Sakhi
examination for health
workers, and this was an
ideal opportunity for women
to prove their potential.
However, most sakhis
came from underprivileged
groups, had low
educational qualifications,
and had left formal school
systems years ago.
Suddenly they had to
juggle studies along with
their work, home, children
and farms, and write an
exam at the end of it all. The
mere thought was terrifying.
Their greatest qualifications
however were their
experience, understanding
of community health issues
and willingness to work
hard.
Backed by ACF’s regular
revision sessions and tests,
sakhis began their training –
attending classes, sharing
notes, and debating topics
threadbare. Fifty-one sakhis
made it to the exams. It
was a proud moment for
the sakhis and ACF when
results revealed that 26
passed with distinction and
22 sakhis had a First Class.
This success has raised
their confidence and self-
belief, and they are now
looked upon with pride by
their family, friends and
community.
AGAINST ALL ODDS
Training of students at SEDI, Darlaghat
Skill and Entrepreneurship DevelopmentACF setup a SEDI in Darlaghat close to the PHC in Darlaghat,
in 2010, to provide short term, intensive courses in vocational
trades to unemployed youth of the region. The objective is to
build capacities and skills of youth for wage or self-employment
opportunities, enabling them to earn their livelihoods. The
SEDI offers courses in engineering trades like Automobiles,
carpentry, computers, electronics, fabrication and plumbing.
Non-engineering trades like beauty culture & hair dressing;
cutting & tailoring; and embroidery are also popular courses.
In 2010-11, SEDI trained 174 students in the long term courses,
and 75 students in the short-term courses. The placement
percentage is high at 84%, with 87 of the trainees employed
with various enterprises in and around Darlaghat, and with
61 students starting off their own ventures. Twelve of these
students have also availed of loans from banks to fund their
dreams. SEDI students also participated in a blood donation
camp organized by ACF, and attended an Art of Living camp
held for self-improvement, this year.
NalagarhACF began its interventions in Nalagarh in 2008. We began by
establishing a diagnostic centre in Nalagarh town to provide
health services to the local communities. Gradually, we
expanded our operations to include preventive health, sanitation,
agriculture and allied services, and rural infrastructure support.
Today, ACF implements several development programmes that
directly impact both the rural and urban poor.
Integrated Health ProgrammeThe practice of open defecation is one of the key reasons
for the poor health situation in this region. ACF carried out a
Himachal Pradesh
41
ACF’s health camps in schools seek to prevent illnesses in children through early detection and diagnoses.
detailed household survey for the construction of toilets and
followed it up with a series of awareness campaigns. Street
plays were organised in villages, highlighting the issue of health
and hygiene. Meetings at the village level stressed the need for
good sanitation, and people were introduced to the concept of
low cost toilets in their homes. Thirty four low-cost toilets have
been constructed in villages, initiating the process of change.
Health camps were held at the panchayat level with specialist
gynaecologists, orthopaedists, dermatologists, neurologists
and dentists who volunteered their time and expertise. The
camps reached out to more than 600 villagers with diagnoses,
treatment, and medicines. Ten school health camps were
organised in the schools at Nawagraon, Dugari and Ratyor
villages, and included sessions on healthy living facilitated by
doctors. Based on the high number of dental ailments detected
among students, dental treatment camps were soon organised,
reaching out to 550 students.
The diagnostic centre at Nalagarh is now well equipped and
has facilities to carry out all pathological and biochemistry tests
at subsidised rates. During the year, an automatic digital blood
cell counter was procured for the centre. A total of 2,132 patients
visited the centre during the year, and more than 14,000 tests
were conducted.
The Health Care centre set up in collaboration with Apollo Tyres
Foundation reaches out to groups of truckers, workers, and
community members on issues of HIV and AIDS. Our activities
include creating awareness on HIV/AIDs through street-plays,
shows and campaigns; workshops for students, women and
adolescents; and dissemination of information through IEC
material development.
Agro-based LivelihoodCapacity building workshops for farmers were organised,
where they had an opportunity to discuss subjects like irrigation
systems, cash crops and vermi-composting. An exposure visit
to Dr. Y. S. Parmar University, Solan, helped farmers learn more
on micro-irrigation systems. Farmers have now taken up vermi-
composting, and are selling it to Ambuja Cements’ Horticulture
Department.
Drip-irrigation systems installed in fields have enabled farmers
to increase their yield at minimal cost. To conserve water and
minimise soil erosion, ACF also constructed 20 loose-stone
check dams and 54 gabions in Nawagraon and Dugari villages.
As part of our initiatives with SHGs, 70 vegetable seed kits
were distributed to members and farmers, to promote kitchen
gardening.
ACF conducted 10 animal health camps at Nawagraon, Panjera
and Paterphaloo villages. As part of our intervention, doctors
from the Animal Husbandry Department regularly conduct
training programmes on cattle rearing, disease management,
health, hygiene and feeding for the farmers. Health of the
livestock is monitored through a cattle health card maintained
by each farmer. To enable good milk production, ACF supported
farmers with quality barseem seeds to be planted in 15 acres of
land for fodder.
Rural Infrastructure DevelopmentThe project villages around the Nalagarh plant suffer from
inadequate infrastructure and sanitation. Based on community
needs, ACF has constructed roads, culverts and footpaths to
improve connectivity. The roads built by ACF at these locations
are high-specification, all-weather roads.
ACF is currently constructing a two-storeyed building for Senior
Secondary School, Nalagarh which will include five laboratories,
an administrative block, five toilet blocks and 12 classrooms.
Women’s EmpowermentACF supported the formation of four new SHGs at Nawagraon
and Paterphaloo villages. The SHGs have a strength of 65
women. As part of their capacity building, women went on
three exposure visits to learn about dairy farming and vermi-
composting. Women are also demonstrating their skills and
leadership qualities by participating in panchayat elections
and taking up responsible posts. SHG members are also
diversifying into various income generation activities including
vermi-composting.ACF’s Education programme supports all-round development of students in schools
42
ChhindwaraSkill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteACF has established a Skill and Entrepreneurship Development
Institute in Amarwara, in the district of Chhindwara in Madhya
Pradesh. Since its initiation seven months ago, the first batch
of 42 students has successfully passed various technical
programmes including computer-related and electrician training
courses. Ten students are successfully self-employed, while
18 of them have been placed in various organisations around
Amarwara. A few students have opted to take up higher studies.
Currently, the second batch of 40 students, including four
girls, has enrolled for the courses in computers and electrician
training.
The creation of SEDI in Amarwara has opened up access to
vocational training to youth in the region, bringing in concrete
changes in the lives of many. In the coming year, ACF plans to
increase the number of courses in various trades to create a
skilled workforce for industries in and around Chhindwara.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
SKILLED AND SELF-EMPLOYED!Despite struggling for a livelihood,
employment opportunities were
rare for Anil Uikey, a class X drop-
out from village Seja. Financial
constraints had forced him to drop-
out of school, and lack of skills
prevented him from getting a good
job. When he first heard of SEDI, he
was sceptical about his chances.
But he decided to give it a shot.
He enrolled in the three-month
electrician training programme.
This short span of time was
enough to bring back the smile on
his face. He completed his training
and became a self-employed
electrician in Seja. He was instantly
successful because Seja had no
one with knowledge of electrical
maintenance. The villagers now find
it easy to call on him with their day-
to-day maintenance requirements,
instead of travelling to Amarwara
or Chhindwara. Today, Anil has
a steady clientele and is able to
generate a comfortable income to
support himself and his family.
Students learning computer skills at SEDI, Amarwara
43
Despite a class XII
qualification, Rajkamal
found that a satisfactory
job was hard to come by.
He had shouldered the
responsibility of educating
himself and his sisters
through part-time jobs. And
he was desperate for a
steady job with an income.
When Rajkamal first heard
about the SEDI from a
friend, he immediately
came over to check out
the courses. Following
an interaction with the
SEDI head, he opted for
the computer operator’s
course. The experience
helped Rajkamal build his
confidence; he enrolled for
training in life-skills and
personality development,
and gradually began to
get involved in the various
activities conducted by
SEDI.
On completing his training,
he attended an interview
for a SEDI field executive.
He was given a task to
enrol at least five trainees
in the next five days. He
met his target in four days
and was appointed as a
field executive at SEDI,
Amarwara. He now earns R
5000 per month and is very
happy with the way his life
has shaped up.
Anil Ahirwara from
Markawada village lost both
his parents in an accident
when he was just 15. He
and his sister were taken
in by their uncle who was
a daily wage labourer. Anil
often remembers how his
uncle went without food
on several occasions. To
support the family, Anil
began working as a manual
labourer, even as he strived
to study. Having cleared the
class XII exams, he had
begun looking for a steady
job, when he heard about
SEDI.
Motivated by the village
sarpanch and his uncle, he
paid a visit to the centre. In
his interaction with the SEDI
team, he admitted being
interested in the courses,
but was worried about his
ability to afford them.
The SEDI team assured that
he could be granted a fee-
exemption if the sarpanch
gave him a recommendation.
Armed with the sarpanch’s
letter, Anil enrolled for
a computer operator’s
training programme. His
life underwent a drastic
change from that day. His
confidence levels improved,
and on completing his
course he obtained a job at
Naman Indian Gas Agency,
Amarwara.
He enjoys his work, and
is already looking forward
to the day when his hard
work can win him a salary-
raise.
BUILDING CAPACITIES AND CONFIDENCE
SEDI, Amarwara has opened up access to vocational training for the youth in the region, bringing in concrete changes in the lives of many.SEDIs enables rural youth to explore and learn new trades, and has a placement record of more than 70 percent.
SEDIs facilitate the entry of a skilled workforce into the industries, and encourages a healthy employment rate in the rural areas.
ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
44
OverviewHealth is one of the key areas of work in Chandrapur, lead by a
strong team of Sakhis. ACF’s home-based neo-natal programme
is an important activity to address the issue of maternal and
child health in the region. Water resource management is also a
priority, given the scarcity of water in the district. ACF supports
creation of check dams, and rain roof harvesting structures in
villages which are then managed by the community to fulfill their
water requirements.
ACF’s Skill and entrepreneurship development institute
caters to unemployed youth in both Panvel and Chandrapur,
offering courses in 17 different trades; creating scope for self-
employment or wage employment in one of the many industries
in the state. Our education programme focuses on bringing
new teaching and learning methods to make school education
interactive, innovative and fun.
ChandrapurIntegrated Health ProgrammeThe home-based neo-natal programme was first implemented
in Chandrapur, to address the issue of maternal and child
mortality. We have now expanded this programme to 160
villages. The programme is implemented by our sakhis, who
identify expectant mothers; provide inputs on ante-and post-
natal care, attend deliveries, establish linkages with anganwadis,
sub centres and PHCs; and strengthen the village health and
Maharashtra
sanitation committees (VHSCs). Paediatric and ANC camps are
also organised regularly for an effective implementation of the
programme. Sakhis hold regular meetings with the villagers and
stakeholders, sensitising them on the importance of maternal
and child health. They ensure that timely medical intervention is
provided by maintaining a strong referral system.
Our mobile dispensary service reaches out to 12 villages
around Upparwahi. ACF also runs a weekly dispensary in
Pakdigudam. At present 14,500 families from 160 villages are
covered by our health programme. This year, ACF continued to
organise health camps for blood donation, ante and post natal
care, laparoscopy, family planning and general health checkups
for the communities. The camps were organised jointly with the
District Hospital, Chandrapur; Rural Hospital, Gadchandur; and
the Public Health Centre, Jiwati. ACF also supported 70 families
to construct toilets under our sanitation programme to help
make the villages open-defecation free.
Training of our sakhis is an ongoing process with regular
refresher trainings being held for existing as well as 78 new
sakhis in home-based neo-natal care. Training on preventive
health care, and strengthening of panchyati raj institutions were
also conducted for 111 sakhis in this year.
At Gadchandur, 2000 students, teachers, peer educators,
health workers and community members participated in an
awareness rally on occasion of World Aids Day. A Chalta Bolta
programme, a fun-quiz exercise saw a participation of more
than 375 village youths from Upparwahi and Lakhmapur. The
exercise was hugely popular, dealing with HIV and AIDS in an
interactive way; the youngsters enjoyed quizzing each other and
competing for the prizes. Other programmes included rangoli
and drawing competitions; video presentations; puppet shows;
and a marathon. These activities were organised in close
collaboration with the hospital run by Ambuja
Cements.
EducationTeacher’s trainings are an integral part of ACF’s
education programme. Teachers and anganwadi
workers are trained on integrating teaching-
learning materials to improve classroom learning
with a focus on language and mathematics.
A Language Development Programme has been
implemented in 16 tribal villages. The objective
of the programme is to develop good language
skills, based around the curriculum, among tribal
students. Parents are encouraged to take interest
in their children’s education at parents’ meetings
and through the parent-teacher associations.
Students were taken on exposure-cum-
educational visits to the post office, bank and
police station to learn about the functioning of
these institutes. ACF also conducted trainings
for village volunteers on preparing and using
teaching-learning materials. ACF organised a
multi-grade, multi-level workshop for teachers and
an early child care and development workshop for
anganwadi workers, where they learned how to
deliver quality education.World Environment Day celebrations at Moha village, Panvel.
Maharashtra
45
Bal sanskar kendras are non-formal education centres for
children of migrant populations. The centres provide an
opportunity to build their learning skills, so as to enable them to
move on to mainstream schools. ACF currently supports thirty
bal sanskar kendras in villages around Gadchandur. To increase
the involvement of the community in school management, ACF
organised 62 parents’ meetings and 53 school management
committee meetings. The quality of education imparted in
the schools and bal sanskar kendras was reviewed at these
meetings.
ACF has been working on building access of students and
villagers to computers. Computer centres have been established
in eight zilla parishad schools; in village knowledge centres;
and through window centres. Sakhis too use these centres to
learn about accessing the web for information on health issues.
Users like farmers and youths utilise them to gain information
on markets and employment opportunities respectively.
Water Resource ManagementWater resource management are an important component
of ACF’s interventions in Chandrapur because of the acute
scarcity of water. Though the rains in 2010 were an improvement,
recording an average of 1200 mm of rainfall, the rains in 2009
were a disappointing 485 mm. The low rainfall had resulted
in a severe shortage of drinking water in the three talukas of
Rajura,Korapana and Jiwati. To help villagers tide over the
shortage, ACF facilitated supply of drinking water through
tankers to 22 villages. Four check dams were constructed in
Hardona, Pipardha, Kargaon and Jambulzara villages. Fourteen
vanrai bandhara were constructed in different villages. The
villages were also provided with new hand pumps and 11 bore
wells to address the issue of availability of drinking water.
Agro-based LivelihoodExposure visits to Patangrao Kadam Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola
and Jain Irrigation, Jalgaon, were conducted for farmers, where
they observed modern, cost-effective farming techniques. ACF
also helped establish 30 vermi-composting units in farmers’
fields during the year. A workshop on neem pesticide was
also conducted for farmers to promote environment-friendly,
sustainable practices in farming.
ACF and NABARD are working in collaboration on the wadi
project. The project aims to establish wadis in 500 acres of land
belonging to tribes in Korpana and Jiwati talukas of Chandrapur
district. Under this project, horticulture plants are planted in
parts of existing agricultural land. These trees have potential
to provide additional income through fruit cultivation at no
extra cost. The project gives priority to barren and degraded
land; mango and anola are cultivated as fruit plantations, while
karonda and kranch are planted as border plants. The project
also lends support to 25 landless beneficiaries. The project was
initiated this year with wadis planted on 52 acres of land from 15
villages.The BCI Project aims to develop sustainable cultivation
of good quality, environment-friendly and cost-effective cotton.
Students at the Balotsav programme in village Bhendvi
46
The BCI project is being implemented with 304 farmers in 12
villages of Gadchandur. Emphasis was laid on reducing input
costs to increase net profitability of the produce. A baseline
survey was conducted with 14 learning groups to study the
impact of the project. The study has revealed that BCI methods
were considerably cost-effective than traditional methods of
cotton farming.
Cattle rearing and dairy farming are supplementary agricultural
activities that help farmers generate additional income and also
procure good bio-manure which improves the yield of their fields.
Members of the two dairy societies in Isapur and Lakhmapur
villages received inputs from ACF’s veterinary doctor on
cattle management aspects like feed, immunisation, breed
improvement, treatment and de-worming. ACF also conducted
21 cattle vaccination, treatment and de-worming camps
jointly with the Animal Husbandry Department. Awareness
programmes on infertility and improvement of milk output were
also conducted regularly with dairy farmers.
of the local breed kadaknath, dairy farming, established flour,
chilli and lentil mills and put up vegetable shops. A Women’s
Federation called the Ekta Mahila Swayam Sahayata Sangh,
formed in 2010-11 have received a licence for an agriculture
service centre. The federation sells seeds and fertilizers to
farmers at lower-than-market rates. It also organises cultural
activities like women’s kabaddi, haldi-kumkum and International
Women’s Day. Apart from this, it strives to enhance the skills
of the village women. A short term tailoring course has been
started this year with 15 women.
Non-Conventional EnergyOne hundred and fifty smokeless Chulhas were installed in
Lalguda, Warzadi, Kusal and Gopalpur villages. Sixty percent
of the households in these villages now use smokeless chulhas.
The total number of such stoves provided by ACF now stands
at 780. Forty two Sarai Cookers, developed by Appropriate
Rural Technology Institute (ARTI), Pune, have been distributed
with a 50% contribution from the beneficiaries. Residues from
sugarcanes are used as fuel for these cookers and they are
designed to save labour and costs and reduce pollution.
Skill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteThe Ambuja Industrial Training Centre (AICT) was established in
2008-09. Courses offered here are affiliated to National Council
of Vocational Training; State Council of Vocational Training,
Director General of Employment & Training, New Delhi; NABARD
Maharashtra
Women’s EmpowermentACF supported the formation of 9 new SHGs this year, taking
the total number of SHGs in villages around Gadchandur to 86.
These groups have a cumulative membership of 1029 women
and a corpus of more than R 26 lakhs. They have also been able
to obtain loans up to R 146 lakhs to date.
Capacity building of SHGs this year included trainings on goat-
rearing, backyard poultry breeding, and on the various bank
loan schemes. Women have initiated backyard poultry farming
Goat rearing promoted for the landless, under the Wadi project
Training of women on incense-stick making at Gadchandur
47
Cotton billows in the wind on the road to Gadchandur, in
Dist. Chandrapur, Maharashtra. This region has seen years
of intensive cotton cropping. Farmers like Dashwant Yerme
have been growing cotton and crops like tur and soyabean
in the traditional way. Every year he would take money from
the village moneylender at high interest rates to buy cotton
seeds, pesticides and fertilizers. Despite the hard work of
the entire family, returns would be low, and the cycle of debt
would continue.
Then, farmers like Yerme began looking at Better Cotton
Initiative as a viable alternative. BCI is a global programme
that seeks to significantly reduce the adverse impacts of
conventional cotton production on the environment, and
improve the socio-economic conditions for small-farm cotton
growers. The quality of cotton fiber is high-grade, has better
yield and has potential to command premium rates in the
cotton market. After seeing the results of trail demonstration
by ACF, Dashwant Yerme from village Mangi (Khu), in Dist.
Chandrapur, became one of the first in his village to adopt
sustainable BCI farming.
He recognized the impact of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
on the land and crops, and followed sustainable practices
to raise cotton his three-acre land. ACF team demonstrated
techniques like growing “trap crops” to prevent insect attack
on cotton, trained him on ways to enrich the soil by preparing
organic decoctions using local products, and promoted the
use of neem as an alternative to chemical pesticides. This
is part of ACF’s training programme conducted with all BCI
farmers, and includes topics like contamination prevention,
effective picking, storing and harvesting methods. This
ensures that quality products reach the market and command
upper-band rates. A non-BCI farmer needs an investment of
up to R 22000 per acre for cotton crops. In contrast, a BCI
farmer needs to invest around R 16000 – R 18000 per acre.
A reduction of an average of R 4000 on production costs
makes considerable difference for farmers. Combined with
the market sales, they are able to bring in profits as well.
Today, Yerme is a qualified BCI producer, and is motivating
other farmers in the region as well. Slowly, farmers like Yerme
are changing the face of rural economy by farming through
sustainable agricultural methods.
and the Maharashtra State Board of Vocational Education,
Mumbai. These courses include fitter, welder, carpentry mobile
phone repairing and electrician training programmes. Students
completing standard VIII are eligible to join these courses.
During the year, AICT saw an enrolment of 92 students in various
courses. Sessions on life skills, industrial safety, basic computer
skills and English have also been conducted at the centre. The
centre has a placement rate of close to 65 % with welders,
carpenters and fitters finding employment in neighbouring
industrial units. In 2010, ten youths took up self employment,
earning up to R 6000 per month, against an average investment
of R 15000.
PanvelSkill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteACF’s SEDI in Panvel works in close collaboration with the Fr.
Agnel Institute for Technical Training to offer courses in computer
hardware, IT, fashion designing and beautician training. SEDI
undertook a baseline survey of the villages around Panvel which
revealed a high demand for intensive vocational courses. The Fr.
Agnel Institute supported SEDI with the designing of courses,
and technical faculty. Each course was designed keeping in
mind its potential in creating employment opportunities for
students. The SEDI team also conducted meetings with other
NGOs and community based organisations working in the
region, asking them to recommend students for the courses.
This year, 56 students have enrolled for the one-year courses
in various batches. On passing out, these trainees will be able
to fulfil the huge demand for a skilled workforce in the industries
around Panvel.
Integrated Health ProgrammeThe ACF-run village dispensary reached out to more than 1500
people from the villages of Moha, Kombadbhuje and Targhar
villages this year. ACF team also worked on creating awareness
on maternal and child health through workshops and sessions
attended by close to 300 pregnant and lactating mothers from
these three villages. We also utilised wall paintings as a means
to spread information on nutrition and vaccinations for pregnant
women and young children. Sanitation is a priority area among
our activities in Panvel.
ACF initiated a community based training programme on
garbage management in village Moha. It was attended by 120
participants from SHG groups, panchayats, teachers, children
and youth. The participants followed it up with a gram swachhata
drive, held to sensitise the community. This has resulted in
SUSTAINABLE COTTON
48
A training programme on cutting and tailoring at Moha village
Income generation activities are encouraging women to take their first steps towards financial independence. These steps are changing the way they are viewed by their families and communities.
increased community participation in garbage management in
Moha, and is motivating other villages as well.
Competitions, programmes and sessions were also held in
schools to create awareness on health and hygiene for children.
As part of the sanitation programme, ACF also supported
the construction of 15 toilet blocks among families. ACF also
organised rounds of fogging and spraying in three villages to
curb the mosquito menace and combat the risk of malaria
during the monsoons.
HIV / AIDS Prevention Programme A Workplace Intervention Programme on HIV/AIDS is carried
out within the Ambuja Cements’ plant premises. ACF has
collaborated with Population Services International (PSI) to
screen patients for sexually transmitted illnesses, and general
health issues. The HIV/AIDS prevention programme includes
training of peer educators; a mobile dispensary service that
provides diagnosis and treatment for STDs; and provides
voluntary counselling on HIV/AIDS and STDs. The mobile clinic
with a doctor, counsellors, outreach workers and a team leader
visits Ambuja Cements in Panvel, catering to the health needs
of the large workers’ group.
On World AIDS Day, ACF and PSI organised HIV/AIDS
awareness programmes including street plays, puppet shows,
mime shows and a slogan competition. More than 300 workers
participated in the programme and interacted with peer
educators to know more on HIV and AIDS.
Women’s EmpowermentFifteen self help groups with a cumulative strength of 204
women operate in three villages. The groups have a total
corpus of R 5.56 lakhs. SHG members are trained in record
keeping, leadership development, internal lending, linkages
with banks and monthly reporting. Forty four women from
the fishing community went on an exposure visit to a fishery
cooperative, the Shramajivi Janata Sahayak Mandal in Mahad,
to understand the functioning of cooperatives. Women also
visited SHGs supported by organisations such as MAVIM, Stree
Mukti Sanghatana, Lijjat Papad Ltd., and Vidhayak Sansad to
understand aspects of SHG management, avenues for income
generation and developing linkages with banks. To help the
women develop income-generation skills, a training programme
on cutting and tailoring is being run in Moha village, attended
by 18 women. Seven girls from the villages of Targhar and
Kombadbhuje are also attending the
professional beauty course at SEDI,
Panvel.
EducationTo nurture the creativity of the
students, art and craft workshops
were held for 350 school children in
Moha, Targhar and Kombadbhuje
villages. Students of Targhar and
Kombadbhuje also participated
in value education sessions.
Environment Day was observed
at Moha in which 40 children prepared eco-friendly posters
and greeting cards on the theme ‘One Planet, One Future’.
These processes helped spread the message on environment
protection in a fun and interactive way. Members of the Shri
Ganesh Bachat Gat have taken the responsibility to monitor
the mid-day meal programme for school children in Moha
village. They ensure that the sixty primary school students
receive quality food and proper nutrition during every school
day. ACF also organised a career guidance workshop at Moha
for students of standard IX and X. Resource persons provided
clear and concise information on the various career options
available, to enable students to make an informed choice.
Maharashtra
49
Based on the UNICEF
model of creating total
sanitation with children
as change agents, ACF
initiated the Swachhata
Dhoot programme in
Panvel. Children have
the ability to reach out
to various segments of
the community, without
raking up controversies.
People are more liable
to consider suggestions
expressed by children. With
children at the forefront
of the total sanitation
programme, changes can
be affected at both the
family and community level.
The Swachhata Dhoot
programme introduced the
concept to schools. ACF
was supported by schools
and village health, sanitation
and education committees
in the implementation of the
programme. Workshops on
health and sanitation were
held for children, where they
learnt on the seven different
parameters of health -
Waste water management,
solid waste management,
open defecation-free
village, personal hygiene,
clean public places,
surroundings, clean schools
and anganwadis, and
collective action for village
cleanliness. The workshops
trained 50 children, and
each child had to monitor
and provide inputs to 5
families based on the health
parameters. Committees
were also made of these
children to monitor the
process as a group. At
all stages of planning,
training, implementation
and monitoring, children
were ably supported by their
teachers.
These trained “swachhata
dhoots” prepared an action
plan with the help of the
sarpanch, panchayat
members, school authorities,
parents and primary health
centre officials. They then
carried out a baseline survey
in Kombadbhuje on various
health indicators like drainage
systems, garbage cans,
and availability of toilets.
To make the programme
more sustainable, ACF
collaborated with schools to
conduct ‘neat & clean child’
competitions to inculcate
habits of cleanliness among
children.
Yashodha and her family at the house reconstructed with support from ACF
Rural Infrastructure DevelopmentWe facilitated provision of computers in three schools as well as
the offices of the panchayat samiti and the gram panchayat. The
latter was also furnished with a water purifier.
In Kombadbhuje village, the school roof was repaired and a well
was renovated.
ACF also supported the re-building of the home of Yashodha
Koli, who lost her home in a tragic fire. A poor widow with three
school-going children, Yashodha sold fish and shells to earn
her livelihood. An accident in the night however, gutted her
entire home. Though Yashodha and her children were safe, the
family lost all their essentials, including the children’s books,
and clothes. ACF supported the widow through provision of
educational material for children, and helped reconstruct
the house. Today, Yashodha is thankful that due to ACF’s
intervention, the family can live more securely.
CHILDREN AS AGENTS OF CHANGE
50
Punjab
OverviewInterventions in agro-based livelihoods are one of the main
areas of focus in Ropar and Bathinda in Punjab. The thrust is
on organic farming and the Better Cotton Initiative. Both these
processes stress on sustainable farming practices, ensuring
quality produce with higher market value.
Sex selection is a prevalent social issue in the region, that
has led to a decline in the number of girl children. ACF runs
a strong campaign against the practice of female foeticide
through numerous awareness drives, rallies and seminars.
The programme is taken forward by the enormous student
population, reaching out to a wider audience.
Punjab
ACF also runs the Ambuja Manovikas Kendra (AMK), a centre
for mentally challenged children. AMK works with more than
70 children, providing them with therapy, training and the
opportunity to get rehabilitated into the mainstream. AMK is one
of the leading centres for special children in Punjab, with its
students winning accolades in sports and cultural programmes
held at national and international levels. In 2011, four AMK
children will be representing India at the World Special Olympic
Summer Games to be held in Athens, Greece, competing
with international athletes in athletics, badminton, cycling and
basketball.
RoparAgro-based LivelihoodOver-dependence on chemical fertilizers is a leading reason for
degradation of land resources. Organic farming, on the other
hand, is a sustainable farming process in which local ecology,
biodiversity, and science are integrated to sustain the health of
the land and its people. ACF has been promoting organic farming
in Ropar, reaching out to farmers through cluster and village
level meetings. Street plays and IEC materials on the various
aspects of organic farming, along with experience sharing with
other organic farmers, help them make an informed choice.
A major incentive for farmers is the high profitability of organically
produced crops. ACF supports farmers in obtaining certification
for their crops from Control Union Certification Agency. Audits
on buffer zone management, organic manure, seed usage
and measures to control disease and pests are conducted. To
date, audits in ACF-supported farms have been satisfactory,
and farmers will soon be eligible for certificates following a final
assessment.
ACF promotes the use of jeevamrit, an organic manure, and
vermi-compost through farmer trainings and on-field monitoring.
Eighty vermi-compost pits were installed by the farmers during
the year, to produce organic manure. ACF has also set up a
seed bank to store indigenous seeds. The organic farmers
contribute seeds to the bank besides exchanging them with
one another. This process is a step to help restore indigenous
seeds and enhance the quality of organic yield.
ACF has established a demonstration farm to showcase
different technologies and provide a platform for farmers from
various backgrounds to interact with each other. We have been
able to demonstrate banana cultivation on waterlogged land
successfully, and showcase turmeric cultivation and systematic
rice intensification (SRI). A poplar nursery with 4165 plants
has been developed in the farm with plants distributed among
the farmers on a cost sharing basis. Ambuja Cements have
supported the extension of the process by providing access to
land in Daburji village for more demonstrations.
Inspired by the trials at the demo-farm, six farmers from Madho
Majra, Dakala and Ghanauli villages came forward to take up
vegetable cultivation on part of their land. Twenty five acres
of land are now under vegetable cultivation, practised by 34
farmers. Two vegetable nurseries have been developed at
Dakala village to help farmers procure good quality saplings.
We also supported SHG members to develop 150 organic
kitchen gardens, promoting nutrition and income generation
through vegetable cultivation.
Weeding at a farm in Bathinda
Drug addiction is another pertinent social issue, especially in
Bathinda. ACF works closely with law enforcing agencies, the
public health system and the community to provide health care,
counselling and a de-addiction programme to drug abusers.
The programme is supported by the Red Cross Society and
backed by the community to the fullest.
The industrial areas of Bathinda is surrounded by slum clusters,
housing the migrant working population. Children from the slums
attend the Ambuja Gyandeep Kendras to equip themselves to
enter the formal education system while regular health camps,
held in the basti, bring in much needed medical services to
these areas.
51
ACF also promotes the use of plastic
tunnels that facilitate early sowing and
prevent insect attack on plants. During the
year four farmers installed plastic tunnels
in five kanals of land.
The gram panchayats of Nuhon and Dakala
were motivated to utilise their shamlat land
– the government owned land in the village
– for agro-forestry, to plant more than 650
trees. ACF also supported farmers with
saplings of various fruit trees at subsidised
rates for plantation, and followed it up
with trainings to ensure plant survival.
Nurseries managed by ACF-supported
farmers raised more than 20000 saplings
to meet the huge demand for poplars in
the region.
As part of our interventions in animal
husbandry, 16 health camps were held
during the year. More than 600 cattle
were treated and vaccinated, while
farmers received training in scientific cattle
management.
Dairy cooperatives have been promoted
in collaboration with Milkfed, Punjab.
ACF now supports six cooperatives with 140 members and a
daily collection of more than 800 litres of milk.
Silage pits were constructed this year as a means to provide
more nutritious food to the animals. They also help in preserving
fodder for the off-seasons. Ten cattle feeding stalls were
constructed to ensure that animals had access to water round
the clock.
Biogas has been promoted as a renewable source of energy,
and ACF supports communities to construct biogas units for
domestic use. This year we facilitated the construction of five
biogas units in different villages with a subsidy of R 8000 per unit
from the Punjab Energy Development Agency.
Integrated Health ProgrammeWe have been nominated as a member of the Block Health
Monitoring Team by the Ropar Health Department. As part of
this initiative, we facilitated training of 134 ASHA workers from
Ropar block on the lines of the module developed by the Health
Department.
Our sakhis worked closely with children and village anganwadis.
Based on their feedback, ACF has supported the renovation
of three anganwadi centres. We have also introduced a set
of teaching-learning materials for the cognitive and creative
development of pre-schoolers.
ACF implements two projects in Ropar in collaboration with the
Punjab State AIDS Control Society. The ‘Composite Targeted
Intervention Project’ (CTIP) reaches out to high-risk groups, and
the ‘Targeted Intervention’ (TI) project addresses intravenous
drug users at Morinda. In addition, two more TI projects are
being implemented for 10,000 migrants in Chandigarh in
collaboration with the Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society.
ACF integrates the use of IEC materials on HIV/AIDS with
counselling, to bring about behavioural change among the
large migrant worker groups. During the year 7,682 group and
individual counselling sessions were conducted. Advocacy
meetings were held with the police and community members
who could influence high-risk groups. At the community level, 81
health awareness camps were held during which STD patients
were counselled to get tested for HIV. ACF also provides testing
and diagnostic services and supports those diagnosed with HIV
with anti-retroviral treatment.
ACF facilitates the HIV / AIDS Workplace Programme at Ambuja
Cements to reach out to workers within the plant. World AIDS
Day was observed at the company, with master trainers and peer
educators providing information on HIV & AIDS to employees,
labourers and truckers.
Intravenous Drug Users (IDUs) are another group vulnerable to
the risk of HIV and AIDS. A needle syringe exchange programme
held for the IDUs focused on the need to use fresh needles
every time. IDUs were also provided with betadine, spirit and
bandages to treat their wounds and abscesses.
Drop-in centres established at Morinda, Ropar and Anandpur
Sahib provide counselling services on safe injecting and safe
sex practices. One hundred and twenty four condom outlets
established in various locations have distributed over four lakh
condoms this year.
The ‘Roopnagar Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS’ was
formed by ACF to provide care and support to PLWHA. ACF
supported the rehabilitation of five members through an income
generating waste paper recycling unit at Anandpur Sahib.
Waste paper sourced from Ambuja Cements is recycled into
file covers, folders and notepads, providing both income and a
creative outlet for PLWHA.
Women’s EmpowermentACF has been facilitating income-generating activities with 69
established SHGs, with 812 members. The Ludhiana hosiery
Training on knitting skills at Nuhon
52
market, which exports its woollen products across the world,
outsources its requirements to village women, providing them
with good remuneration. ACF replicated the same business
model with the SHGs of Nuhon village. Thirteen women were
selected, trained for three months and linked to a vendor who
agreed to give them orders for knitted products. Eight women
have been able to obtain loans from their respective SHGs
to buy knitting machines; while others assist them in crochet
and sewing work in exchange for payment. Even though they
work individually, the women manage the business collectively.
This enables them to meet the transportation cost with their
earnings. ACF is now developing norms based on this model, to
be replicated in other villages.
Infrastructure DevelopmentACF, NABARD and local stakeholders came together to
develop the village of Lodhi Majra using various development
indicators. Meetings and sessions with community members
helped identify local problems and delegate responsibilities.
People are now taking charge of the process and demanding
accountability from concerned government departments.
The PWD reconstructed the village roads, while the block
development officer committed to install sewage pipes along the
roads. Panchayat members met the Rural Water and Sanitation
Department for a grant to construct toilets for the poor. The
community is now taking charge of their village, and demanding
services, in the process demonstrating its commitment to make
Lodhi Majra an ideal village.
ACF supports communities in building and enhancing village
infrastructure. This year, ACF constructed a school room at
Primary School, Daburji, along with a gym room. Drains and
PCC roads were built in the villages of Lohgarh Fidde, Nuhon
and Ghanauli. In response to a proposal put forward by us,
NABARD has sanctioned R five lakh for a vegetable market at
Ghanauli. Construction of the market is currently underway.
Skill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteThe Government of India had launched a scheme for upgrading
the existing Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) under the public-
private-partnership approach, with an institute management
committee (IMC) formed for each ITI.
ACF chairs the IMC, Anandpur Sahib. As part of our contribution
to the initiative, we constructed new buildings, a hostel, staff
quarters and a canteen for the institution. We are closely
involved in admission procedures and in course design. In
addition to the existing ITI courses, we have introduced fashion
technology, computer operation and programme assistance,
diesel mechanics, electrical training, plumbing and painting.
At health awareness camps organised by us we disseminated
information on health, hygiene, diet, HIV/AIDS and related
issues to the students. The ITI is supported by a government
grant of R 2.50 crores for its activities.
Protecting the Girl Child: Programme Against Female FoeticideThe practice of sex selection is rampant across India, and
Punjab has one of the lowest sex ratios in the country. ACF
has been involved in a number of programmes against sex
selection. We reach out to students, families and community
members through awareness programmes, seminars and
competitions. This year, after four years of intervention on this
issue, ACF collected data on children between the ages of 0-6
years from 20 villages. From 2003 to 2006, the ratio was 884
girls per 1000 boys. The recent study has revealed that from
2007 to 2010 the ratio has risen to 946 girls per 1000 boys. This
is an encouraging trend, affirming that mind-sets are changing,
and misconceptions among families and communities are
melting away.
Status of sex ratio in 20 villages between 2003 - 2010
Female Male
00
400
600
800
1000
200
2003-06 2007-10
A message board to protect the girl child at village Bahadurpur, Ropar.
Punjab
53
Ambuja Manovikas KendraAMK is ACF’s centre for special education for mentally
challenged children at Ropar. The centre aims at improving
the quality of life of these children, and helping them to grow
into independent, capable citizens. Seventy students are
enrolled at the centre; they are supported by a team of trained
special educators, doctors, clinical psychologists, speech and
physiotherapists. Therapeutic services like speech therapy,
occupational therapy, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy help
them cope with their physical challenges and improve their
gross and fine motor skills. These services are also available to
the general public through an out-patient department.
AMK focuses on building capacities of children so that they
can be fully integrated into the mainstream. As part of their
rehabilitation programme, AMK students learn to make various
creative handicrafts like candles, pillow covers and jute bags.
One of AMK’s past student; Amritpal Singh now runs a grocery
shop. Gurucharan Singh, another ex-student, now works as a
volunteer in ACF’s agriculture development programme.
Students at AMK have always excelled at sports and cultural
activites. At the 13th Punjab State Special Olympic Games held in
November 2010, AMK students competed in various categories
with 400 other students from 33 special schools from all over
the state. AMK students topped the charts, winning 13 gold and
six silver medals; the badminton and football championships;
and the best male and best female athlete awards. AMK also
bagged the overall championship trophy and was adjudged the
best institution for sports for special children in Punjab for the
fifth consecutive year. Four AMK athletes have been included
in the Indian team for the Special Olympics, World Summer
Games, to be held in Athens in June 2011. They will take part in
basketball, badminton, cycling and athletics.
Sardar Gurnam Singh,
from Dakala village, loves
to tend to his cattle. But as
a marginal farmer, holding
1.5 acres of land, he and
his wife spend their entire
day labouring in the fields.
With no extra help, and
a tight schedule, feeding
and providing water for the
cattle at regular intervals
was hard. They were able
to provide water and fodder
for their cattle before going
and after returning from the
fields. This left the cattle
hungry and thirsty at times,
and affected their health and
milk-producing capacity.
Through interactions with
the ACF team, Sardar
Gurnam Singh understood
that a cattle feeding stall
would ease his troubles.
However, he wondered if
the investment would be too
high for a marginal farmer
like him. ACF was able to help
him prepare and estimate of
the investment required, and
convince him of the merits of
a cattle feeding stall. These
merits, he was convinced,
would be beneficial to him,
and his cattle.
Soon, a new feeding stall
was constructed, and the
animals veered towards it,
happily munching away at
the stocked fodder. With
fodder and water close at
hand, Gurnam Singh and
his wife no longer worried
about rushing back from the
fields just to feed the cattle.
Importantly, sustained
nutrition improved the health
of the animals, and the milk
yield increased from 9 to 11
litres. He is delighted with
the results of the stall so
far, and says, ‘My cattle are
enjoying the stalls so much
that now we cannot make
them drink any other way.’
The design of the stalls
needs to be adapted to
suit winter and summer
seasons. In winter, the cattle
require a stall with a shiny
surface, while they need the
reverse in summer. Gurnam
Singh has now decided to
renovate the stalls to suit
the climatic conditions of
Punjab. Building a cattle
feeding stall may have been
a small step, but it is one
that has reaped big benefits
for the farmer.
STRIDING TOWARDS CHANGE
54
Five AMK athletes were selected in the 12-member Punjab team,
led by AMK’s Shamsher Singh, at the National Championship of
Floor Hockey held at Shimla from 15-19 December, 2010. The
event was organised by Special Olympics Bharat, Himachal
Chapter, to select the Indian floor hockey team for the 2013
Special Olympics, World Winter Games. About 400 athletes
from 20 states participated in the event. The Punjab team won
the gold medal in their group. AMK athletes Pawandeep Singh
and Shamsher Singh did exceptionally well.
The Annual Sports’ Day held every year at AMK is a great
opportunity for the students to display their sporting talent to
their families, friends and well wishers. This year they also lifted
the overall championship trophy at Punjab’s first state level
cultural and skill competition for mentally challenged children.
A 10-day dance training programme by instructors from
Shiamak Davar’s Victory Art Foundation was a huge success.
The children as well the staff learned about dance, creativity and
physical and emotional coordination through body movements.
The positive feedback they received for their performance
during the Annual Day celebrations boosted their confidence.
The year 2010 marked the tenth year of AMK’s establishment.
A souvenir titled “10 years of AMK” was released on the
occasion of World Disability Day on 3 December, 2010, by the
DIG, Roopnagar.
Capacity building of our teachers and educators is an integral
part of our programme. AMK organised a two-day state level
coaches’ clinic where coaches were given theoretical and
practical training in coaching special children. Subjects like
selection of athletes, choice of events, training procedures,
grouping of athletes and other related topics formed part of the
training. AMK teachers were trained on modern rehabilitation
techniques and therapies during the year. Parents were updated
on the latest developments in medical science.
To enable these children to get a sense of acceptance by and
inclusion in society, 48 students & staff of Rayat International
School visited AMK to interact with them. The programme
commenced with an orientation session followed by classroom
visits in small groups. The visitors participated in activities like
painting diyas, making greeting cards and taking part in an early
intervention session with AMK students. The event inspired
AMK to start a new campaign called ‘The Making of Friends’,
through which our students form lasting bonds with students
from regular schools. To date, AMK has organised 11 workshops
with regular institutions and reached out to about 1000 students.
Parents of mentally challenged children often experience
negative reactions from society. To sensitise the community,
AMK has launched a series of campaigns called ‘Awareness
through Advocacy’ in the students’ neighbourhood. The
campaign included 11 events that reached out to 309 families
in the villages of 14 AMK students. These interactions have
brought about a better understanding of the challenges faced
by children and their parents, in the community.
A sponsorship scheme has been initiated for the adoption
of AMK students. So far, 35 students are fully supported by
donors. In 2010, AMK received special recognition from Rotary
International, Roopnagar, for outstanding service to society in
general and special children in particular.
Ramandeep Kaur is a star
athlete. At the 13th Punjab
State Special Olympics held
in November 2010, she won
the Best Female Athlete
Award. This multiple-gold
medal winner is now in
the team of sportspersons
representing India in
Special Olympics World
Summer Games in Athens
in 2011.
But there’s more to this
story. Ramandeep Kaur
is mentally challenged.
When she first came to
AMK, she had difficulties
in communicating, and
was dependent on others
for her day-to-day needs.
With training, and therapy,
she gained skills, and
confidence. But it was on
the sporting ground that she
really took off. And today she
is on the cusp of achieving
sporting glory in Athletics in
the international arena.
Harbindar Kumar,
Gurcharan Singh and
Ashish John are the
other stars of this special
AMK quartet. They are
each competing as part
of the Indian Badminton,
Cycling and Basketball
teams respectively for the
Special Olympics World
Summer Games, in 2011.
At the 13th Punjab State
Special Olympic Games
held in November 2010,
AMK students competed
in various categories with
400 other students from 33
special schools from all over
the state. AMK students
topped the charts, winning
13 gold and six silver
medals; AMK itself won the
‘Best Institution in Sports
in Punjab’ and the Overall
Punjab State Championship
Trophy for the fifth time in a
row!
At AMK, the team works
with special children by
providing them with therapy,
training and the opportunity
to get rehabilitated into
the mainstream. Under
their guidance, children
have discovered their
true potential. Many are
becoming economically
independent, supporting
their families and are
contributing to the society.
These successes have
not come overnight. The
journey from learning to
hold a spoon to winning
badminton tournaments or
being employed has not
been easy. Each day has
been a struggle, but it only
goes to demonstrate the
phenomenal courage of
these children to overcome
their limitations.
‘Disability’? At AMK, there
is only the ability to achieve.
THE FAB FOUR
Punjab
55
BathindaWater Resource ManagementVillage ponds are one of the key sources of water for people
and livestock. However, over time, with silt and garbage, ponds
lose their capacities to store water. ACF has been involved in
renovation of ponds in the villages of Sivian and Nahiyanwala
through community participation. The move has led to better
retention capacity of ponds; an increase in residual moisture;
and gradual rise of the groundwater level.
Agro-based LivelihoodExcessive use of chemical fertilizers has not only resulted in
depleted soil quality, but has also had an impact on the health
of the community. ACF organised 35 training programmes and
seven exposure visits and continued to build capacities of
farmers and sensitise them to the dangers of using chemical
fertilizers. Organic farming of wheat, paddy, cotton and vegetable
crops was also taken up in 300 acres of land this year.
We have been working with farmers on diversifying agricultural
practices. ACF supported farmers in four villages with 3450
saplings of horticulture and agro-farm forestry plants, thus
utilising waste land while enabling villagers to earn more income.
Biogas is a clean and environment friendly fuel option. At the
same time, its residue can be used as bio-manure, thus reaping
benefits for the farmer. ACF promoted the use of biogas by
providing the community with technical and economic support,
installing 50 biogas plants. A farmer constructs tunnel houses to protect plants at his farm in Bathinda
A flourishing organic farm at Bathinda
56
Farmers received support to grow vegetables during the off-
season through the use of low cost net houses. Five such
net houses were installed in the villages of Nahiyanwala and
Mehmma Suwai at a subsidised cost.
ACF also conducted cattle camps in collaboration with the
Animal Husbandry Department. More than 300 livestock
were treated at the camps held at Sivian, Behman Diwana,
Nahiyanwala and Buladewala villages.
EducationThe Ambuja Gyandeep Kendras are educational centres that
provide quality education to children with little or no access to
schooling. This year, we have been able to reach out to 190
under-privileged children from Oriya Basti, Hardev Nagar,
Lal Quarter and Jogi Nagar. The kendras are supervised by
the Basti Education Committee (BEC). This year 14 students
from the kendras appeared for the Class V Punjab Board
Examinations and seven students appeared for the Jawahar
Navodaya Vidyalaya.
ACF also supports anganwadis for children between the ages
of two and six. Apart from providing children with a safe learning
environment, anganwadis closely monitor them on various
health and development indicators. Regular health camps are
organised to monitor their height and weight, and issues of
personal hygiene are followed up with their families.
This year, ten school health camps reaching out to 180 children
were held at the Ambuja Gyandeep Kendras. Skin diseases,
cough, cold, water borne diseases and anaemia were commonly
found ailments. Children were provided with micronutrients
like calcium, vitamins and other medicines and their families
sensitised on aspects of child nutrition and hygiene.
Integrated Health ProgrammeOur programmes under health and sanitation are taken forward
at the village level by our sakhis. As part of their engagement
with children, sakhis organised 103 khelwadis for 6-14 year
olds and actively took part in immunisation drives at the village
level. The sakhis also organised 65 meetings with community
members to disseminate information about preventive and
curative measures. Sakhis helped create awareness on the
need for toilets and soak pits through regular sessions with
community groups. Villagers came together to construct low-cost
toilets and soak pits; 20 such units were constructed at Sivian
and Lal Quarter, initiating a shift towards cleanliness in these
villages. Members of village health and sanitation committees
participated in a training programme with sakhis, where topics
like micro planning, the expectations of the Health Department
and the role of the VHSCs were explored. It helped forge better
connections between the two groups to work towards better
health of the villages.
ACF has also established linkages with the Subsidiary Health
Centre and Community Health Centre at the village and district
level. We also organised general health camps and participated
in pulse polio drives to reach out to those with little access to
health care. This year ten camps were organised at Oriya Basti,
Jogi Nagar, Lal Quarter and Hardev Nagar in collaboration
with the District Health Department, Bathinda. More than 700
people attended these camps for diagnoses, treatment and
information on family planning.
Studies by the Punjab Health Department have revealed that
there are a high number of drug abusers in the state. Drugs like
opium and ganja are commonly used, and are either injected
or taken orally. During 2010-11 ACF carried out detoxification
Children during a Republic Day celebration at the school run by ACF at Oriya Basti in Bathinda
Punjab
57
of 205 drug abusers in the age group 18-45. We conducted
face-to-face meetings and followed them up with visits and
awareness programmes. Twenty one awareness programmes
including plays and skits on the prevention of illicit trafficking
and the harmful effects of drug use were held in different villages
with support from community based organisations.
International Day Against Illicit Trafficking was observed on 26
June at the Red Cross De-Addiction Centre in collaboration with
the District Health Department. Cultural programmes including
plays on the issue of drug addiction were presented to an
audience comprising youth club members and SHGs.
This year, ACF started a campaign through the use of games
like hockey, volleyball, kabaddi and cricket in collaboration
with the Punjab Police, to eradicate addiction from Bathinda
district. The process is firmly backed by the IG and DIG of the
district. Awareness programmes in colleges, senior secondary
schools and villages, treatment and counselling form part of the
campaign. Wall paintings on drug de-addiction and female
foeticide are helping to convey the message in almost all the
villages. In addition, ACF carries out campaigns against drug
addiction and female foeticide with school children. Sakhis
utilise various IEC material to spread the message about the
dangers drug abuse.
Women’s EmpowermentLack of access to funds to initiate small businesses prevents
many women from taking the leap. The role played by SHGs
to fill this gap is exemplary. This year, ACF helped establish
than 8 years. His addiction to certain drug
tablets drained his meager earnings. His wife
struggled alone, working hard to manage the
farm, the household and the education of
their two children. His own personality had
changed, with drugs taking a toll on his health
and outlook. Despite the extreme stress, the
family hoped and prayed that Sukhraj could be
cured of his addiction.
During a de-addiction campaign in Bathinda,
ACF came in contact with Sukhraj’s family and
learnt about his addiction. He agreed to give
the process of de-addiction a shot and began
participating in counselling sessions. The
entire programme consisted on motivational
counselling, detoxification treatment. The
withdrawal symptoms were hard to cope, but
his family lent a strong support. The physical aftereffects
were also medically taken care of. The addiction was
weaned away and regular counselling and follow-ups by
the ACF team ensured that he would not relapse into his
earlier pattern. Today, Sukhraj is free from the habit, and
leads a healthy life with his family. He is a role model for
many of his peer, inspiring others to take a step towards a
healthy and positive life.
THE I CAN WAY OF LIFE
35 SHGs with a total membership strength of 446. The groups
carry out inter-loaning for consumption as well as for productive
activities like agriculture and animal husbandry. Women are now
able to access loans from banks, sidestepping private money
lenders and their hefty interest rates. We are now focussing
on training SHG members on management, record keeping,
and developing linkages with banks. Training programmes on
livelihood generation have been organised in collaboration
with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bathinda and Punjab Agriculture
University, Ludhiana.
Protecting the Girl Child: Programme against Female FoeticideACF has launched a concentrated effort against female foeticide
through campaigns, seminars and rallies to create awareness
about the declining sex ratio and its impact on society. ACF is
networking with government schools, village panchayats and
likeminded community based organizations to implement the
programme.
All our seminars have been organised at Panchayat Bhawan and
in government schools in different villages. Students have been
recognised as the most effective channel of communication
and are an integral part of our strategy to reach out to a wider
audience.
ACF has been using the traditonal artforms like giddha to reach
out to more and more people. The ‘Jaggo’ campaign has been
an effective tool, with women and other community members
coming out to raise awareness on the issue in full force.
Families face severe social, economical and psychological
trauma when a member of the family falls victim to substance
abuse. Poor families, women and young children are the
worst hit. Take the case of Sukhraj Singh, a thirty-year old
from Daansinghwala village in Bathinda. A farmer with a
small land holding, he had been addicted to drugs for more
Sukhraj at his family run flour-mill, today
58
Rajasthan
OverviewThe year 2010 marks the tenth year of our development
activities in Rajasthan. We work mainly with communities in and
around Rabriyawas (District Pali), Chirawa (District Jhunjhunu)
and Marwar-Mundwa (District Nagure).
Rajasthan continues to be one of the water-scarce states of
India with erratic rainfall, droughts and limited water resources
like perennial river basins. This has led to a high dependence
on ground water. It is further aggravated by the over-exploitation
of ground water resources which can be as high as 165% in
Jhunjhunu district impacting agriculture, allied livelihoods and
industry.
This has influenced the way ACF designs and implements
projects with various communities. Our key area of focus
in Rajasthan remains water resource management and its
adaptation in agro-based livelihood programmes. Traditional
forms of water conservation like khadins and bunds are
encouraged; ponds are de-silted and revived; and percolation
wells and dykes constructed to enrich the water table. Farmers
are now adopting better irrigation methods, low-water intensive
crops and drought-tolerant plants. These activities have spread
to more farm lands, and are steadily rejuvenating land and
water resources in the region.
Women’s empowerment is the key to battling poverty and
promoting health, education and holistic development. We
have been working closely with women’s SHGs to build their
capacities and skills; sensitising them on health and sanitation
issues; and encouraging them to undertake activities that make
them economically independent.
In Chirawa, ACF’s skill and entrepreneurship development
institute is creating avenues for employment among youth from
the region through its intensive, short term courses in various
technical trades. In Marwar-Mundwa, Ambuja Cements is in the
process of setting up a plant, impacting the lives of communities
in the region. Our engagement with the local people began
much before the actual process of land acquisition and
establishment of the plant. Children from project affected
families have undergone a two-month computer training
programme, while women have participated in advanced cutting
& tailoring programmes. Our other projects for PAPs include
integrated interventions in agriculture, horticulture and skill &
entrepreneurship development.
RabriyawasNatural Resources ManagementACF addresses the problem of scarcity of potable water in
villages around Rabriyawas by deepening ponds and wells. It is
a cost-effective solution, as it does not involve any construction.
This year, 22 ponds were deepened in 18 villages, increasing
their storage capacity by 7.31 mcft. In most cases, villagers have
contributed more than 60% of the costs.
Rajasthan
Underground and subsurface dykes are constructed in rivers to
increase the ground water level. With the construction of four such
dykes on the river Lilari, 80 wells in the villages of Kesherpura,
Patan, Rampura and Dayalpura are being recharged, benefitting
1850 farmers. ACF has also been constructing check dams
to retain monsoon water in the catchment areas. This year, a
check dam was constructed in village Ras, thus extending the
availability of water for at least 4-6 months.
One of the important water conservation methods of the region
is the khadin. A khadin or a dhora is a traditional structure built
to preserve surface runoff. It is constructed according to the
slope of the land, and allows for the sediments in the runoff to
settle on it, making the soil rich and fertile. Khadins are useful
for the cultivation of moisture-intensive crops. In addition, the
water stored in khadins can also be used for irrigation. In 2010,
ACF constructed four khadins in Rabriyawas, Amarpura and
Ballupura villages.
Bunds are also built according to the slope of the land, allowing
rain water to flow into the farms. Bunds increase water retention
within the soil, enhance its health and augment the water
table. This year close to 48000 cubic metres of bunds were
built around farms for 94 farmers in Balada, Rabriyawas and
Amarpura villages, with 75% contribution from the community.
A farm pond is a deep pit meant to store water. It has an inlet
to let water enter, and an outlet to lead the excess water out. It
helps recharge the groundwater and prevents soil erosion. It is
also an accessible source of water for irrigation for farmers and
facilitates drip irrigation systems. This year, ACF constructed
four farm ponds in 20 bighas of land belonging to farmers at
Amarpura, Ras, Balada and Rabriyawas villages. ACF also
continues to collect and test water samples from ponds, wells,
tube wells and dykes from villages to assess its suitability for
different purposes.
ACF addresses the problem of scarcity of potable water
in villages around Rabriyawas
59
As the region is prone to drought, ACF supplied 700 tankers of
water to the villages of Balada, Rabriyawas and Amarpura this
year.
Agro-based LivelihoodWater scarcity is one of the prime reasons for farmers’ poverty
in the region. Wadis or small orchards are being promoted
as means of sustainable income generation. Plants with low
drought-tolerance and low water requirements are used for
plantations. ACF supports farmers through supply of plants,
technical guidance and regular monitoring, while farmers
contribute their labour and part of the costs. This year ACF
promoted wadis across 50 acres in 14 villages, planting 5,600
saplings of indigenous trees like ber, amla, lemon, gunda, anar
and karonda, reaching out to small and marginal farmers.
Water conservation in agriculture is promoted through the use
of drip and sprinkler methods of irrigation. ACF installed drip
irrigation systems in 12 successful wadis supported by a 70%
subsidy under the National Horticulture Mission Scheme. ACF
also installed sprinkler irrigation systems in 15 villages, covering an
area of 67 hectares for seasonal crops. The project has received a
subsidy under the Government Micro Irrigation Scheme.
Vegetables, being short-duration crops, are suitable for mixed
farming and intercropping. These measures lead to higher
intensity of cropping and more profit per unit area. ACF
promoted vegetable cultivation on 115 acres belonging to 120
farmers from 15 villages around Rabriyawas through provision
of good quality seeds of low water-intensive crops, and regular
monitoring.
Farming in the region is also affected by the high fluoride content
in the soil. This year, ACF collected 156 soil samples and sent
them for chemical analysis to understand ways of rejuvenating
the soil for farming. Under the Department of Agriculture’s
Soil Reclamation Scheme, farmers were provided with 5,480
bags containing 50 kg of gypsum each. Regular application
of gypsum reduces the fertilizer requirement of the fields and
improves the quality of the soil.
ACF’s seed production programme was carried out with 89
farmers from 12 villages. Under the programme, the farmers
are linked with agencies like National Seeds Corporation,
Rajasthan State Seed Certifying Agency and Rajasthan State
Seeds Corporation. Under this linkage, farmers were provided
with seeds and expert inputs through field visits organised
by ACF. Seeds are then grown in a controlled environment,
checked and certified by the state agency. Farmers are thus
able to command premium prices for certified seeds.
ACF also conducted crop trials in 1,050 acres of land in
collaboration with state agencies and other private suppliers.
The objective was to compare different crops on the same
field and choose the most preferred variety based on the
farmer’s judgement. Participatory trials were taken up using
moong, bajra¸ guar and til during the kharif season and wheat,
mustard, cumin and fenugreek during the rabi season. The
good monsoons helped, with the yield being better than that in
normal years. Based on the trials, farmers have recommended
Farmers are now adopting better irrigation methods, along with low-water intensive crops to rejuvenate their land.
A farmer inspects his crops at a village near Rabriyawas
ACF is currently developing an organic demonstration farm for farmers
60
certain seeds for each crop. ACF plans to develop seed banks
containing the recommended seeds so that the farmers can use
their own seeds for the crops they have chosen.
The farmers in the project area were taken on several
exposure visits and given training on advanced agricultural and
horticultural practices. Trainings on topics like biogas plants
and azola production were conducted at the ACF Community
Training and Development Centre at Balada as well as on-field,
facilitated by progressive farmers and scientists.
ACF is currently developing an organic demonstration farm
to promote organic farming with improved technology and
upgraded techniques. Programmes held on the farm in 2010
included:
Demonstration of different varieties of fodder, medicinal and
herbal plants.
Demonstration of fruit and vegetable varieties suitable for
semi-arid areas.
Use of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.
Trainings on production of vermi-compost and use of bio-
pesticides.
Dairy farming with improved cattle feeding technology.
Development of nurseries.
Roof rain water harvesting systems on the ACF building.
Animal health camps were conducted in 16 villages in
collaboration with the Government Veterinary Department,
carrying out treatment and vaccinations on more than 10,500
animals.
Artificial Insemination (AI) being a very cost-effective technique
for breed improvement, was made available to the farmers
through collaboration with India Gen, a unit of NDDB and the
Government of Rajasthan Animal Husbandry Department. This
year, 220 artificial inseminations were conducted. The animals
are also closely monitored with regular follow up checks for
better results.
ACF has developed improved varieties of various fodder crops
like rizka, bazri and kashmira jowar chari with 280 farmers in an
area of 450 acres. The farmers now get a good yield of green
fodder throughout the year. ACF also supported dairy farmers
in four villages through supply of 105 tonnes of green fodder for
their cattle.
At the request of the community, ACF has taken on the
responsibility of developing pasture lands. The land provided
by Balada and Rabriyawas gram panchayat is used to construct
loose stone check dams and contour trenches before planting
good quality fodder seeds. Our interventions prevent soil
erosion, increase moisture retention and fertility and recharge
the ground water table. This year, ACF developed 250 bighas of
pasture land at Balada and 50 bighas at Rabriyawas.
Six dairy farms have been started, while 155 units of cattle feed
cum drinking water systems have been promoted in 18 villages.
Dairy farmers have participated in a number of trainings, on
various aspects of dairy production to enhance quality milk
production. ACF has also promoted non-conventional sources
of energy through biogas plants in the region. The easy access
to fuel and use of smokeless chulhas has had a positive impact
on the lives of women.
Integrated Health ProgrammeACF’s sakhis are at the forefront of our integrated health
programme, reaching out to 27 villages in the region. This year,
our 27 sakhis supported 212 mobile dispensary visits and
conducted 418 khelwadis. Their routines include conducting
vaccination sessions; supporting institutional deliveries; and
registering pregnancies and child births. They also actively
participated in gram sabhas and community meetings to
advocate health and sanitation issues.
A mobile dispensary with qualified doctors and trained nurses
regularly visits villages to provide medical services. In 2010,
10589 patients from 17 villages were treated at the mobile
dispensary. ACF also conducted health camps including ANC/
PNC 13 villages, reaching out to more than 1200 patients,
overseen by government medical officers.
Twenty health awareness programmes dealing with issues
like safe drinking water, primary health care, sanitation, child
vaccinations and social subjects like child marriage, dowry and
female foeticide were conducted in different villages. VHSCs
were formed to increase community participation in health and
sanitation issues. ACF is the district nodal agency to conduct
trainings to all village health sanitation commitees in the district.
We organised 74 training sessions and trained 3188 individuals,
including members of PRIs, ANM’s, ASHAs and AWWs.
The mobile dispensary service at Rabriyawas
Rajasthan
61
HIV / AIDS Prevention ProgrammePeer educators are at the frontline of our HIV and AIDS
Prevention Programme in Rabriyawas. A 50-member team,
including 15 women, conducts face-to-face, group and
community meetings; counselling sessions and sensitization
programmes with migrant workers, truckers, cleaners, dhaba
owners and community members in areas around Ambuja
Cements’ plant. ACF also carries out a workplace intervention
programme, for employees at Transport Nagar, the mining area
and factory premises of the company. The programme includes
reaching out to employees and their families with relevant
information and programmes on HIV and AIDS on a regular
basis. Condom vending machines have also been installed
at various strategic locations to promote concept of safe-sex
among the staff and workers.
The HIV / AIDS Prevention Programme includes counselling
and screening for HIV, and supports positive people in their
treatment and rehabilitation. ACF runs the NACO authorized
ICTC centre at Rabriyawas through the Rajasthan State AIDS
Control Society. It’s the only centre in the region providing
counselling, testing and referral services. Positive people are
referred for ART and linked with the Pali Marwar Network of
Positive People (PNP+). ACF supports members of PNP+ with
regular trainings, and with experience sharing sessions with the
community.
Our efforts in creating awareness on HIV and AIDS issues
include reaching out to senior secondary school students
through Red Ribbon clubs. World AIDS Day is also observed
through theatre, songs, video screenings, and through an
information booth equipped with counsellors and various IEC
materials.
EducationVillage Knowledge Centres have been set up at Government
Senior Secondary School, Balada and Government Secondary
School, Rabriyawas, to provide all relevant information, including
career counselling to community groups under one roof.
Fifteen bal sansads have been formed in 13 schools to make
children grow into knowledgeable, aware and alert members of
the community. ACF also runs six balwadis in various villages
to provide primary education facilities to 245 children. ACF
collaborated with the ICDS department to ensure supply of
hot meals to the children. Following ACF’s proposal, ICDS also
sanctioned four balwadis to serve as mini area welfare centres.
Field trips enable teachers to expand students’ learning beyond the walls of the classroom. Students gain experiences that cannot be duplicated in class.
Ambuja School students during a visit to the Dayalpura Dam to understand water conservation
62
Rajaram Jat is a proud man
these days. Farmers around
Rabriyawas are queuing up
to check out his flourishing
field. Rajaram grows and
sells good quality seeds,
and the fact that his produce
gets more than 30% over
the normal market price
is a hotly discussed topic
here. As Rajaram puts it,
“In 2008, I received more
than a 1000 rupees per
quintal than what I’d get for
a normal crop. Since then,
profits have only risen.”
This prosperity has not
come about overnight. ACF
worked closely with farmers
beginning with participatory
trials in both kharif and rabi
seasons where farmers
assessed the seeds to
be used. By focusing on
profitable productivity,
ACF’s Seed Production
programme has been able
to bring in much needed
prosperity in the area.
ACF provides farmers with
Breeder and Foundation
seeds, while the Rajasthan
State Seed Corporation
(RSSC) provides the
technical inputs on raising
genetically pure seeds.
The state agency also
checks, certifies and buys
them back from farmers for
marketing and distribution,
eliminating middlemen or
unscrupulous buyers.
This is invaluable to farmers
like Dharmarakm Dhaka, of
village Balada, Jaitaran. As
a registered seed producer
under ACF’s programme,
Dharmarakm Dhaka has
dedicated 16 acres of his
land for this process. With
ACF’s support, the farmer
today has a flourishing
crop of green gram and
sesame, with profits
steadily flowing in. In the
last three years, the number
of farmers taking up seed
production has increased,
gradually changing the
economic situation of
the villages. Eventually,
farmers like Rajaram Jat
and Dharmarakm Dhaka
would be independent seed
producers – prosperous and
self-reliant.
SEED PRODUCTION: A GROWTH STORY
ACF conducted educational tours for school children to
help them understand concepts in history, conservation and
development. During the year, two educational tours were
organised for students to various historical places in the state.
ACF also supported building of school infrastructure through
provision of furniture, toilets, books and school uniforms.
Women’s EmpowermentACF supports 71 SHGs in the region, with 800 members and a
corpus of more than R 29 lakhs. This year, 50 SHGs availed of
bank loans close to R 31 lakhs to invest in the purchase of goats
and cows, sewing machines and agricultural requirements.
Training and exposure visits were conducted to motivate women
to take up income generating activities. ACF also facilitates
regular meetings between bank representatives, NABARD
officials and SHG members.
Training programmes conducted for women this year included:
NABARD supported training programme on detergent and
incense manufacture at Roopnagar and Garniya for SHG
members.
Training on issues like health, sanitation, agriculture, safe
drinking water, SHG formation and management, bank linkage
processes and grading of SHGs and credit rotation plans.
A training programme for 50 women organised in collaboration
with NABARD and MGB Gramin Bank, Jaitaran, on bank
linkages and income generation activities.
Infrastructure DevelopmentThe “Harit Rajasthan” project of the district administration is
keenly supported by ACF. This year, we have planted 636 plants
along 6 km of State Highway 31 from Balupura to Jaitaran. We
have also been involved in creating community assets like hand
pumps and bore wells to address issues of water storage in
villages. Roads have also been laid to improve connectivity.
ChirawaWater Resource ManagementGround water, the main source of irrigation and drinking water in
Chirawa, is tremendously exploited by people who have access
and control over it. The agricultural area in our project villages is
around 600 hectares, but more than 85 tube wells are in operation
for almost five hours every day, resulting in a drastic decline of
the ground water level every year. Each year, the tube wells
are deepened further to draw out even more water. The ground
water in some areas of Chirawa block is also contaminated
with fluoride. (Survey 2003, Department of Drinking Water
Supply, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India).
These circumstances make water conservation one of the most
pertinent issues in the region.
ACF’s interventions in Chirawa include judicious management
of the available irrigation and drinking water, de-silting and
deepening of ponds and conservation of rain water. We conduct
awareness campaigns to involve the community in planning and
management of resources. Attention is also given to developing
appropriate infrastructure to help the community conserve
water. Roof rain water harvesting structures are a sensible way
to harvest rain water in Rajasthan. They provide almost 8,000
litres of drinking water to under-served and un-served regions,
Rajasthan
63
sufficient for the year-round needs of a family of five. RRWHS
water is free from contamination of fluoride and dissolved solids.
This year, 25 structures were constructed with contributions
from the people. De-silting of ponds was carried out with the
help of the community. The dredged silt was used as land fill,
for making bricks or as part of tube well recharge structures. In
2010-11, about 34090 cubic metres of silt were excavated in the
project villages. The initiative helped to collect maximum rain
water in the ponds and increase their holding capacity.
In the hot and dry regions of Jhunjhunu district, the ground water
level lies below 250 feet. Since 2006-07, ACF has constructed 11
percolation wells in the project area, and it has been observed
that the water level has remained satisfactory up to a distance of
500 metres from the percolation well. This year, four wells have
been constructed in three villages. We also constructed 10000
cubic metres of farm bunds on farm land in seven villages to
help retain moisture of the soil and prevent soil erosion.
This year, ACF has initiated a programme to recharge ground
water with roof rain water. The rain water, collected in a silting
chamber, gradually percolates downwards through wells and
bore wells. ACF plans to construct five recharge demonstration
structures in the initial phase with participation from the
community. Water samples were collected from different
locations like ponds, tube wells and RRWHSs constructed
by ACF. The samples were sent for analysis to the district
laboratory of the Public Health Engineering Department. The
test results were discussed with the farmers at meetings and
training programmes. As a result, they are now more conscious
about the quality of the drinking water they use.
Agro-based LivelihoodDevelopment of wadis or small orchards is a project that helps
farmers increase their yield. Farmers have planted fruit trees
such as ber, belpatra, amla, anar and lemon, bringing them
additional income. Existing wadis were expanded and farmers
were supported with installation of drip irrigation systems with
help from the state Agriculture Department. These measures
have helped raise the crop survival rate to 58%. New seeds of
wheat and guar were planted in more than 45 acres. Vegetable
cultivation was also undertaken on 60 acres of land, with crops
like tomato, brinjal, cucumber and peas planted by farmers.
ACF conducted trainings with support from Krishi Vigyan
Kendra (KVK), Jhunjhunu, the State Agriculture Department
and Agriculture University, Bikaner. Three hundred and twenty
one farmers were given training on different technologies for
producing organic manure and bio-pesticides.
ACF has developed a two-acre demonstration plot where
farmers can observe the management of mixed orchards as
well as the use of drip irrigation and mini-sprinkler systems.
Animal husbandry is one of the core livelihood activities in
rural areas. ACF’s trainings help build capacities of people
in dairy farming, nutrition, primary care and treatment of
animals. We conducted 20 animal health camps in 13 villages
in collaboration with the Government Veterinary Department.
More than 2536 animals received treatment and 300 cattle were
artificially inseminated at the camps. The camps also included
training for farmers on preventive measures and methods for
improving milk production. ACF provided 18 livestock keepers
with seeds of bajari and rijka for green fodder. One hundred
Hanumanprasad’s lemon wadi at village Narhad
64
Babulal finished his 12th
standard exams, and was
soon lining up as a daily
wage labourer – same
as his father. Despite
dreams of doing something
different, poverty and
circumstances had left him
without the option to opt
for higher studies. But his
situation changed when
he heard about the short-
term vocational courses
provided at SEDI, Chirawa.
He enrolled in a course in
mobile phone repairing.
At the same time, he also
interned at a local phone
shop without any pay. The
experience was valuable.
Babulal passed the
course with flying colours.
Importantly, he recognized
the scope for a mobile-
repairing shop, and decided
to set one up. He teamed
with classmate Sandeep
Kumar, pooled in some
capital, and started a shop
in Chandgothi, in district
Churu. Today, the partners,
both ex-students of SEDI,
are running a successful
shop, earning close to
R 6000 per month. Their
families are proud that their
boys are running their own
business with handsome
earnings.
As for Babulal – he is very
much the role model and
mentor for other boys in his
village, demonstrating the
change is possible if one
believed in the spirit of “I
CAN”.
Enabling Employment
farmers were trained at KVK, Abusar, to make balanced cattle
feed comprising binola khal and mineral mixture, in their homes.
We also constructed 75 continuous cattle feed cum drinking
water systems.
Integrated Health ProgrammeACF’s Safe Motherhood Services programme involves building
awareness on issues related to maternal and child health.
National days like Safe Motherhood Day and Nutrition Week
were observed to draw attention to these issues. Health camps
and meetings with pregnant and lactating mothers, and training
programmes on anaemia, vaccinations, and ante-, post-
and neo-natal care were held to provide scientific inputs to
communities. As a result, people have begun demanding better
health care from the public health system. There is an increase
in the number of vaccinations administered and ANC checkups
conducted. Communities are also able to take informed
decisions, unfettered by myth and superstition.
Women’s Empowerment
Women’s SHGs are instrumental in battling poverty and
promoting health, education and holistic development among
communities. ACF has been working closely with SHG members
sensitising them to carry out preventive measures against
malnutrition among women and children; and encouraging
them to undertake activities that make them economically
independent. Nine SHGs have started inter-loaning and
linkages with banks and are now able to finance their day-to-
day requirements and start income generating activities. ACF
has been promoting the use of biogas in its project villages
to minimise dependence on wood. ACF promotes the use of
smokeless chulhas in the villages with 72 smokeless chulhas
constructed this year. It is a development that saves time,
and improves the quality of life for women through reduced
incidences of eye ailments.
Skill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteACF carried out a baseline and a need assessment study
among 600 people in 26 villages around Chirawa to understand
the scope for a skill and entrepreneurship development
A training of SHG members at Chirawa
Rajasthan
65
institute. The study revealed the need to provide a platform for
unemployed youth to learn new technical skills. Interviews and
group discussions with entrepreneurs, faculty from technical
institutes, government officials and members of local industries,
and other key stake holders also helped ACF to evolve a list
of trades in demand in the industries around Chirawa. The
demand for short duration vocational courses in trades like
mobile phone repairing, AC/Fridge repairing, computers,
tailoring, spoken-English, masonry, electrical and beauty-skills
were in found to be in high demand. Accordingly, these courses
were started at SEDI in the year 2010-11. Three batches with
41 students including ten girls have been trained in various
courses. We have a placement of close to 60%, with students
being employed in their own business, or in various industrial
units in Chirawa and Jaipur.
Marwar MundwaWater Resource ManagementLike the rest of Rajasthan, the Marwar-Mundwa region reels
under the combined impact of scanty rainfall, declining ground
water level and recurrent drought, affecting lives and livelihoods.
The ground water has high fluoride content, giving rise to a high
incidence of skeletal and dental fluorosis in the population.
Traditional ponds and wells have accumulated silt over the
years, reducing their storage capacity and adversely affecting
the availability of drinking water.
This year, ACF continued enhancing water conservation
through de-silting of ponds in 15 rural communities, increasing
their water holding capacity. De-silting also enhances the
productivity of the land as the farmers use the dredged silt in
their farms. Two khadins are in the process of being completed
at Naradhana and Mundwa villages; while two new sites have
been identified at Mundwa and Inana.
ACF has also built eight farm ponds
in the villages of Pithhlav, Kharda,
Inana, Didiyakala and Mundwa.
Farmers visited Rabriyawas to
observe khadins, farm ponds and
bunds. Interactions with farmers
clarified their doubts on many
aspects of water conservation. More
than 3000 cubic metres of farm
bunds have been built around fields,
according to the slope of the land,
allowing rain water to flow through the
farms. Bunds are extremely effective
in harvesting rain water. A waste weir
at Mundwa is also being constructed
according to the slope of the land.
This year ACF constructed 46 water
storage tanks and 16 RRWHSs at
different locations in Marwar Mundwa.
ACF also took water samples from
ponds, tube wells and RRWHSs and
got them tested regularly for chemical
and bacteriological contamination.
This helped people make informed
choices about the suitability of water
from different sources, minimising
problems like fluorosis.
Agro-based LivelihoodACF’s seed production programme
supports farmers to grow quality
seeds in a controlled environment.
Farmers are linked with the RSSC,
Jodhpur, which then buys their seeds.
With a confirmed buyer in RSSC, seed growers have increased
their production of seeds like hybrid millet, kidney bean, guar
and sesame to over 402 acres of land.
This year, ACF promoted the establishment of wadis and
organised exposure visits to convince the farmers about their
usefulness. Twenty five wadis have been developed and are
being monitored regularly. The farmers were provided with
saplings of ber, pomegranate, lemon, papaya and sapodilla
to plant in their wadis. Irrigation systems like drip and micro
sprinklers have been installed, thus saving water and electricity.
In order to prevent unsold perishable produce from rotting, ACF
approached the Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur,
and introduced the concept of the ‘grameen fridge’. This low cost
A field visit by scientists from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
66
technology preserves farm vegetables for 3-4 days without any
loss in quality. During the year 14 grameen fridges were set up
in the region. This has reduced the pressure on farmers to sell
off perishable stock rapidly.
Cultivation of new varieties of crop with higher yields, better
quality, with resistance to pests and diseases has increased the
productivity of the farmers. In 2010, new crop varieties of guar,
wheat and isabgol along with medicinal plants were cultivated.
Vegetables like gourds, melons and beans were also cultivated.
These vegetables have fetched the farmers good earnings
through sale in the local markets.
The soil in the Marwar Mundwa region has high pH and salinity
levels affecting plant growth. To combat this problem, ACF has
promoted the application of gypsum in 600 acres of land. It
leads to a balanced soil structure, increases the water filtration
and storage capacity of the soil, and diminishes the extent of
water logging during the monsoons. It also reduces the need for
fertilizers and improves drought-tolerance among plants.
Farming in the region is often hampered by the imbalance in
the soil composition and excess fluoride in water. ACF sent 553
soil samples for analysis for micro nutrients and pH. Based on
the results, farmers were encouraged to use suitable irrigation
methods and increase the amount of micro nutrients, fertilizers
and gypsum in their fields. Farmers also participated in trainings
and exposure visits to learn more on issues like integrated pest
management, orchard management, seed production and crop
management.
Right: Training of formulation of homemade, balanced nutrient mixture at
Marwar Mundwa
Below: Health camp for the differently-abled, organised at Marwar Mundwa
Rajasthan
67
ACF has been conducting regular animal health camps in
collaboration with the District Veterinary Department as good
veterinary facilities are hard to come by in this region. This
year, eight animal health camps were organised, where almost
5000 animals were checked and treated. Artificial insemination
was also conducted by veterinary surgeons. Milk output of
livestock is affected by the kind of fodder provided to animals.
ACF has introduced innovative cattle feeding systems and
homemade balanced cattle feed. The cattle feeding system
allows animals to eat and drink at will, without having to depend
on the farmer’s presence. The balanced cattle feed ensures
better milk output. This year, 78 innovative cattle feeding
systems were constructed and 13 farmers were supported with
150 kg of homemade balanced cattle feed.
ACF also introduced silage technology to the farmers. Silage is
fodder that is stored without drying, and used to feed animals
during lean periods. It usually has a shelf life of two years. It
is produced through the controlled fermentation of a crop with
high moisture content. With its introduction, farmers can now
feed their animals even during drought years.
Several trainings and exposure visits were organised on
domestic treatment of animals, artificial insemination, silage
technology and homemade balanced cattle feed for 120 farmers.
Fodder demonstration plots of barley, sorghum and oats have
also been set up on 200 acres of farmers’ land.
Integrated Health ProgrammePoor hygiene and absence of a proper drainage system had led
to illnesses like malaria and chikungunya in the community. ACF
has helped install 75 soak pits in Soliyana and Inana villages to
eradicate these diseases and promote sanitation.
This year, five health camps were organised with the help of the
District Health Department, focussing on the elderly, children
and pregnant women. In addition, 11 HIV/AIDS awareness
camps and eight health awareness camps were organised
across villages. A health camp held for the physically challenged
reached out to more than 530 individuals from 40 villages.
Based on their need for immediate assistance, 237 people were
supported with tri-cycles, wheel chairs, callipers, walkers, sticks
and canes.
The smokeless chulhas introduced by ACF have been able to
bring in qualitative change in the women’s lives. These chulhas
have reduced the effort required for cooking; they consume less
fuel, and being smokeless, lower the chances of respiratory and
eye illnesses.
EducationACF views education as one of the main drivers of social and
economic growth. Ten bal sansads were set up this year. The
children attending these bal sansads are assigned individual
duties to help them mature into responsible citizens. A school
development and monitoring committee works in coordination
with the Village Education Committee and conducts regular
meetings with the villagers and teachers for development of
A health camp at Marwar Mundwa
Computer training for children from project affected families at Marwar Mundwa
68
Driven by a desire to earn
their own livelihood, women
from project affected
families approached ACF
for training support to
enhance their crafting
skills. ACF did feasibility
study to understand
the market potential for
handicrafts, and it was
clear that these women
had a viable business idea.
The women enthusiastically
teamed up as a self-help
group, named it as “Maa
Durga SHG”, and prepared
themselves for an intensive
60-day training programme.
Facilitated by a trainer from
Nagaur, the workshop
included daily sessions on
life-skills and basic literacy,
with inputs on leadership,
communication, and
decision making through
interactive sessions.
Women learnt skills of
weaving purses, wall
hangings, and other artistic
works, and soon had
enough items to display
and sell. With support from
NABARD, these artisans put
up a stall and display their
wares at the Handicrafts
Fair in Nagaur. But the
opportunity was a huge
challenge. These women
had never stepped out of
their villages before. And to
think they had to sell their
work in a fair – interacting,
talking, convincing and
selling! Not only did they
sell their products and
make a decent profit, but
they also received an
appreciation certificate and
a memento from the District
Industrial Centre, Nagaur,
for their efforts.
Today, this group of
artisans have been linked
to a marketing agency that
reaches the local markets
of Hyderabad, Pushkar,
Salasar, and Khatushyamji
Area. The group receives
a fixed labour cost for each
product, allowing each
woman to earn an average
of R 100 per day. They are
looking to meet the market
demand, and grow in their
business - and making a
difference in the process.
CRAFTING THEIR FUTURE
school related activities. A village knowledge centre has also
been established at Inana village to facilitate learning and give
students and community members access to the internet.
Women’s EmpowermentACF has made efforts to support SHGs in collaboration with
NABARD. ACF facilitated the setting up of stalls at a handicraft
fair organised by the District Industrial Centre, Nagaur, where
SHG members displayed handicrafts woven by them. The
Maa Durga SHG was awarded a memento and appreciation
certificate for displaying the best selling product at the fair.
ACF also established a marketing outlet at Mundwa to help the
SHGs sell the goods that they produced.
Infrastructure DevelopmentACF constructed two paver block roads in Mundwa to facilitate
transportation as well as prevent water-logging during the
rains. We also supported the ‘Harit Rajasthan’ programme by
providing cemented tree guards to protect the saplings planted
under the programme. The tree-guards were constructed by
mason trainees from PAP families, trained by ACF. The process
boosted their confidence and also helped them kick-start their
livelihood.
Rehabilitation of Project Affected People (PAP)PAP are those who have sold their land to Ambuja Cements for
the establishment of a plant. ACF works closely with this group
through various agro-based, and skill based livelihood projects,
and interventions in health and education.
Various skill-based training programmes and capacity building
activities are conducted for them throughout the year.
Rajasthan
Women trainees during the advanced cutting and tailoring training
programme
69
Capacity building measures have helped people access better employment opportunities and improve their standard of living.
This year, children from the project affected community
underwent a 2-month computer training programme in three
batches, while the mason training programme reached out to
young men. They received a stipend during the training, and a
tool kit at the end of it. Many of them have now been absorbed
in the booming construction industry.
Women from project affected families also participated in a
2-month advanced cutting and tailoring training programme.
These women are now receiving steady orders of work, like
stitching school uniforms or jewellery pouches for shops.
Women also participated in a 45-day training programme on
woven handicrafts. These capacity building measures have
helped people access better employment opportunities and
improve their standard of living. Exposure visits for farmers
to institutions like CAAZARI and fairs like the International
Agriculture Fair at Ganganagar have helped them learn about
organic farming and animal husbandry.
Left: The mason training programme held at Marwar Mundwa.
Below: SHG members from project affected families during an income
generation through handicrafts workshop
70
Skill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteThe importance of small and micro enterprises in creation of
employment opportunities cannot be underestimated. It has
potential to change rural economies, and lives of individuals
and families.
With this objective in view, ACF, in collaboration with the
State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur established a Skill and
Entrepreneurship Development Institute in Jaitaran in 2006.
The SEDI trains and builds capacities of youth for self and
wage employment, through intensive, skill-based courses
involving 17 different trades. These include tailoring, beauty
parlour, computer assembling and maintenance, mobile phone
repairing, videography & editing, security guard, receptionist,
housekeeping among others.
Most of the students are school dropouts, or unemployed youth.
But by training them in trades, and equipping them with life
skills, SEDI has been able to bring in qualitative difference to
their lives.
The curriculum also includes life skills education, personality
development, basic computers and spoken English, adding
value to each course. Women and students from economically
and socially weaker sections of the society are given preference
for all courses.
To date, the institute has trained 1674, including 364 students
this year. It has been able to successfully place 81% of the
trainees with various organizations or has supported them for
self-employment.
Community mobilization has remained a vital part of SEDI’s
operation throughout the years. The involvement of panchayats,
village level institutions, Tehsil and District Officials apart
from general public has been instrumental in making SEDI’s
initiatives a success. The institute is also strongly supported by
government agencies like the Rajasthan Mission on Skill and
Livelihood and NABARD.
BEST FOOT FORWARD
For Usha Dewra, from Jaitaran, life after her 12th
standard exams had come to a standstill. Here
she was - young, outgoing, and ready to take up
challenges – but stumped by lack of skills and
employment options. When she heard about the
Receptionist / Front Desk Assistant training course
at the ACF run SEDI, she knew that this was a
never-to-be-missed opportunity. Brimming with
excitement, she applied for and got an admission
into the course. The course was intensive, provided
hands-on experience, and covered a range of
topics and skills including computers; verbal and
telephonic communication; and interacting with
people with professionalism and poise. The course
helped build her confidence, and she was able to
secure a job with a firm as soon as she finished her
training. Today she earns R 4500 per month, and a
key earning member of her family. Backed by the
skills training she received at SEDI, Usha now has
the self-belief to grow more in her chosen field.
Basti Ram sits in his bustling tailoring shop, head bent over
his machine, stitching pieces of fabric. Until a year ago, this
physically challenged man was struggling to earn a decent
livelihood. With no skills, and a 10th standard qualification,
employment was hard to come by. When he heard of
SEDI’s training programmes in Cutting and Tailoring, he
approached the institute for admission. The two-month
intensive course honed his skills, and inspired him to start
his own enterprise. He was supported by ACF and NABARD
to set up his shop at the main market in Jaitaran. Today he
earns an average income of R 6000 per month, and has
improved his standard of living considerably.
Independent, confident, and his own boss. Basti Ram
believes that nothing is impossible, and with his skills and
attitude he has proved his abilities beyond a doubt.
Usha Dewra in her new office at Jaitaran
STITCH BY STITCH
Rajasthan
71
RoorkeeOverviewTackling health and sanitation issues in communities around
the Ambuja Cements’ plant in Roorkee, have been a priority for
ACF. Combined with poor access to quality health, low literacy
and a high population density, an integrated health programme
was the need of the hour. Our work over the past few years
has been a response to this need. It has been strengthened
through partnerships and collaborations with the government of
Uttarakhand, and other institutions. ACF currently functions as
Mother NGO (MNGO), and the District ASHA Resource Centre
(DARC), for Haridwar.
We have also extended our work in Roorkee to the industrial
zone in Bhagwanpur block, reaching out to the large migrant
population of workers on issues of STI and HIV/AIDS. ACF runs
a Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (SEDI) to
provide opportunities for wage employment or self employment
to rural youths from villages surrounding the Ambuja Cements’
plant. There have been placement opportunities for these youths
in the various industries in the Bhagwanpur Industrial Area. New
courses in computer hardware and networking, electronics and
conversational English have the potential to enhance livelihood
options for trained youth from the region.
Integrated Health ProgrammeACF’s activities in Roorkee extend to 16 villages of Bhagwanpur
block of Haridwar district, with focus on health and sanitation.
We work in close partnership with the Health and Family Welfare
Department of the Government of Uttarakhand.
As the MNGO, ACF supports four field level NGOs with regular
training and monitors their projects in 30 villages of Bhagwanpur
block. ACF is also responsible for training members of village
health and sanitation committees (VHSCs) across Haridwar
district. This year more than 1600 VHSCs and community
members underwent training for two days. Their training focused
on the roles and responsibilities of the committee, maintenance
of records and fund management.
As DARC, we provide training to all ASHAs to sensitise them on
issues of health and sanitation. These training programmes are
designed to build their capacities, bring in an attitudinal shift in
their approach, and address issues faced by them in the field.
More than 1185 ASHAs participated in training programmes
through the year, learning about issues like adolescent
reproductive and sexual health, HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, and
disabilities. Feedback from the communities have been positive
revealing that post-training, ASHAs are able to work in a more
participatory, effective and efficient manner.
Hedgewar Arogya Rath is a Government of Uttarakhand-funded
project, under which a mobile health clinic, instituted under the
National Rural Health Mission, delivers health care to 38 villages
in four blocks of the district. The project is implemented by ACF,
and aims to support the existing public health delivery system.
Uttarakhand
The mobile clinic is equipped with X-ray machines and other
equipment, and is managed by a six-person team including a
medical officer and ANM. To date, the clinic has reached out to
more than 20000 people.
ACF also works in partnership with the Uttarakhand Health &
Family Welfare Society on reproductive and child health issues
to improve the delivery of reproductive health care in the region.
Our work complements the government’s efforts in reaching out
to women and children with timely and quality health care.
The Composite Targeted Intervention Project (CTIP) is
implemented in partnership with the Uttarakhand State AIDS
Control Society, reaching out to more than 5000 male migrant
workers of Bhagwanpur Industrial Area. ACF interacts with
workers and disseminates information on safe-sex practices
and prevention of STIs, HIV and AIDS. Close collaboration
with ICTC-Roorkee has resulted in health camps that inform
and screen workers for HIV through blood tests. The project is
supported by 50 voluntary peer leaders who share and motivate
workers from nearby industries. With the support of the CTIP
team, they have been able to ensure that the majority of the
workers have undergone a blood test at an ICTC-run camp.
In its own areas of operation, ACF organises health camps
every fortnight. Special health camps were organised on
reproductive health for women, bringing in much-needed
services to them. Dental health camps, with focus on girls, were
also held in schools. ACF also conducted blood donation camps
in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association, through
which 38 units of blood were collected. The camp saw active
A low cost toilet constructed at Roorkee, under the sanitation programme
72
participation of staff from ACF and Ambuja Cements as well.
ACF’s integrated health programme in the villages is led by our
trained sakhis. Armed with a medical kit for basic diagnoses,
each sakhi reaches out to 200 families, and supports our
health efforts through participation in health camps, pulse
polio rounds, institutional deliveries, sanitation drives and in
running khelwadis. ACF also helped build 139 low-cost toilets
for families, to support the process of making villages open-
defecation free.
The National Polio Surveillance Project is a collaborative effort
of the Government of India and the World Health Organisation,
aiming to eradicate polio from India. ACF coordinated and
monitored the initiative at 90 polio booths in 27 high-risk
villages of Bhagwanpur block during the pulse polio rounds,
reaching out to more than 10000 children. ACF also supported
the Community Health Centre - Bhagwanpur, during Population
Week. Areas with little or no access to health services, with
minimal routine immunisations, were identified and vaccination
camps were organised for these communities.
Heavy rains lashed Uttarakhand during the month of August
and September 2010. Haridwar was among the badly affected
districts of the state due to flooding of the Ganga, and
overflowing of the Tehri Dam. With the state on high-alert,
ACF took immediate steps to provide relief in flood affected
areas. In Haridwar, the most affected area was Laksar and
Khanpur blocks where flood situation was grim. More than
65 villages suffered the effects of flooding, and thousands of
families were shifted to rescue camps. ACF helped source
food and other essentials to be distributed in the camps, and
ACF’s mobile dispensary was deployed to provide emergency
health services. The mobile dispensary with a team of doctors
and assistants, reached out to more than 650 families in the
villages of Mandawala, Joggawali, Dallawala and Chandrakali
Khurd in Khanpur. It also reached out to 5 villages of Laksar
with emergency medical relief.
Agro-based LivelihoodsThe soil in Haridwar district is light with a relatively high proportion
of sand. ACF promotes the use of vermi-compost in agriculture
as it helps improve the moisture-retaining capacity of the soil.
This year 52 vermi-compost pits were set up and farmers have
begun regularly utilising vermi-compost and decomposed cow
dung as fertilisers. The impact is felt as improved soil health is
leading to greater soil fertility and quality yields.
Regular training programmes were held on various topics like
good practices for kharif and rabi crops; vegetable production;
horticulture; and sugarcane cultivation. This year, our training
programmes focused on topics like integrated pest management;
nutrient management for different crops; organic farming; cattle
nutrition management; and the uses of bee-keeping.
The on-farm training sessions were followed up with classroom
training in the villages, with resource persons from Krishi Vigyan
Kendra, G. B. Pant Agriculture and Technology University,
State Agriculture Department, development professionals and
progressive farmers. The farmers got the opportunity to discuss
their problems with the experts. These farmers are now being
trained to be resource persons and motivate others in following
improved methods of agriculture.
Exposure visits to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute,
Pusa, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal and farms
provided opportunities to learn more about organic production
of crops and vegetables, horticulture, bee-keeping and animal
husbandry programmes. The visits have motivated farmers
to take up organic farming and animal husbandry suitable to
Haridwar district. Organic farming now covers 49 acres of land,
managed by 52 farmers. ACF is in the process of registering
these organic farms and has held meetings with the Organic
Commodity Board, the Uttarakhand State Certification Agency,
Dehradoon and the Control Union, Mumbai for certification.
SRI training for farmers included demonstrations on five acres
of land, set up in their fields. The yield of Basmati rice was found
to be 40% higher than that with the use of traditional farming
methods. ACF has now initiated a pilot study on ‘Sustainable
Sugarcane Initiative’ on a half acre plot of land.
Farmers’ clubs, SHGs and community members have been
involved in the kitchen garden programme promoted by ACF.
Close to 200 packets of high quality seeds of varieties of
tomatoes, cabbage, radish and other vegetables were sourced
from NAFED to be grown in these kitchen gardens.
After several meetings with the farmers, 15 kisan clubs have
been formed, out of which 12 have been registered with
NABARD. Members have attended workshops organised by
NABARD at the district level and five members were selected to
be trained as master trainers.
Cattle health camps were organised with the help of the Animal
Husbandry Department (AHD), Government of Uttarakhand. A
cattle insurance programme was initiated with the help of the
AHD. The programme helped provide farmers with a cushion
against the risks they faced due to livestock mortality during
the year. A field level training of farmers on organic paddy
Uttarakhand
73
With little or no access
to quality health care,
women and children from
communities around
Roorkee have been the
worst affected. ANC
checkups for pregnant
women would be erratic.
Because of the distance
to the PHC, women were
unable to access emergency
medical care for themselves
or their newborns. This gap
is actively sought to be
filled by ACF’s strong and
committed team of sakhis.
When Aamna, from
Sikendarpur, was pregnant,
sakhis Hasnuda and
Rukhsana Rao constantly
monitored her diet, ensured
timely ante-natal checkups,
and provided advice and
support. They also spoke
to Aamna’s family to
consider the hospital for
delivery. Unfortunately, the
family chose to ignore the
advice. On December 31,
Aamna went into labour,
and gradually her situation
worsened. The medical
centre was too far away, and
the village ASHA worker,
out of town.
Hasnuda and Rukhsana
took charge of the situation.
They quickly made the
requisite preparations for
a delivery, and followed
instructions received during
their training to the last
word. The two sakhis were
able to successfully deliver
a healthy baby boy, saving
the lives of both the mother
and the child.
Today Aamna is a happy
woman and her son Sakib
brings her immense joy.
Her husband Furkan and
the rest of the family are
delighted with the child, and
grateful to the two sakhis for
their timely help.
For Hasnuda and Rukhsana
the process of being a sakhi
has not been easy. They
have had to convince their
families, and respond to
questions from community
members. Learning basic
preventive and curative
medical care has been a
challenge. But today they
are confident of their skills,
and proud to have made
a difference. And they are
not alone! Sakhi Suman of
Sirchandi village has set an
example for other women
by deciding to stand for
village elections.
For these women, the first
step over the threshold has
been tough, but out in the
world, they have proved
their mettle.
BEYOND THE THRESHOLD
ACF has been encouraging artificial insemination of cattle to
improve breeds, in collaboration with the state government,
through various awareness programmes with cattle owners.
ACF also disseminates information about government schemes
and animal husbandry programmes to the community through
IEC materials during camps and exhibitions. The Honey Bee
Keeping Farmers’ Group has recently been registered under the
Cooperative Act. Fifty farmers, including 16 new members are
now part of this group.
Education ACF runs non-formal education and skill building centres in
seven villages, wherein 150 adolescent girls aged 12-18 are
enrolled. These centres help make the girls literate and hone
their skills in art and craft, embroidery, mehndi application,
cutting and tailoring. This year, ACF helped renovate a school to
prevent a reoccurrence of flooding, and also created a boundary
wall to minimise the risk. ACF also supported students with
school uniforms and playing equipment.
Women’s DevelopmentACF helped start 44 SHGs in Bhagwanpur, with a membership
of 524 women. The SHGs have a total corpus saving of more
than R 16 lakhs. Exposure visits were arranged to motivate
the women to take up income-generating activities and to
encourage them to interact with other SHGs. Some SHGs
have begun income-generation activities related to cosmetics,
jewellery, groceries, spices, agriculture and similar occupations.
The process is enhanced through close coordination between
the community, government agencies, NABARD and ACF.
A training programme on tailoring for SHG members of village Sayeedpur
74
Uttar Pradesh
OverviewDadri, in Uttar Pradesh is situated close to the National Capital
Region. The proximity to the capital and the presence of a large
number of industries has led to a demand for skilled workers.
ACF focuses on building capacities of unemployed youth in
Dadri, to open up employment opportunities for them through
its Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute. Our other
areas of focus in the region include health and sanitation, and
education interventions.
DadriIntegrated Health ProgrammeACF implements the integrated health programme in six villages
around Dadri. The programme includes a mobile dispensary
service, bringing medical care to villages through its weekly
service. In 2010, the mobile dispensary reached out to 3,367
patients through 260 visits.
Gynaecological camps were held at Khatana, Piyawali,
Bisahara and Dhoom-Manikpur villages, where patients
underwent examinations and treatment. ACF also conducted
21 health awareness camps and a blood donation camp, held
in collaboration with the Bharat Vikas Parishad, in which 402
units of blood were collected. ACF supported the pulse polio
campaign by mobilising the community, and organising a rally
with school children to promote polio immunisation.
As part of the sanitation programme, ACF promoted the
construction of 68 low-cost toilets to address the issue of open-
defecation. ACF has now begun the process of strengthening
existing village health systems like the ANM, ASHA, the health
centres, and the village health and sanitation committee through
trainings and capacity building.
EducationDadri has been a recent addition to ACF’s education
interventions. As part of our facilities-related interventions,
we customised the design of student furniture to align with
interactive learning methodologies in five schools. The mid-
day meal scheme is supported through provision of plates and
cutlery for students. Following an MoU signed with the District
Education Officer, Gautam Budh Nagar, infrastructure was
developed in four government schools in Badpura, Shahpur,
Bisahara and Piyawali. Renovation was also carried out in the
school at Kakret village.
Our Reading-for-Literacy programme has led to training and
provision of book-corners and libraries in 19 schools in order
to provide quality education. Provision of math kits in primary
schools is underway and will be complemented with trainings
on the use of the kits.
Uttar Pradesh
ACF believes in the inclusion of pre-schoolers in the process
of formal education. To this end, a drive towards capacity-
building and development of materials in anganwadis was
undertaken. Training programmes were held for government
school teachers, balmitras, anganwadi workers and block
resource coordinators in the areas of reading, pre-primary
learning, multi-level grading, language and library development.
The balmitras now document their practices and processes for
regular monitoring and review. They were sent on an exposure
visit to Sewa Mandir, Udaipur.
As part of an initiative to increase co-curricular activities to
add value to quality education, ACF provided equipment and
training for sports and music. This has resulted in an increase in
sports and cultural activities in schools. An innovative concept
called ‘building-as-learning-aid’ was introduced in 10 schools to
create a conducive teaching-learning environment. The walls of
10 schools were painted with educational murals.
ACF runs three village knowledge centres in Bisahara, Khatana
and Dhoom-Manikpur villages. Eighty eight students are enrolled
at these VKCs, and are getting trained in spoken English,
computer literacy and personality development. The centres are
well stocked with books, newspapers and magazines and boast
of internet connectivity, through which students are further able
to enhance their knowledge. During the year, 2650 saplings
were planted in eight acres of land. Of these, 650 plants were
part of a social forestry programme in village schools. A lecture
and drawing competition were organised in Khatana village
as part of World Environment Day. The entire community got
together to celebrate events like Teacher’s Day, International
Women’s Day, Republic Day and Independence Day.
Pulse-Polio programme at Dadri
75
and the Isha Safai group has now taken up embroidery as an
income generating activity.
Agro-based LivelihoodACF-Dadri conducted eight training programmes for 269
farmers in six villages around the ACL plant. The programmes
were organised in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)
and the Animal Husbandry Department. Emphasis was laid on
care of the land, particularly during the post-harvest season.
Farmers were encouraged to cultivate nurseries; adopt organic
farming; and focus on cost effectiveness and better productivity.
ACF promoted 98 kitchen gardens among SHG members and
provided them with seeds; they were also given training with the
help of KVK. Exposure visits were also conducted to village Tigri
in Hapur, Ghaziabad, to understand the benefits of floriculture.
Animal husbandry training camps were organised in six villages
in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry Department.
Training programmes on cattle health care were conducted in
collaboration with the Brooke Hospital for Animals, a Noida-
based NGO and the Animal Husbandry Department, Dadri.
Farmers were trained to handle cattle effectively, provide first
aid to distressed animals and educate the community about
animal care.
Rural Infrastructure Support ProgrammeACF supported the renovation of the baraat ghar and anganwadi
in Khatana, while a new baraat ghar was constructed at Deri
Skinner in Dhoom-Manikpur. At Bisahara village, ACF laid 200
metres of concrete road. Fifteen community hand pumps were
installed in six villages.
Skill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteThe Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute at Dairy
Machha village in Dadri was established
in 2010. Seventy four students have so
far enrolled in courses like beautician
training, tailoring, customer care and
sales and mobile phone repair and
maintenance. The institute is located in
close proximity to Ghaziabad, Noida,
Greater Noida and Delhi, where the
trained students can access easy
employment opportunities.
Thirty trainees enrolled in the beautician
training course got an opportunity to
interact with customers, showcase
their skills and earn some money on
the occasion of karva chauth this year.
ACF organised a two-day programme
and divided the students into teams
to manage sales, reception, service-
provision and accounts. More than
80 customers availed of the students’
beauty parlour services, helping them to
generate an income of over R 5000.
Women’s EmpowermentACF supports 19 SHGs in six villages
involving around 200 women with a
corpus fund of more than R 6 lakhs.
Women were trained in embroidery,
Income generation through embroidery work conducted by SHG members
at village Shahpur, Dadri
Work-place Intervention Programme on HIV/AIDS at the Ambuja Cements plant at Dadri
76
West Bengal
OverviewMost rural communities in Sankrail, West Bengal, have been
employing traditional methods of farming for generations. There
was a need to increase access to new technologies, to improve
yields, conserve the ecosystem and offer substantial economic
returns. One of our key interventions has been the introduction
of the systematic rice intensification (SRI) programme. This type
of rice cultivation is ideally suited to the small land holdings
that characterise the region. Introduced in the villages of West
Bengal in 2008, the programme has found widespread favour
with the farmers due to lowered input costs and higher yields
and profits.
In West Bengal, we also work with rural communities of Farakka.
Our work with farming communities blends interventions like
mixed and multi-cropping, vegetable cultivation, aquaculture,
and integrated pest management. Our involvement has a strong
element of training for farmers in concepts like vermi-composting
and nutrient management. We have a strong integrated health
programme in West Bengal, with focus on HIV & AIDS, which
reaches out to the large workers’ population.
West Bengal
continues to build capacities of rural youth through courses
in computers, AC repair and mobile phone repair, with girls
comprising more than 33% of the students.
ACF continued its support of strengthening rural infrastructure
through projects in school-building, community centres,
Ashralaya (a home for destitutes), village pathways, community
toilets and sports grounds. One of our achievements this year was
the construction of an adibasi rural haat (market) in collaboration
with the Sihili village gram panchayat, to promote local
business.
FarakkaAgro-based LivelihoodOur outreach this year expanded from 14 to 20 villages, reaching
out to more than 24000 beneficiaries.
Training of farmers on best field practices has been a key area
of focus this year. Forty four training programmes were held for
about 1125 farmers, on topics like new and innovative farming
practices for kharif and rabi crops, vegetable production, soil
management, organic farming, integrated pest management
and SRI.
The number of farmers taking up SRI has increased; the
programme now covers 147.4 acres of land and is implemented
by 423 farmers from 20 villages. SRI yields 8-9 quintals in
contrast to 5-6 quintals per bigha produced by farmers
using traditional methods. This project is supported by
NABARD through its “Demonstration of
SRI Technology in Murshidabad District”
programme.
Farmers were trained on aspects of onion
cultivation prior to the rabi season. ACF
supported them with quality seeds and
technical support, and promoted the use
of organic fertilisers and vermi-compost.
This has reduced their reliance on
chemical fertilizers and stemmed soil
degradation. Currently 20 acres of land
are under onion cultivation, with plans to
expand in the next year.
Farmers had opportunities to interact with
scientists and learn new techniques during
the four exposure visits organised to the
Pulses and Oil Seed Research Station,
and farms under the Comprehensive Area
Development Cooperative, Government of
West Bengal.
Animal husbandry and aquaculture
programmes were emphasised in order
to promote integrated farming. Seven
vaccination camps were held with
the support of the Animal Husbandry
Department, where over 1700 cattle were
vaccinated.
ACF also conducted training for farmers in aquaculture and
its principles. They were trained in fish-rearing, netting, and
post-stocking management. Farmers contributed their labour
in clearing the ponds, and have begun implementing the
programme in nine ponds with satisfactory results.
We also conduct regular health camps for the community in
Farakka. This year we reached out to 5500 households. At the
same time, an ongoing campaign promotes building of low-
cost toilet blocks to eliminate the practice of open-defecation.
The ACF-run Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Institute
Health awareness programme at Farakka
77
Under the Horticulture Development Programme, 3,105 mango
trees were planted with 40% contribution from community
members. The survival rate has been 90%, and has benefitted
177 households.
Integrated Health ProgrammeVillages around Farakka suffer from inadequate health services,
with difficult access to the primary health centre. To address this
issue, ACF organises regular health camps and provides first
aid training with support from the Block Medical Health Officer,
Farakka and the Health Department. People’s participation in the
sanitation programme is bringing tangible changes in the health
scenario in villages. Through active participation of villagers, 150
low-cost toilet blocks were constructed across villages. Families
constructed the toilets at their own cost with technical support
from ACF personnel and are now motivating their neighbours to
follow their example. Families who constructed the toilets also
received a cash prize of R 2000 as an incentive. IEC tools like
wall-paintings on health and sanitation are created to motivate
people to create open-defecation free villages. Access to safe
drinking water is integral to good health, and ACF supported
the installation and repairs of 61 hand pumps in various villages.
This initiative has resulted in 600 families having better access
to safe drinking water.
Health Camps at Farakka, 2010-11 About 5500 households benefitted from the health
camps this year.
Twenty five community members including trained
birth attendants, SHG leaders and students received
first-aid training with technical support from St. John’s
Ambulance, Malda.
Awareness camps on maternal and child health, hygiene
and sanitation, HIV/AIDS and government health
schemes for women were held at regular intervals.
ACF was also actively involved in the government’s
pulse polio programme.
Sixteen eye-screening camps and three eye surgery
camps were organised in collaboration with Lion’s Club,
Farakka, at which 1718 patients from 42 villages were
checked. Two hundred and five patients also underwent
cataract surgery.
ACF collaborated with the Association of Voluntary Blood
Donors for a 3-day training programme. Blood donation
camps were also organised with local clubs and the Health
Department.
A great emphasis was placed on HIV/AIDS prevention
and awareness during the reporting year. Twelve
awareness camps were held in different locations like
the plant truck yard, villages and schools.
Farmers Field Day on SRI technology at Farakka
78
Education ACF’s Education Support Programme in Farakka focused on
non-formal education for drop-outs and non-school going
students in three villages of Bahadurpur gram panchayat. The
objective is to enhance their learning skills and enable them to
study in formal schools in the future. We introduced interactive
teaching and learning methods in the NFE, while engaging
village education committees and local schools. An important
strategy has been the strengthening of village education
committees. An empowered VEC is now ensuring the enrolment
and regular attendance of children in local schools.
ACF supported the renovation and maintenance of the
Ramnagar Primary School and the science laboratory at
Nayansukh LNSM High School in Beniagram gram panchayat.
Desks were also provided to students at Tildanga High School,
and the primary school at Kendua village.
Women’s EmpowermentSHGs are an important tool to mobilise and motivate women.
This year we strengthened our existing 17 SHGs through
training on entrepreneurship development. Nine of them were
linked with the SGSY Scheme and received a revolving fund.
ACF helped them to create a detailed livelihood plan involving
ways to start various agro- and non-farm activities for income.
This year, ACF helped start 13 new SHGs in the area. SHG
members were given basic training, and taken on exposure visits
to learn about different livelihood options. Some SHG members
underwent training in tailoring provided by ACF-SEDI, and were
subsequently supported to start their own businesses. SHG
women also expressed their interest in undertaking agriculture-
related activities and received support for gram cultivation.
Skill and Entrepreneurship Development InstituteACF had established a Skill and Entrepreneurship Development
Institute in Farakka in 2009 to train rural youth in technical skills
for good employment opportunities. This year, the number of
students has increased to 324 from 165. Courses include
computer hardware and maintenance, mason training, tailoring,
basic electrical & indoor wiring, AC repair and mobile phone
repair. Two courses i.e. computer hardware & electronics and
AC repair are recognised and financed by the West Bengal
Minorities Development and Finance Corporation Limited. The
selected candidates will receive a stipend to complete their
vocational courses.
Infrastructure Development Supporting rural infrastructure is integral to ACF’s work. Three
community centres with open-air stages were completed
at Raghunath, Chandipur and Battala villages. Local gram
panchayats collaborated in building a 1.5 km black top road
from Indira Bhavan to Nishindra village; a football ground for
tribal sports at Dhulipahari; and an adibasi rural haat (market)
at village Sihili. Eleven solar system units allotted by the West
Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency were installed
at important transit points in the villages of Sahebnagar, Kendua
& Chandipur along with two Primary Health Centres in Farakka
block.
The weekly haat, a
bazaar stocked with local
agricultural produce,
handicrafts and homemade
items, are an integral part
of the rural market system.
Haats support individual
entrepreneurship and yet is
collective in nature. But for
the 22 villages of Bahadurpur
gram panchayat, a visit
to the haat was a difficult
matter. Travelling to distant
haats were a drain on
people’s meagre resources.
Our interactions with
farmers revealed a high
demand for a rural haat. ACF
initiated discussions with
Block representatives, gram
panchayat members, and
local entrepreneurs. Issues
related to appropriate land
for the haat, maintenance,
list of producers, and
fees were discussed. In a
collaborative move, ACF
committed to construct the
haat, while the panchayat set
up a committee to monitor,
maintain and develop it. ACF
supported the construction
of borewell for safe drinking
water, built common sit-
outs and designed 64 stalls
taking into account the
nature of businesses. The
haat began to be held twice
a week and flowered into a
bustling market. The haat
now provides opportunity
for youth to initiate small
ventures. Take the case
of Intajul Haque of village
Ranipur. As an SRI farmer
associated with ACF, he had
demonstrated his willingness
for innovation and risk. He
used to vend cosmetics
in different villages to
supplement his income. But
the rural haat was just the
window of opportunity he
was looking for. On ACF’s
recommendation, Intajul
applied for a shop at the
haat. Over the past one year,
his small cosmetic shop has
diversified into household
utility items. He does a brisk
business at the haat, and
has a loyal customer base,
charmed by his amicable
and humorous nature. Intajul
now has a steady source
of income, apart from his
agricultural earnings.
The haat has been
instrumental in changing
the face of the economy in
the region. But youths like
Intajul are able to create
lasting changes to their
lives and their enterprises
are rejuvenating local
economies.
ENERGISING VILLAGE ECONOMIES
West Bengal
79
SankrailOur outreach this year expanded to reach out to 32 villages in
Sankrail, benefitting 27000 people. Our focus is on agro based
livelihood; non-farm skill based livelihood; and infrastructure
for community and health initiatives especially on HIV/AIDS
prevention, polio and curative health.
Agro-based LivelihoodAgriculture forms the backbone of the livelihood of about half
the population living in villages around Sankrail. The average
household sustains itself with the produce from a mere half
acre of land, with the yield enough to last for a maximum of
six months. Our programmes have taken cognisance of food
security and have tried to address all components of sustainable
farming.
SRI is a boon for small and marginal farmers as it reduces input
costs drastically. The cost of seeds is reduced by more than
70%; that of fertilizers by 30%. The process is also less water-
intensive. Moreover, the yield is enhanced by more than 40%
over the traditional method of transplanting rice. The positive
outcome of SRI cultivation is motivating more farmers to take
up this method of rice farming.
This year 405 farmers implemented SRI on 137 acres of land
during the kharif season, with part of the programme being
supported by NABARD. During the summer, known locally
as the boro season, 286 acres came under SRI cultivation
through the efforts of 700 farmers. Poor quality seeds result in
low germination, affecting the overall output. Under a new ACF
initiative, farmers are being trained to control the availability,
distribution and cost of good quality seeds. We hope to see
germination rates of over 90% with this approach.
Yields can also be increased by integrating soil
management techniques. Vermi-composting can
minimise the acidity of the soil and maximise
its productivity. By converting rural and urban
wastes into good quality manure, the process not
only reduces waste, but also improves the quality
of the soil, enhancing overall crop productivity.
Seventeen vermi-compost pits were set up, with
farmers contributing up to 50% of the costs.
Farmers also received training on kit installation
and management of pits. Farmers have also
taken up vermi-composting as an enterprise, and
are getting an income from their efforts.
ACF collaborated with Krishi Vigyan Kendra and
the Soil Science Department of BCKV Agricultural
University to conduct tests on the soil and its
nutrient content from farms using the SRI method
of cultivation. ACF also supported the training of
six farmers and provided them with soil testing
kits. We plan to extend the tests to include micro-
nutrients next year.
Integrated pest management and training on
organic farming was also introduced with technical
assistance from BCKV Agricultural University. The
process included live field demonstrations as well
as video presentations on pest management. The farmers have
benefitted in huge numbers and it is now being observed that
the incidence of pests and diseases has reduced considerably.
Four farmers’ clubs have been formed in our project areas and
are in the process of being registered. They have bank accounts
with regular savings, and discussions are on with NABARD to
strengthen them to take on the role of facilitators for production,
grading, costing, packaging and transport. Once the clubs
become a sustainable and strong institution, they will enable
their members to enhance their financial margins.
ACF has introduced mechanised weeding and sowing in some
areas of SRI cultivation. By using low cost agricultural tools
like Cono-Weeder, Grubber and Marker, farmers have been
able to overcome the usual shortage of labour seen during the
peak season. Additionally, the weeders can aerate the field,
promoting proper root growth. This process saves time as well
as labour and is seen to increase yield efficiency.
Capacity building of farmers has always been integral to our
projects. Training programmes, IEC material, exposure visits
to premier institutions like Comprehensive Area Development
Cooperative (CADC) in Nadia and Matigara and interactive
workshops, all proved effective in creating awareness about the
new developments in agriculture. The farmers were trained in
their own fields, in classrooms and on government farms.
Under our animal husbandry programme, five veterinary camps
were held with technical support from the Livestock Department,
Government of West Bengal. Close to 800 livestock, belonging
to 211 farmers received vaccinations and treatment for various
diseases.
Aquaculture projects were implemented in 41 ponds across
the location. Farmers were given training on fish rearing
techniques, with focus on varieties like rohu, catla and mrigal.
With increased yields, many farmers are now taking up fish
Farmers are now taking up vermi-composting as an enterprise,
bringing in an additional income
80
rearing as the main or an alternative source of livelihood. The
process has been participatory, with contributions from farmers
towards fingerlings, treatment of water and feed management.
Vegetable cultivation in the rabi and kharif seasons was carried
out on 36 acres of land, involving 146 farmers. The farmers
were trained on use of improved and hybrid seeds, IPM, seed
management and treatment; and good agricultural practices
like conservation of soil moisture through mulching.
Integrated Health ProgrammeOur health intervention in Sankrail focuses on creating access to
health information and services for the large trucker population.
We work in collaboration with Apollo Tyres Foundation and the
West Bengal State AIDS Prevention & Control Society to inform
and educate high-risk groups on issues related to HIV and AIDS.
We run a Health Care centre, and its activities counselling,
diagnosis and treatment of STI and condom promotion. The
programme is enhanced through our regular STI clinics held in
various locations that help screen, diagnose and treat patients
of STIs; close to 300 clinics were held in 2010-11. This year
we reached out to 2642 patients, among whom close to 800
patients were diagnosed with STI, HIV or TB. Condoms are also
distributed on a wide scale to various high-risk groups.
ACF also has a strong workplace intervention programme
in place at Sankrail for employees of Ambuja Cements Ltd.
with regular awareness and sensitization programmes for
employees and their families. Events held during the World
AIDS Week enable us to reach out to a larger audience through
sustained campaigns, street theatre, magic shows, puppet
shows, quiz competitions and video screenings. The kiosk put
up at the Dhulagori and Alampur crossing helped disseminate
information on HIV and AIDS through posters, leaflets and
booklets. Mashal rallies from Alampur to Dhulagori and Sankrail
railway station saw participation from more than 600 people
from all walks of life.
Health and gynaecological camps were held through the year,
reaching out to communities around the Ambuja Cements plant.
ACF also conducted 22 paediatric health camps reaching out
to over 600 children below the age of 12. Five eye check-up
and cataract screening camps were organised over the year in
collaboration with M. P. Birla Eye Clinic, Kolkata. After the initial
screening at the camp, patients identified with cataract were
taken for operation to the facility at Kolkata. The camps reached
out to over 350 patients, and included 83 cataract operations.
ACF continued to partner with the government in its pulse
polio campaign in the adjoining villages and at Howrah
Station. Nine campaigns were held through the year to reach
out to over 7500 children. Our polio-eradication initiatives
have been acknowledged by the district authority both at the
block and district level. ACF also supported six blood donation
camps organised by various youth clubs, and helped promote
information on blood donation and its role for patients with
thalassemia and other blood-related diseases.
EducationNaba Diganta, the non-formal school set up by ACF three years
ago, continues to provide pre-school education to children from
the slums adjacent to Sankrail Railway Station. Out of the 121
children enrolled, 83 have been mainstreamed into the formal
education system. Encouraged by community participation
and need, a new informal education centre has been set up at
Maheshgote with 28 students.
Two education centres were established by ACF this year,
taking the total to 10. The centres cater mainly to ACF’s SHG
members. Over 180 women attend literacy classes and learn
book keeping skills. The resource persons are SHG members
who have been trained by the State Resource Centre for Adult
Education, West Bengal.
Book banks are a pilot project introduced this year. SHGs stock
books for students from standards VI to IX and issue them to
needy students for a year. SHG members have been trained in
ways to maintain accurate records by the ACF team.
ACF supported a few students from lower socio-economic
backgrounds to continue their higher studies. Local schools and
the panchayat helped shortlist the students, who were provided
books and other educational material.
ACF also helped 20 schools to carry out renovations, white
wash their premises, set up new classrooms, improve seating
arrangements, install drinking water facilities and develop
playgrounds for students.
Capacity Building of Rural YouthACF’s training centre runs courses on computer basics,
computer hardware and mobile phone maintenance and repair
with ‘Personality Development and Spoken English’ introduced
this year at the students’ request. To meet the demand, we have
increased the number of batches and student intake. Currently
we have 262 students enrolled in various courses with girls
comprising more than 33% of the total student strength. Seventy
percent of the trained candidates are gainfully employed. In the
coming year we propose to start a SEDI with courses on retail
and housekeeping.
ACF provides infrastucture support to local schools to facilitate learning
West Bengal
81
The Red Ribbon Express is part of the national campaign to address the issue of HIV and AIDS in the country. Launched in
2007, the Red Ribbon Express is a train that travels across the nation, reaching out to villages and cities with information on
HIV and AIDS and safe sex practices. The train stops are various stations, providing counselling and treatment services, while
disseminating information through street plays, interactive sessions and exhibitions.
In 2010, the Red Ribbon Express was scheduled to be in West Bengal for close to three weeks. As partners of the West Bengal
State AIDS Control Society, ACF was
invited to be part of the team organizing
various events around the visit. ACF
had the responsibility of planning
and implementing various activities
in Howrah district. In the run-up to the
big day, a mobile bus moved around
the district informing people of the Red
Ribbon Express. Community members
were invited to be at Howrah station to
access information and services related
to STIs, HIV and AIDS.
The Red Ribbon Express was greeted
by a huge crowd at the Howrah station
who viewed the exhibits and interacted
with peer educators and counsellors
at various kiosks. ACF had set up an
information kiosk, and its large team
included volunteers, doctors, lab
technicians and counsellors to support
the programme. The Red Ribbon
Express and allied events were able
to make a huge splash and reach out
to a large population with relevant
information and services.
RED RIBBON EXPRESS
Women’s EmpowermentThis year, 29 new SHGs were formed, bringing the total to 64,
with 686 members and a corpus of over R 10 lakhs. Exposure
visits were organised to SHGs at Kolaghat and Shantiniketan.
Members also visited fairs organised by other SHGs, to
gain exposure on entrepreneurial opportunities and learn
organisational management and marketing strategies. Regular
trainings have been conducted on financial management, and
networking with other institutions.
Three SHG groups were trained on different skills in mushroom
production including marketing skills to increase their local
sales, as well as to reach out to markets in Kolkata.
Aquaculture is being promoted among SHGs as well. Six
SHGs were trained in scientific methods and on ornamental
fish farming. Three SHG groups are doing aquaculture in four
ponds and one group is planning to take up ornamental fishing
on a large scale with support from the government. The three
SHGs are now harvesting fish in their ponds and generating
profit. Skills in pickle-making have been converted into a viable
enterprise by a number of SHGs. The demand for vegetable
pickles is high in their own localities, local fairs and also within
the Ambuja Cements plant.
Infrastructure DevelopmentCommunities in the villages of Maheshgote, Kendua and
Dhulagarh-East lack access to safe drinking water. In addition,
the women have to travel long distances to fetch drinking water.
This situation has eased with the installation of six tube wells
by ACF. In Kamdevpur village there was no access to roads;
with our help 300 metres of village pathway ware constructed,
bringing relief to more than 70 households.
Scarcity of land had led communities to continue the practice
of open-defecation. ACF introduced the concept of community
toilets and held awareness drives. A voluntary team has been
formed to manage the community toilets and the villagers pay
a fixed monthly charge for their maintenance. This initiative has
made a difference, especially for women and young girls.
With the introduction of community toilets, the practice of open defecation has been stemmed, making a difference to women and girls.
Funds and Resources
Energise
Involve
and Enable
Communities
to Realise
their Potential
84
Funds and ResourcesACF’s extensive work with communities across the country is
possible because of the strong support provided by Ambuja
Cements Ltd., and our numerous donors and partners. ACF
has a well defined budget process, and we follow a ‘bottoms-
up’ approach. At all locations, teams conduct participatory
appraisals of existing projects, and plan for forthcoming
programmes through in-depth discussions with community and
other stakeholders, including government and non-government
organizations in the region.
Once compiled and moderated, the budget is approved by the
Members of the Board of both ACF and Ambuja Cements Ltd.,
since they are our principal funders. We account for a growth of
20-25% in the budget every year.
ACF receives funds from Ambuja Cements Ltd., as well as from
government and non-government partnerships and through
direct funding from communities for all its development activities.
Participatory processes also bring in non-financial contributions
from the communities we work with. All our accounts are audited
by external auditors. We also have a written policy and specific
guidelines governing our accounting systems.
Funds and Resources
Sources of Funds for ACF Activities Total R 4825.32 Lakhs
Donor Agencies, R 171.19 Lakhs4%
Direct Funding to CommunitiesR 409.52 Lakhs8%
ACLR 3039.72 Lakhs 63%
People’s ContributionR 708.58 Lakhs15%
Govt. FundsR 496.30 Lakhs 10%
Activity wise Expenditure Total R 4825.32 Lakhs
Capital Expenditure, R 108.44 Lakhs 2.25%
Rural Infrastructure, R 724 Lakhs15%
Natural Resource Management, R 1146.86 Lakhs 23.77%
Agro-based Livelihood, R 1013.56 Lakhs 21.01%
Human Development,R 118.22 Lakhs24.62%
Co-ordination & Administration, R 644.24 Lakhs 13.35%
85
AUDITORS’ REPORT
TO THE MEMBERS OF
AMBUJA CEMENT FOUNDATION
1. We have audited the Balance Sheet of M/s. Ambuja Cement Foundation as at 31st March, 2011 and the Income and
Expenditure Account for the year ended on the same date annexed thereto. These financial statements are the responsibility
of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
2. We have conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in India. These standards require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis evidence supporting the amounts and disclosure in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,
as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for
our opinion.
3. Since the Company is licenced under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956, Paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Companies
(Auditor’s Report) Order, 2003, as amended by the Companies (Auditors Report) (Amendment) Order, 2004 issued by the
Central Government in terms of Section 227 (4A) of the Companies Act, 1956 are not applicable to the Company.
4. We have obtained all the information and explanations which to the best of our knowledge and belief were necessary for the
purpose of our audit.
5. In our opinion, proper books of accounts as required by law have been kept by the Company so far as appears from our
examination of the books.
6. The Balance Sheet and the Income and Expenditure Account referred to in this report are in agreement with the books of
account.
7. In our opinion, the Company has complied with accounting standards as referred to in Section 211 (3C) of the Companies Act,
1956.
8. In our opinion and to the best of our information and according to the explanations given to us, the said Balance Sheet and
the Income and Expenditure Account read together with the Notes in Schedule – G particularly note no. 3 relating to unspent
amounts of grants been taken as income for the year, given the information as required by the Companies Act, 1956 in the
manner so required and gives a true and fair view :-
i) in the case of the Balance Sheet, of the state of the affairs of the Company as at 31st March, 2011 and
ii) in the case of Income and Expenditure Account of the deficit of the Company for the year ended 31st March, 2011.
For Chaturvedi & Company
Chartered Accountants
Firm Registration No. 302137E
NILIMA JOSHI
Place : Kolkata Partner
Date : 25th day of May 2011 Membership No. 52122
86
Audited Financial Statements (Abstract)
Balance Sheet As At 31 March, 2011As at
1.03.2011
As at
31.03.2010
R R
SOURCES OF FUNDS
CORPUS FUND - -
Opening Balance 74,865,901 104,329,128
Add: Donation Received from Ambuja Cements Ltd. 271,000,000 200,000,000
345,865,901 304,329,128
Less: Deficit transferred from
Income & Expenditure Account 261,505,510 229,463,227
Corpus Fund 84,360,391 74,865,901
Project Funds 12,578,085 6,294,831
96,938,476 81,160,732
APPLICATION OF FUNDS
Fixed Assets
Gross Block 39,645,514 29,597,403
Less: Depreciation 8,742,922 6,305,574
Net Block 30,902,592 23,291,829
Capital Work-in-Progress - 665,370
Current Assets, Loans & Advances
a) General Stores (at Cost) 3,998,634 8,637,562
b) Cash & Bank Balances 58,048,172 51,117,546
c) Advances 21,419,213 20,761,461
83,466,019 80,516,569
Less: Current Liabilities & Provisions 17,430,135 23,313,036
Net Current Assets 66,035,884 57,203,533
96,938,476 81,160,732
FOR CHATURVEDI & COMPANY
Chartered Accountants Sd/-
Firm Registration No. : 302137E V. K. JAIN
Committee Member
Sd/-
NILIMA JOSHI
Partner Sd/-
Membership No. 52122 PEARL TIWARI
KOLKATA, the 25th day of May 2011. Committee Member
Funds and Resources
87
Income & Expenditure Account For
The Year Ended 31 March, 2011 For the year
ended For the year
ended
31.03.2011 31.03.2010
R R
INCOME
Funds from Govt. Agencies 22,921,606 36,379,433
(TDS R 5,26,225/- Previous year R 6,63,748/-)
Grants Received 787,229 151,020
Interest Received 2,562,479 2,207,184
(Gross, TDS R 60,065/- Previous year R 42,948/-)
Subscription Received 1,200 1,320
Sundry balances w/off - 1,573,587
Miscellaneous Income 337,120 1,137,259
Candle & Cards 77,034 61,060
Profit on sale of Assets (Net) - 43,629
Donation Received 4,935,260 13,614,281
31,621,928 55,168,773
EXPENDITURE
Community Welfare Expenses 66,231,139 68,674,824
Water Resource Development 68,224,434 93,136,367
Educational Expenses 29,852,910 18,116,082
Administrative & Other Expenses 64,557,934 55,334,649
Charities & Donations 209,700 251,100
Integrated Rural Development Expenses 21,811,758 17,793,292
Medical Aid & Other Medical Expenses 14,027,172 11,796,209
Vocational Training Expenses 18,621,779 9,123,684
Cattle Camp / Animal Husbandry Expenses 4,727,281 3,257,270
Krishi Vikas Kendra Expenses 1,494,590 1,512,393
Kharas Vistarotan Yojana 165,763 3,442,533
Depreciation 2,919,003 2,193,597
Sundry balances w/off 142,813 -
Loss on sale of Assets (Net) 141,162 -
293,127,438 284,632,000
Deficit Carried to Corpus Fund (261,505,510) (229,463,227)
FOR CHATURVEDI & COMPANY
Chartered Accountants Sd/-
Firm Registration No.: 302137E V. K. JAIN
Committee Member
Sd/-
NILIMA JOSHI
Partner Sd/-
Membership No. 52122 PEARL TIWARI
KOLKATA, the 25th day of May 2011. Committee Member
88
Expenditure Data by States and Main Activities 2010–11Sr. No.
Programme Funds from ACF Resources
*Funds received through
Government
** Funds from other Donors
/ Donor Agencies
***People’s Contribution
****Direct Funding to
Communities
Total
ANDHRA PRADESH - NADIKUDI
1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects
1198344 769000 1967344
2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
1041139 3000 1044139
a. Wadi Project – 2035282 33000 2068282
3 Animal Husbandry Programme 76523 19000 95523
4 Health & Sanitation Programme 221093 221093
5 Education Development 31091 31091
6 Women / Youth Development 38595 2000 40595
7 Integrated Community Development Programme 137969 137969
8 Donation Paid 135000 135000
9 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1071673 1071673
10 Capital Expenditure 1488 1488
TOTAL 3952915 2035282 – 826000 – 6814197
CHHATTISGARH - BHATAPARA
1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects
6855842 314894 25000 41711 7237447
2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
773607 2027220 2800827
a. Wadi Project 764000 764000
3 Animal Husbandry Programme 240471 10200 10976 261647
4 Non-Conventional Energy 128802 99000 40500 268302
5 Health & Sanitation Programme 1362161 47700 80400 137114 1627375
6 Education Development 1386357 62905 1449262
7 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 808969 34350 843319
8 Women / Youth Development 97536 97536
9 Integrated Community Development Programme 2578083 175000 2753083
10 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 2976372 2976372
11 Capital Expenditure 1534135 1534135
TOTAL 19506335 471794 280400 2354776 – 22613305
GUJARAT - AMBUJA NAGAR –
1 Water Resource Mangement & Drinking Water Projects
30450370 2383050 354000 3405200 12232719 48825339
a. Watershed Development & Management (Hariyali)
b. Construction of Checkdam
c. Drinking Water Programme / Salinity Prevention
d. Kharas Vistarotan Yogna
2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
5187400 15740255 6127133 10003425 12632930 49691143
3 Animal Husbandry Programme 431687 245000 676687
4 Education Development 59625 59625
5 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 211817 26400 238217
6 Health & Sanitation Programme 1461125 209245 1670370
7 Capacity Building & Training Programmes –
8 Women / Youth Development 298344 23000 321344
9 Integrated Community Development Programme 7796918 7796918
10 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 5313192 5313192
11 Capital Expenditure 1371696 1371696
TOTAL 52582174 18123305 6481133 13912270 24865649 115964531
Funds and Resources
89
Expenditure Data by States and Main Activities 2010–11Sr. No.
Programme Funds from ACF Resources
*Funds received through
Government
** Funds from other Donors
/ Donor Agencies
***People’s Contribution
****Direct Funding to
Communities
Total
GUJARAT - SURAT
1 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
91167 55475 146642
2 Animal Husbandry Programme 45346 45346
3 Health & Sanitation Programme 777605 1125325 1902930
4 HIV / AIDS Awareness Programme 325800 325800
5 Education / Sports Development 274300 40445 314745
6 Women & Youth Development 118654 7425 126079
7 Integrated Community Development Programme 297984 25000 322984
8 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1517807 1517807
9 Capital Expenditure 385986 385986
TOTAL 3834649 – – 1253670 – 5088319
GUJARAT - SANAND
1 Water Resource Mangement & Drinking Water Projects
1863817 92875 186000 2142692
2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
337206 226000 244000 807206
3 Animal Husbandry Programme 105013 105013
4 Health & Sanitation Programme 209020 120000 256000 585020
5 Integrated Community Development Programme 364526 364526
6 Women & Youth Development 198044 1000 199044
7 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1485618 1485618
8 Capital Expenditure 99677 99677
TOTAL 4662921 438875 – 687000 – 5788796
GUJARAT - DAHOD
1 Training & Certification of Construction Workers 6583696 6583696
2 Capital Expenditure 183434 183434
TOTAL 6767130 – – – – 6767130
HIMACHAL PRADESH - DARLAGHAT –
1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects
2466259 1046532 373519 3886310
2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
317765 143665 461430
3 Animal Husbandry Programme 412891 471228 884119
4 Non-Conventional Energy 22000 110000 132000
5 Health & Sanitation Programme 1470454 24555 1495009
6 HIV / AIDS Awareness Programme 99741 99741
7 Education Development 2748972 42600 40000 2831572
8 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme –
a. SEDI 935931 3068161 4004092
b. Non-Farm Sector Development 166520 150000 64000 380520
9 Women and Youth Development 172049 3000 175049
10 Integrated Community Development Programme 4683570 35000 4718570
11 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 4250960 4250960
12 Capital Expenditure 220565 220565
TOTAL 17967677 42600 4114693 1350967 64000 23539937
HIMACHAL PRADESH - NALAGARH
1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects
365353 26590 391943
2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
269234 30000 39820 339054
90
Expenditure Data by States and Main Activities 2010–11Sr. No.
Programme Funds from ACF Resources
*Funds received through
Government
** Funds from other Donors
/ Donor Agencies
***People’s Contribution
****Direct Funding to
Communities
Total
3 Animal Husbandry Programme 85259 4000 7500 96759
4 Non-Conventional Energy 10080 10200 20280
5 Health & Sanitation Programme 2089743 235429 81000 2406172
6 Women Development 5665 5665
7 Integrated Community Development Programme 19716956 19716956
8 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1497176 1497176
9 Capital Expenditure 80145 80145
TOTAL 24119611 34000 235429 165110 – 24554150
MAHARASHTRA - CHANDRAPUR
1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects
2850016 84000 2934016
2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
294864 294864
a. Wadi Development 222384 686000 32000 940384
3 Animal Husbandry Programme 194708 3000 197708
4 Non-Conventional Energy 67432 67432
5 Health & Sanitation Programme 4177679 22000 339000 4538679
6 Education Development 1585701 42000 1627701
7 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 1032824 95000 527000 1654824
8 Women & Youth Development 90627 30270 4000 124897
9 Capacity Building and Training Programme 234457 234457
10 Integrated Community Development Programme 5678922 5678922
11 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 3483099 3483099
12 Capital Expenditure 520148 520148
TOTAL 20432861 811270 – 714000 339000 22297131
MAHARASHTRA - PANVEL
1 Health & Sanitation Programme 569651 138200 707851
2 HIV / AIDS Awareness Programme 168402 90 168492
3 Education Development 28087 28087
4 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 729388 78340 807728
5 Women / Youth Develoipment 185032 16310 201342
6 Integrated Community Development Programme 3811030 3811030
7 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 813516 813516
8 Capital Expenditure 757205 757205
TOTAL 7062311 – – 232940 – 7295251
PUNJAB - ROPAR –
1 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
843949 4610300 5454249
2 Animal Husbandry Programme 122101 122101
3 Health & Sanitation Programme 295978 333200 629178
4 HIV / AIDS Programme 30063 3223784 3253847
5 Education Development –
6 a. Support Education of Mentally Challanged Child
2803082 – – 2803082
7 b. Non Formal Educational Programme 5000 5000
8 Women & Youth Development 108507 108507
9 Integrated Community Development Programme 3052134 3052134
10 Village Development Plan 800 800
11 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 2940014 2940014
12 Capital Expenditure 744810 744810
TOTAL 10946438 3223784 – 4943500 – 19113722
Funds and Resources
91
Expenditure Data by States and Main Activities 2010–11Sr. No.
Programme Funds from ACF Resources
*Funds received through
Government
** Funds from other Donors
/ Donor Agencies
***People’s Contribution
****Direct Funding to
Communities
Total
PUNJAB - BATHINDA –
1 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
2416945 4402070 638000 7457015
2 Animal Husbandry 96363 10600 2600 109563
3 Non-Conventional Energy 110222 553277 663499
4 Health & Sanitation Programme –
a. Health Development 240796 49600 37250 327646
b. Drug De-addiction Programme 589609 23600 12045 625254
5 HIV / AIDS Awareness Programme 1450556 1450556
6 Education Development 925699 55900 37000 1018599
7 Women and Youth Development –
a. SHG Training Programme 2630 2630
b. Campaign against Female Foeticide 60587 60587
8 Integrated Community Development Programme 538021 21250 559271
9 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1533654 1533654
10 Capital Expenditure 26250 26250
TOTAL 6540776 1450556 – 5095047 748145 13834524
RAJASTHAN - RABRIYAWAS
1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects
13778474 800000 16566452 31144926
2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
2127551 2045000 333000 2167000 6672551
3 Animal Husbandry 1294198 995000 2289198
4 Health & Sanitation Programme 1563318 1970000 – 2251069 5784387
5 Education Development –
6 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 1957430 1639000 1365000 4961430
7 Women / Youth Develoipment 818872 338000 – 75880 1232752
8 Capacity Building and Training Programme 2185550 900000 4100000 7185550
9 Integrated Community Development Programme 6035269 100000 – 154352 6289621
10 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 3331691 3331691
11 Capital Expenditure 235566 235566
TOTAL 33327919 7792000 5798000 22209753 – 69127672
RAJASTHAN - MARWAR MUNDWA –
1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects
4269006 – – 4404000 0 8673006
2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
838462 1141636 – 1189164 0 3169262
a.Wadi Development 343461 458419 801880
3 Animal Husbandry Programme 915996 – – 795067 0 1711063
4 Non-Conventional Energy 31305 11125 42430
5 Health & Sanitation Programme 133695 54000 1250000 12687695
6 Education Development 148430 148430
7 Women / Youth Development 31791 – – – 0 31791
8 Capacity Building and Training Programme 13098 13098
9 Integrated Community Development Programme 6240564 283000 – – 0 6523564
10 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 2124430 2124430
11 Capital Expenditure 391888 391888
TOTAL 15482126 1424636 – 6911775 1250000 36318537
RAJASTHAN - CHIRAWA
1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects
2270245 2305000 4575245
92
Expenditure Data by States and Main Activities 2010–11Sr. No.
Programme Funds from ACF Resources
*Funds received through
Government
** Funds from other Donors
/ Donor Agencies
***People’s Contribution
****Direct Funding to
Communities
Total
2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
499657 453763 953420
3 Animal Husbandry Programme 565457 524595 1090052
4 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 741056 50415 791471
5 Health & Sanitation Programme 199745 193600 393345
6 Women / Youth Develoipment 44443 44443
7 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1920212 1920212
8 Capital Expenditure 871674 871674
TOTAL 7112489 – 3527373 – 10639862
UTTARAKHAND - ROORKEE
1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects
107257 117743 225000
2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
1354847 45000 1211500 2611347
3 Animal Husbandry Programme 329563 75000 404563
4 Health & Sanitation Programme 1322195 11499285 778400 6000 13605880
5 HIV / AIDS Awareness Programme 658504 658504
6 Education Development –
a. School Support Programme 382243 382243
b. Non Formal Centers 184405 84000 268405
7 Women and Youth Development 63634 39785 103419
8 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 1505256 1505256
9 Integrated Community Development Programme 1829957 1829957
10 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 2945718 2945718
11 Capital Expenditure 820031 820031
TOTAL 10845106 12157789 84785 2191643 81000 25360323
UTTAR PRADESH - DADRI
1 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
147656 11259 158915
2 Health & Sanitation Programme 591992 360987 952979
3 Education / Sports Development 1926028 1926028
4 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 850514 90270 83720 1024504
5 Women / Youth Development 61093 200 61293
6 Integrated Community Development Programme 1878687 1878687
7 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1504855 1504855
8 Capital Expenditure 780000 780000
TOTAL 7740825 – 90270 456166 – 8287261
WEST BENGAL - SANKRAIL
1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects
460843 100000 560843
2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
822082 753749 1575831
a. SRI Cultivation of Paddy 457166 497133 1660084 2614383
Animal Husbandry Programme 50468 50468
3 Health & Sanitation Programme 1066213 85000 84000 1235213
4 HIV / AIDS Awareness Programme 2302491 820787 34267 106536 3264081
5 Education Development 1494742 810000 2304742
6 Women & Youth Development 407647 4800 – 412447
7 Capacity Building and Training Programme 1629048 54880 1683928
8 Integrated Community Development Programme –
a. Infrastructure Development 1640550 250000 1890550
Funds and Resources
93
Expenditure Data by States and Main Activities 2010–11Sr. No.
Programme Funds from ACF Resources
*Funds received through
Government
** Funds from other Donors
/ Donor Agencies
***People’s Contribution
****Direct Funding to
Communities
Total
b. Model Village Development 175350 175350
9 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1871275 1871275
10 Capital Expenditure 768214 768214
TOTAL 13146089 1317920 34267 2665049 1244000 18407325
WEST BENGAL - FARAKKA
1 Water Resource Management & Drinking Water Projects
927641 927641
2 Agriculture Development (Farm Forestry & Afforestation)
441501 319614 761115
a. SRI Cultivation of Paddy 669914 146127 250380 1066421
3 Animal Husbandry Programme 61849 61849
4 Health and Sanitation Programme 1275565 714000 100000 2089565
5 Education Development 1968822 1968822
6 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 1881869 160400 68850 2111119
7 Women & Youth Development 636923 8100 645023
8 Integrated Community Development Programme 3752971 1011200 4764171
9 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 1617313 1617313
10 Capital Expenditure 242563 242563
TOTAL 13476931 306527 – 1360944 1111200 16255602
MADHYA PRADESH - CHHINDWARA
1 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme 932789 – – – – 932789
2 Capital Expenditure 723064 723064
TOTAL 1655853 – – – – 1655853
MUMBAI –
1 Consultancy / Resource Fee / Research 1080231 1080231
2 Communications 598808 598808
3 Capacity Building and Training Programme 172594 172594
4 Documents / Research / Asessment Study Expenses 831590 831590
5 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 17598515 17598515
6 Capital Expenditure 27469
TOTAL 20309207 – – – – 20309207
DELHI
1 Consultancy / Resource Fee / Research –
2 Support NGO –
3 Community Initiatives 324965 324965
4 Co-ordination & Administration Expenses 2114650 2114650
5 Capital Expenditure 59896 59896
TOTAL 2499511 – – – – 2499511
GRAND TOTAL 303971854 49630338 17118977 70857983 40952994 470032146
Assets purchase during the year 2010-11 10844416
Net Expenses during the year 2010-11 293127438
Consolidated Expenses by / through ACF 370721169
People’s Contribution 70857983
Direct Funding to Communities 40952994
TOTAL 482532146
* Funds received through Government agencies for implementing specific developmental projects
** Funds received from donors / donor agencies for implementing specific developmental projects
***People’s contribution is based on estimates for labour / otherheads contributed by Village Communities
**** Funds released to communities for developmental projects based on recommendation from / partnership with ACF
KeyPerformance Indicators
Energise
Involve
and Enable
Communities
to Realise
their Potential
96
Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Sr. No.
Locations Unit Andhra Pradesh Chhattisgarh Gujarat Himachal Pradesh
Activities During the year
TillDate
During the year
Till Date
During the year
TillDate
During the year
TillDate
1A Water Resources Management and Drinking Water Projects
a. Checkdam construction / Renovation No 0 11 10 172 1 2
b. Dykes construction / Renovation No 0 0
c. Well Recharging / Percolation well No 0/15 1053
d. Ponds construction / Deepening No 5 28 0/10 119 2 2
e. Link Channels / Canals construction Km 0 1 0 68.94 1.09 1.09
f. Water Storage Tank / Farm Ponds No 0 1 0 732 6 69
g. Khadin Bund No 0 0
B Drinking Water Projects
a. RRWHS Construction No 0 2 103 2408 16 45
b. Drinking water wells / Bore wells / Renovation of Saline Wells / Bouris
No 0 1 3 88 4 13
c. Installation of Hand / Submersible pumps No 6 12 4 91 3 13
d. Installation / Repairing of pipelines Mtrs 880 880 58467 58467 1147.5 5153.5
e. Overhead / Cistern Tank construction/underground sump / cattle through
No 6 34 2 2 10 11
f. Villages benefitted under Jalswarajya, Swajal Dhara scheme
No 0 27
g. DDFU Distribution (Flouride Project) No
h. Water Filter Kits to BPL Families No
i. Community Based Safe Driniking Water Project
No 3 6 1 1
Families benefitted No 872 2233 61 61
C Soil and Water Conservation
a. Area Treated ( Gully Control / Gabion / loose boulder structure / weir crates / Khadin
Ha 58 213 8 11876 197.4 8281
2A Agriculture Development
a. Agricultural Demonstration Acre 8 9 74 328 514 5763
b. Horticulture Plantation Acre - 2 0 11 475.20 5807.95 25 237.4
c. Micro Irrigation system, Drip and Sprinklers Acre 1845 3375 1.033 1.033
d. Kitchen Gardening No 0 1120 410 410 602 4268 350 993
e. Bee Keeping No
f. Organic Farming Acre 0 54
g. Training & Exposure visits No 80 197 20 60 58 368 24 122
Farmers trained No 180 2678 511 1351 1642 18868 315 2323
h. Nurseries:Vegetable- Promotion Acre 40 49 25 84 20 114 6.5 11.5
i. Integrated Crop Management (IPM/ INM/IDM promotion)
Acre 0 728 400 650
j. Vermi / NADEP Composting No 1 30 0 115 9 172 14 195
k. Plant Protection Measures Acre 8 8
l. Mushroom Cultivation Farmers 20 80
m. Aquaculture No
n. Area under SRI cultivation Acre 254 254
o. Seed Production programme Acre
p. Agricultural awareness sessions No 8 8 5 5
q. Better Cotton Initiative - Area covered Acre 1526.6 1526.6 1744 1744
- Farmers covered No 738 738 810 810
B Wadi Development Programme
a. Wadi Developed Acre 151.80 195.32 183 183
Key Performance Indicators
97
Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Punjab Rajasthan Uttarakhand Uttar Pradesh West Bengal Total
Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date As on 31 Mar., 2011
5 81 3 223 489
4 8 8
17 41 0 2 1096
0 17 0 1 43 449 0 1 0 7 624
0 8 79.03
0 808 64 416 2026
6 14 14
54 0 49 645 3154
11 39 3 5 61 101 247
11 38 1 4 10 54 14 27 6 31 270
221 98 98 121 121 0 1 64941.5
12 1 3 62
10 6 6 43
0 380 380
0 7790 7790
36 54 61
2500 5000 7294
65 252 20622.4
1 2 4 7.3 1030 1539 0 10 5 8 30.33 325.63 7992
0 235 4 48.5 58 350 0 35 4 8 86 249 6984
0 180 0 210.83 466.83 3 3 5058
0 924 100 436 0 216 199 361 100 128 450 573 9429
0 20 0 0 294 798 818
104 606 0 21.13 49 77 0 2.5 0 3.3 764
4 68 94 272 41 257 57 136 11 49 134 320 1849
350 196 1656 3085 1062 10709 834 2419 294 1378 3976 7700 50707
0 15 10 10 45 152 61 328 764
2 2 13 231 0 185 135 135 1931
40 339 92 135 0 544 115 374 0 20 42 136 2060
1 1 0 45 54
5 5 0 4 27 87 176
0 0 51 109 109
0 0 5 5 577.7 1157.7 1417
7 7 734.5 1660 1667
14 14 3 159 16 16 0 26 24 24 252
2273 2273 2474.3 2474.3 0 0 8018
304 304 700 700 0 0 2552
52 52 0 45 96 475 950.32
98
Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Sr. No.
Locations Unit Andhra Pradesh Chhattisgarh Gujarat Himachal Pradesh
Activities During the year
TillDate
During the year
Till Date
During the year
TillDate
During the year
TillDate
C Farm Forestry and Afforestation
a. Agro-Farm Forestry Acre 246 4469.20 49 609
b. Afforestation Acre 92 102
c. Pasture Land Development / Gram Vatika No 0 1054
d. Avenue plantation / Roadside plantation Km
3 Animal Husbandry Programme
a. Cattle Health Camps No 14 82 28 68 20 195 18 102
Cattles Treated No 9607 22963 2191 34720 6515 124181 1102 11888
b. Cattle Immunised No 7685 183704 2866 2866
c. Fodder Demonstrations Acre 62 0 21 75 2127 25 35
d. Artificial Insemination No 6 400 1009 17264 20837 65 65
e. Balance cattle feed to AI beneficiaries No 0 0
f. Farmers benefitted under AH No 698 698 1234 3486 1345 11624 1613 10686
g. Milch cattle to BPL families No 0 68 0 1
h. Dairy Development / Innovative cattle feeding system
No 8/1 9
i. Dairy co-operatives formed No
Members of co-operatives No
j. Travis No 1 8 8 15 15
k. Cattle drinking water tank No 0 1
l. Pashu Swastha Sevika (PSS) / paravets No 25 25 23 23
Cattles Treated by PSS No 3028 9705
4 Non-Conventional Energy
a. Biogas Plants No 5 18 115 0 530 1 22
b. Smokeless Chullahs / Solar Cookers No 100 1109 0 1167 20 203
c. Solar Water Heater System No 0 5 0 2
5 Education Development
a. Non Formal Education Centre / Balsanskar Centres
No 1 1
Children enrolled / mainstreamed No 20/7 100
b. School / Anganwadi (Balwadi) Support Programme
No 1 6 30 30 4 14 8 57
Children benefitted No 294 1243 8000 8000 100 1755 2190 4120
c. Community strenghening (VECs / SMC supported / trainings / exposure visits, PTA, MTA Strengthening)
No 12 12 2 3 23 41
d. Balmitras trained No 25 25
e. No of trainings for Balmitras No 4 17
f. Government Teachers Training & Workshops
No 2 4
No of participants No 63 73
g. Construction and Repairing of School Building
No 1 1 3 10 7 9
h. Teaching Learning Resource support / Children Benefitted
No 200 664 13/315 59/2440
i. Scholarship for Higher Studies / Support to Needy Students
No 0 2 0 40 37 91 0 3
j. Village / School Library No 2 3 0 1 0 1
k. Village Knowledge Centre / Computer education
No 1 1 1/5 1/5 5 5 1 1
l. Exposure / vocational guidance No 0 17 374 376
m. Adolescent Education Programme / Adult Education Centres
No
Key Performance Indicators
99
Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Punjab Rajasthan Uttarakhand Uttar Pradesh West Bengal Total
Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date As on 31 Mar., 2011
3314 6316 0 4 11398.2
14 29 4 16 147
2 3 1057
0 31 31
45 178 25 74 44 114 16 37 6 25 12 39 914
13320 53508 939 6317 10363 114079 711 5777 301 21391 2657 9824 404648
8850 8850 561 561 2421 2421 3351 7255 4296 10252 215909
0 31300 4 4 759 1268 34817
15 25 0 1 497 1789 0 70 7 69 23871
281 426 426
228 1804 1328 19793 119 4394 0 2319 54804
0 12 0 0 81
0 41 0/9 11 0/335 524 41 91 676
0 2 2 6 8
0 74 41 150 224
7 7 0 4 8 16 51
0 30 31
48
9705
0 29 51 140 48 246 7 30 1117
79 606 150 647 0 180 3912
1 1 8
2 32 4 4 0 1 7 7 4 5 50
2 28 180 180 0 27 150 409 167 371 1115
29/36 65 0/6 6 0 18 0 20 19/27 46 14 55 316
2037 2037 180 180 0 2355 1435/1350 2785 2660 9570 32045
91 131 4 4 0 89 4 34 314
2 32 0 78 10 16 151
48 160 4 10 187
2 14 0 13 2 2 33
43 271 0 248 14 14 606
0 32 0 2 0 19 1 1 5 21 3 31 126
99/2597 99/2597 300 855 2/59 9/1480 150 400 19/1435 40/4285 115/115 115/590 322/13311
25 25 2 6 0 659 86 356 1182
2 8 1 1 0 4 0 8 19 22 48
1/8 1/8 2 4 2 3 0/164 0/254 13/267
1 221 1 4 2 2 0 13 1 7 0 4 644
0 2 0 5 0/5 0/10 22
100
Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Sr. No.
Locations Unit Andhra Pradesh Chhattisgarh Gujarat Himachal Pradesh
Activities During the year
TillDate
During the year
Till Date
During the year
TillDate
During the year
TillDate
n. Students training / exposure visits No 37 143
Students benefitted No 1660 6741
o. Co-curricular activities (Balmela, summer camps, sports events)
No 6 17
Children benefitted No 2178 3818
6 Special Education- Ambuja Mano Vikas Kendra
No
7 Health and sanitation Programme
a. No of camps organised (include all general and speciality health camps)
No 4 68 0 254 44 289 43 260
Patients benefitted (include general, speciality, daignostic centre beneficiaries)
No 717 4917 17265 8702 37579 5603 10826
b. Villages benefitted under mobile & weekly dispensary
No 12 12 22 22 45 45
Patients treated No 3487 3487 10442 299531 4370 13519
c. Sakhis (Village Health Functionaries) No 11 14 19 19 0 38
d. Villages covered by Sakhis / Patients treated by Sakhis
No 6/3640 13/4240 12/2531 12/14839 45/3920 45/10392
e. Khelwadi sessions conducted by Sakhis No 426 693 339 1713 888 2772
f. Health intervention trainings done (include trainings of Sakhis / public health/community level)
No 4 4 18 62 7 20
Participants in trainings No 58 58 1457 6611 382 1091
g. Construction of Toilet Blocks / Sulabh Sauchalaya / Soak Pits
No 103 792 703 2035 41 69
h. Solid Waste Management Programme No
i. Villages where Total Sanitation Campaign initiated
No 2 2 5 5 27 27
j. No of Village Health Sanitation Committees activated
No 8 8
k. No of drug addicts treated / referred No
l. People benefitted from IEC ctivities on drug deaddiction
No
m. No of IEC activities done to save girl child No 1 1
Population reached out to No 410 410
8A HIV/AIDS Awareness Programme (Community)
a. Awareness session for CSWs / MSMs/ IDUs / Migrant workers
No 0 15 64 170 2620 2620
b. Condom Distribution No 1000 4500 0 32000 49670 50951
c. Peer Educators No 0 20 0 26 22 22
d. Cases treated under STI clinics No 0 2 50 468 212 212
e. Identification / Formation of Network ofHIV +ve People
No 0 4 0 0 6 6
f. One to One sessions No 1654 1654
g. No of health centres No 1 1 0 1
B Workplace Programme
a. Awareness session for Staff / Families / contract staff / laboures / Truckers / Students / Rural community
No 1 1 124 351 9 146
b. Master Trainers / peer educators 0 25 8 38 32 32
c. Peer Educators Training Programme No 0 2 6 11
d. Street Kit /Play/One to one sessions No 0 0 4 16 0 20 6 55
e. Doctors CME ( Continous Medical Education) W/for Doctors
No 0 0
f. People benefitted from HIV Testing No 111 186 27 27
Key Performance Indicators
101
Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Punjab Rajasthan Uttarakhand Uttar Pradesh West Bengal Total
Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date As on 31 Mar., 2011
3 3 146
172 172 6913
4 13 1 5 1 2 37
738 2042 400 1150 70 93 7103
0 1 1
125 329 36 113 20 152 210 365 8 8 184 738 2576
4499 10328 2077 4966 2506 81114 8020 16072 344 344 13024 27394 210805
34 34 15 15 9 9 6 6 10 24 167
9063 149280 15706 25125 8020 24732 3367 5088 811 8446 529208
0 180 11 13 28 28 14 14 306
160/4763 160/38824 9/1888 11/8855 2/3712 23/16092 08/5760 8/9429 272/102671
916 2146 292 763 560 1470 345 703 10260
10 37 145 806 17 17 9 9 955
209 450 1572 9049 216 216 220 220 17695
111 1054 55 272 132 1011 139 431 68 229 154 731 6624
3 3 2 4 7
3 3 8 9 0 0 3 3 49
52 52 5 5 21 21 86
229 667 667
6450 6450 0 2 6452
44 120 4 5 126
23870 23870 1000 1850 26130
6 126 329 2844 29 369 201 464 61 413 7021
30 30 850807 3066675 18500 37860 109990 192026 0 1500 60440 106220 3491762
16 132 40 43 22 73 50 50 5 20 0 5 391
94 12076 3226 6644 4 160 806 1550 5786 8940 30052
0 2 58 201 2 26 2 3 2 2 244
9343 19932 21586
1 1 3
364 511 2633 7896 10 137 196 289 6 28 15 140 9499
0 1 8/8 17 40 78 2 2 0 20 0 5 218
3 9 1 3 3 4 0 1 2 6 36
602 2280 300 326 6 2559 17452 36973 300 382 135 135 42746
12 36 2 3 39
347 1347 125 125 117 194 273 1454 98 245 1474 1576 5154
102
Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Sr. No.
Locations Unit Andhra Pradesh Chhattisgarh Gujarat Himachal Pradesh
Activities During the year
TillDate
During the year
Till Date
During the year
TillDate
During the year
TillDate
9 Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Programme
a. No of batches / courses No 3/3 3/3 2/2 2/2 16/10 49/23
b. Entrepreneurs trained under SEDI / ITI No 44 44 276 707
c. No of trainees placed No 21 21 127 345
d. Entrepreneurs trained under REDP No 0 1013 0 0
10 Women and Youth Development
a. Training / Exposure / women trained No 1/22 31/296 9/294 56/1203 73/1748 269/10897 8/209 139/2466
b. Training- Exposure / Youth trained No 0 2/32 0 13/1434
c. Micro Business / small enterprise support No 0 15 14 122 2 2
d. Revolving fund support to SHGs No 1 40
e. Income Generation for Women's SHGs No 109 0 12 6 16 54 112
11 Rural Infrastructure Development Programme
a. Construction of Common Pathways / Village Roads
Mtrs 751 5551 816 11358 2605 30427
b. Street Light installation No 12 87 168 348 0 1 20 135
c. Drainage construction Mtrs 32.5 3195 200 1160 0 2 617.1 882.1
d. Crematorium / Ghats construction/ Drinking water facilities
No 2 16 4 11 1 6
e. Community Centre construction / School classroom
No 1 16 8 82 11 19
f. Temple Renovation No 2 9
g. Development of Play Grounds/Retaining wall
No / Mts 1/0 0 2/0 6/0 9 2/120.08 4/448
h. Construction of Panchayat Bhawan/Ayurvedic Hospital
No 0 183 0 2
i. Support for Social and Cultural Events No 2 2 0 18 101 129 4 19
j. Bus Shelters / compound walls No 2 6 3 58 3 6
k. House repairing No 50 98 2 2
l. Construction of culverts / bridge No 1 2 2 2 2 2
m. Low cost housing project No
n. Construction of School building No 0 1
12 Gir Forest Conservation project
a. Construction of Parapet wall around wells to protect wild animals
No 212 988
13 Krishi Vigyan Kendra - Kodinar
a. Off campus / On Campus / Sponsored trainings
No 104 343
No of Participants No 2282 8599
b. Field Days / exposure visit No 7 21
No of participants No 460 1380
c. Front line demonstration / no of technology demonstrated
No 208 901.1
d. On farm testing No 1 3
No of participants No 3 11
e. Training of extension functionaries No 4 16
No of participants No 142 465
f. Technology week celebration No 1
No of Participants No 1795
g. Krishi Mela No 1 1
No of Participants No 1375 1375
h. Soil / Water sample analysis No 220 292
Key Performance Indicators
103
Activity-wise Key Performance Indicators 2010-11Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Punjab Rajasthan Uttarakhand Uttar Pradesh West Bengal Total
Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date Duringthe year
Till Date As on 31 Mar., 2011
2/2 2/2 10/10 24/11 1/8 1/8 22/17 81/15 1/1 1/1 4/4 4/4 16/12 43/12 207/27
41 41 108 312 194 194 346 1656 12 12 74 74 336 607 3647
20 74 276 1298 53 53 156 231 2022
25 461 60 60 0 23 1557
29/2519 172/9917 8/61 38/1086 22/251 172/2805 21/375 94/800 5/130 20/562 38/777 117/2791 1108/ 32823
31 391 0 0 17/307 0 826 0 1/20 33/3010
0 10 0 0 0 0 42 368 517
0 10 0 12 0 3 9 59 124
0 66 24 169 63 546 80 121 2 5 11 12 1168
1515 4685 402 929.75 320 667 0 1629 200 2495 1800 3307 61049
39 52 12 15 0 1 23 32 671
0 1705 260 918 126 126 200 465 8453
0 0 1 1 0 1 0 7 42
1 12 1 5 2 2 4 10 146
0 10 5 5 0 3 27
0 11/450 1/0 2/0 1/1288 4/1288 1 6 40/2186
0 14 1 2 201
2 15 5 7 5 5 25 188 383
2 14 1 4 3 5 0 1 94
0 3 1/102
0 2 1 1 9
0 129 1 1 130
1
988
343
8599
21
1380
901
3
11
16
465
1
1795
1
1375
292
104
Consolidated SHG Details for 2010-11SAVINGS BANK
LOAN
INTEREST
EARNED
State Locations Total
SHGs
Total
members
Savings
during
2010-11
Cumulative
Savings
Total
bank loan
availed so
far
Cumulative
interest
earned
Total
Corpus as
on 31 Mar.,
2011
Andhra
Pradesh
Nadikudi 24 247 75100 522560 1975000 59351 1470374
Chhattisgarh Bhatapara 61 778 360285 1079726 780000 212254 1944380
Gujarat Ambujanagar 87 1192 689239 2958576 745000 629516 4144792
Surat 29 470 416600 901350 – 109200 1010550
Sanand 16 202 123640 207140 – 7464 214604
Himachal
Pradesh
Darlaghat 108 1420 1247174 4473838 4698900 2485731 8733569
Nalagarh 5 65 58600 79200 – 304 79504
Maharashtra Chandrapur 86 1029 706930 2632823 14593000 2242556 6953379
Panvel 14 189 346383 506378 – 75367 582745
Punjab Ropar 69 812 729060 2732038 2196000 387862 3766900
Bathinda 35 446 418420 1355820 2056000 167034 2643768
Rajasthan Rabriyawas 71 799 666510 1514370 3158000 32288 2941149
Mundwa 17 216 213000 590860 283000 81383 703743
Chirawa 12 147 76490 140430 400500 7094 321384
Uttarakhand Roorkee 44 524 545250 1307670 150000 146381 1604051
Uttar Pradesh Dadri 19 200 157250 335250 850000 27378 625428
West Bengal Sankrail 64 686 213930 833038 213150 46791 1092979
Farakka 30 373 122509 440979 394000 102860 937839
TOTAL 791 9795 7166370 22612046 32492550 6820815 39771138
105
Stakeholders’ Speak
Our Team
Energise
Involve
and Enable
Communities
to Realise
their Potential
108
Ambuja Cement Foundation Team
PROJECT TEAMS
PROGRAMME
MANAGERS
COORDINATOR
COMMUNICATIONS
COORDINATOR
HR
TEAM LEADERS/
PROJECT
COORDINATORS
IMPLEMENTATION
TEAMS
PRINCIPALS
SEDIs
IMPLEMENTATION
TEAMS
AREA
PROGRAMME
MANAGERS
MANAGER
VERTICAL
HEADS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Our Team
MANAGER (Resource
Mobilization)
MANAGER (Accounts &
Admin)
MANAGER
(Liasion)
COORDINATING OFFICE
(Delhi & Mumbai)
DEPUTY GENERAL
MANAGER
(Vocational Training)
DEPUTY GENERAL
MANAGERS
(Community Development)
109
Details of ACF Team
Slab of Gross Annual Salary plus benefits paid to staff including retainers
00
20
60
80
100
120
40
140
160
0-50000 50001-150000 150001-300000 300001-500000 500001-750000 750000 and above
Male Staff Female Staff Total Staff
Male-Female ratio
Female Male
00
50
150
200
250
300
100
On Rolls On Contract Total
Our approach and commitment hashelped us grow as a team, improvise and contribute effectivelywith each passing day27217795 714724
110
Coordination Centres Mumbai
Pearl Tiwari,
Director, ACF
Elegant Business Park, M.I.D.C., Off Andheri – Kurla Road
Andheri (East), Mumbai – 400 059
Ph: 022 4066 7500 / 6616 7000, Fax: 022 30827794
Email: [email protected]
DelhiV. K. Jain,
Director, ACF
248, Okhla Industrial Estate Phase - III, New Delhi – 110 020
Ph: 011 41613001 / 41615040, Fax: 011 41613929
Email: [email protected]
Deputy General Managers Nagpur
Ravi Nayse
Email: [email protected]
MumbaiAnagha Mahajani
Email: [email protected]
AhmedabadChandrakant Kumbhani
Email: [email protected]
Area Program Managers Himachal Pradesh
Anup Das
Email: [email protected]
RajasthanManoj Agarwal
Email: [email protected]
West Bengal Prabhat Kumar Mishra
Email: [email protected]
Implementing Offices Andhra Pradesh
NADIKUDI
V. Rama Raju, Team Leader
10 – 651, Near Railway Station, Narayanapuram, Nadikudi,
Dachepalli, District Guntur. Andhra Pradesh - 522 414
Ph: 08649 246222 Email: [email protected]
Contact Information
ChhattisgarhBHATAPARA
Sanjay Kumar Choudhary, Programme Manager
P.O: Rawan, Teh: Baloda Bazaar,
Dist: Raipur, Chhattisgarh – 493 331
Ph: 07727 220010-15, Fax: 07727 220004
Email: [email protected]
GujaratAMBUJA NAGAR
Dalsukh Vaghasia, Programme Manager
P.O – Ambujanagar, Tal. – Kodinar,
Dist. – Junagadh, Gujarat – 362 715.
Ph: 02795 232163 / 237490 / 237491 / 237497
Fax: 02795 220 328
Email: [email protected]
DAHOD
Kirit Jasani, Team Leader
Nilkanth Apartment, Third Floor, Godi Road, Dahod – 389 151
Ph: 099251 84813 Email: [email protected]
SANAND
Ramsibhai Chouhan, Team Leader
5, Nandanvan Society,
Nal Sarovar Road, Sanand,
Dist: Ahmedabad - 382110
Ph: 02717 222800 Email: [email protected]
Our Team
111
SURAT
Chhagganbhai Patel, Team Leader
Survey No. 39/40, Magdalla Port Road,
Vill- Gavier, Tal- Choryashi, Dist: Surat, Gujarat
Ph: 0261 2720531/0530/0780
Email: [email protected]
Himachal Pradesh
DARLAGHAT
Kunwar Viqar Naseem, Programme Manager
Vill. – Suli, P.O – Darlaghat, Teh. - Arki,
Dist. – Solan, Himachal Pradesh – 171 102.
Ph:01796 246238, 246243, Fax: 01796 248335
E-mail: [email protected]
NALAGARH
Anil Gupta, Team Leader
Village- Nawagaon, PO- Jhajhra,
Tehsil- Nalagarh, Dist: Solan (H.P.)
Ph: 01881 672247 Email: [email protected]
Madhya PradeshCHINDWARA
Mithun Paliwal, SEDI Coordinator
Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute
Jail Road, Amarwara
Dist. Chhindwara (M.P) - 480221
Ph: 07167 297834 Email: [email protected]
Maharashtra CHANDRAPUR
Pramod Khadse, Programme Manager
Vill. Upparwahi, PO: Gadchandur,
Dist: Chandrapur, Maharashtra – 442 908
Ph: 07173 246644, Fax: 07173 246261
Email: [email protected]
PANVEL
Manoj Sakte, Project Executive
Vill. – Moha, P.O. – Ulwa, Tal. – Panvel,
Near Reti Bunder, Raigad – 410 306
Ph: 022 27574300 – 05 , Fax: 022 27574360
E-mail – [email protected]
PunjabBATHINDA
Tanu Agrawal, Team Leader
Near GNDTP, Malout Road, Dist: Bathinda, Punjab – 151 002
Ph: 0164 329971, Fax: 0164 2273484
Email: [email protected]
ROPAR
Sanjay Sharma, Programme Manager
Village- Daburji, P.O.-Lodhimajra, Dist: Ropar, Punjab-140113
Tel- 01881- 672247,672568 Fax- 01881- 274152
Email: [email protected]
RajasthanCHIRAWA
Hansraj Gupta, Team Leader
Opp. Sekhsaria Haveli, Station Road,
Dist: Jhunjhunu, Chirawa – 333 026
Ph: 01596 - 514705 Email: [email protected]
MARWAR MUNDWA
Brajesh Tomar, Programme Manager
Opp. Railway Station, Marwar Mundwa,
Dist. – Nagaur, Rajasthan – 341 026
Ph: 01584 283655 Email: [email protected]
RABRIYAWAS
Kulin Deshmukh, Team Leader
Village Rabriyawas , Tehsil Jaitaran,
District Pali (Rajasthan) - 306709
Ph/ Fax: (Direct): 02939 288277, 288161
Ph: (By Ext.) 02939 288011-18 Ext. 464, Fax: 02939-288030
Email: [email protected]
UttarakhandROORKEE
Rajan Kapoor, Programme Manager
Vill -Lakeshwari, Block- Bhagwanpur
Teh-Roorkee, Dist: Hardiwar, Uttarakhand – 247 661
Ph: 01332 282228, Fax: 01332 282214
Email: [email protected]
Uttar PradeshDADRI
Chandra Prakash, Project Executive
Village & Post-Dhoom Manikpur & Badpura, N.T.P.C.Road
Dadri, District-Gautam budh Nagar,Uttar Pradesh-203207
PH.0120 2809958
Email: [email protected]
West BengalFARAKKA
Debapriya Ghosh, Team Leader
Vill- Kendua, PO – Srimantapur
PS: Farakka, Dist. Murshidabad, West Bengal – 742 212
Ph: 03485 252281, Fax: 03485 252281
Email: [email protected]
SANKRAIL
Rajeev Lochan, Project Executive
Jaladhulagori, Vill. & PO – Dhulagori, P.S Sankrail,
Dist: Howrah, West Bengal – 711 302
Ph: 033 2679 8870, Fax: 033 2679 8423
Email: [email protected]
Registered Office216, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700 017
Ph: 033 224 70818; Fax: (033) 22473564
112
Coastal Salinity Ingress Prevention and Mitigation:
Experiences and Challenges
10 years of Ambuja Manovikas Kendra: World Disability Day
Souvenir, 2010
Reversing the Tide: The Story of Water Management in
Kodinar
The story of an NGO Network, Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan
Sealing Salinity, An Innovative Drinking Water Project in
Salinity Affected Coastal Areas
A Year of People Centred Development
A Unique Case Study of Ground Water Recharge through
Check Dam
Enriching Experience – A step forward by women farmers to
sustain traditional agriculture wisdom
Impact of Watershed Development Project in Jafrabad
Taluka, Dist. Amreli
Impact of Water Resource Development Programme in
Kodinar and surrounding areas, Dist. Junagadh
Impact of ACF’s drinking water programme in Kodinar
Interlinking Water Harvesting Structures through Link Water
Channels – A viable alternative at micro level
Sandhanidhar Women’s Dairy Co-operative Society –
Women Empowerment & Socio – Economic Development
through Collective Action
Salinity Prevention and Mitigation Initiative – agriculture and
water resource development in salinity ingress affected coastal
areas
Integrated Development of the village Valadar
through Wasteland Development Initiative – Managing
CPRs (Common Property Resources) Through
Community Participation
Health Services at Rural Doorsteps – Creating a cadre of
village health functionaries
Village Education Committees: Recharging School
Education Systems
Water Resource Management in Junagadh:
Transforming Lives
Ocha Pani ane Vadhu Utpadan (Gujarati)
Krishima Bio Technology (Gujarati)
Krishi Adharit Udyog ane Mulyavruddhi (Gujarati)
Jal Sanchay ane Teno Karyasham Upyog (Gujarati)
Sajeev Kheti Uttam Kheti (Gujarati)
Mishra Kheti Kariye, Jokham Ghatadiye (Gujarati)
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