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CONTENTS

� Message from the Chairman

� From the Secretary’s Desk � About Us

� Our Activities 2008-09 � Community Development Project

o Shakti Sahaya Scheme o Shanti Kutira Programme

� Forest Network

� Sustainable Agriculture � Scale up of SRI � SRI Village Project

� Disaster Risk Reduction

� Events of the Year

� District Level symposium on SRI. � People’s Voice for rights over Forest Lands. � District Level Convention of women’s Self Help Groups.

� India NGO Award � Our Family � Financial Report

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Message from the Chairman

Prof. Digambar Shatapathy Chairman, Pragati, Koraput

The annual report of PRAGATI for the year 2008-09 opens up yet another chapter

of unmatched success in the field of socio- economic development for the poor people,

majority of whom are scheduled tribes. The broad spectrum of activities and their success

rate speak volumes about dedicated work taken up by the members of PRAGATI under

the inspiring leadership of Sri Prabhakar Adhikari, Secretary of the organization.

PRAGATI has made gigantic strides since its inception in the year 1992.The

organization is marching ahead - each year being more eventful than the previous one.

The conferment of best NGO award in small NGO sector at the national level in the year

2008 epitomizes the success of the intrinsic values for which PRAGATI stands for.

I congratulate family members of PRAGATI for such a National Honour and

wish them more and more success in years to come.

Chairman

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From the secretary’s Desk Mr.Prabhakar Adhikari Secretary Pragati, Koraput Dear Friends,

As we move ahead of another milestone, it gives me great pleasure to share with you some of our recent experiences, challenges and achievements.

From our humble beginnings in 1992 in one remote Gram Panchayat, we have continued to play

the role of a catalyst in mobilizing and empowering the marginalized communities through increased range of programmes and activities to address the root causes of issues like poverty, deprivation, exploitation and abuse that hamper the realization of their civic and humane rights. From the marginalized beneficiary in remote village to the People’s organizations, we see the beginning of transformational changes taking shape as our people start walking with a new purpose with renewed vigor.

It has been a successful year and this annual report outlines our progress in community

development, SRI, sustainable agriculture and disaster preparedness. However, the problems of climate change, water crisis and natural disasters are increasing and food shortages remain a serious threat to those people who are already living in poverty. In this context of unequal distribution of opportunities and resources, we have been working with our partners to empower communities to access their rights and entitlements. We have continued our work in conservation and utilization of local resources to achieve ecological balance and build sustainable livelihoods.

As always, the challenges have been many, but as our vision gets transformed to veracity, many hurdles are watered down. We would not be reporting such progress if it were not for the unfailing support and contributions of our friends and supporters. I take this opportunity to thank our partners –Trocaire Ireland, CWS, ORC, Bhubaneswar, SDTT, Mumbai, Agriculture department, Govt. of Orissa for sharing our collective dream and contributing their precious time and thoughts towards its realization.

I would also like to thank the members of General Body for their guidance and support over the

years and our team of staff for their commitment and hard work. It gives me great pleasure to report that this hard work and the values of transparency and accountability of the organization has been recognized at a national level. In March 2009 we were presented with the India NGO Awards 2008 as National Winner in the Small NGO Category. We extend our heartiest thanks to The Resource Alliance and The Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation for the honor.

Secretary

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About Us

Pragati, Koraput is non government voluntary organization established in 26th January 1992, working in remote areas of Koraput district in Orissa, India. The organization is registered under ‘ Societies Registration Act 1860’ Registration No.KPT-2035-4/94-95 dated 27.4.1994, under the ‘Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 1976’ vide Registration No. 104960054 dated 26-08-1998 and under ‘Section 12AA of Income tax Act 1961’ with effect from 01-04-1997 vide Registration No. 80/97-98.

Pragati works in one of the most backward districts of South Orissa, Koraput where more than 50% of the population are tribal people who, due to their isolation and lack of awareness, have been cut off from the mainstream of society and deprived of the basic amenities of life. We work in 168 villages in 16 Gram Panchayats of Koraput and Nandapur blocks reaching out to 6979 households.

We plan our activities based on analysis of the socio-economic contexts and the community dynamics of the area, with emphasis on community empowerment. Our programmes are unique in the sense as it is basically directed towards involving Community Based Organizations in every aspect including project planning, implementation, monitoring and management. OUR VISION:

To build such a self-reliant society, free from hunger and exploitation, where everyone irrespective of caste, creed, sex and language have right to dignified means of livelihood and through collective action ensure socio-economic justice and ecological balance. OUR MISSION:

To facilitate and strengthen vibrant people’s organizations at different levels of society that will protect, utilize, control and manage local resources and through collective action, ensure dynamic socio-economic change for sustainable development by advocating for pro-poor governance and bring women, children, tribals and downtrodden, to the mainstream of the society. VALUES WE CHERISH

� Transparency in all aspects. � Commitment to render selfless service to the poor. � Accountability to the Society. � Work with team spirit. � Punctuality. � Participatory approach in all aspects. � Sensitive towards women. � Secular in spirit OUR PROGRAMME THEMES

� Formation and strengthening of Civil Society Organizations. � Natural Resource Management. � SRI & Sustainable Agriculture � Disaster Risk Reduction.

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Our Activities 2008-09 Community Development Project: Context

The project is implemented with support of Trocaire, Ireland in 42 villages of 3 Gram Panchayats of Nandapur block (Badel, Bheja and Thuba) reaching out to 2551 households with a population of 10,642. More than eighty per cent of the populations live below the poverty line deprived of their rights and entitlements due to lack of awareness and organized effort. Degradation of resources, limitation in rights over resources, lack of knowledge and skills of people for proper utilization and management of resources have further added to poverty and marginalization of the communities.

We have been facilitating Civil Society Organizations and building their capacities to work for socio-economic, political change and empowering them for control, management and utilization of local resources ensuring equal women participation.People’s participation in CSOs is vital to strengthen the local self governance process, and positive leadership is essential if they are to have the capacity to identify and help the real

poor. Key Achievements and impacts

� Facilitated monthly meetings of VDCs, CBOs and the Block Federation. The VDCs and CBOs have mobilized Rs 60 40,000/- under NREGS and other government programmes. One VDC has mobilized ICDS for construction of a grain bank storage structure.

� VDCs and CBO identified 1023 deserving vulnerable families and negotiated with block and district administration, as a result 313 families got their BPL cards.

� VDC & CBO leaders are participating in Palli Sabha & Gram Sabha as a result of which 68 persons have availed different social security measures like IAY, old age and widow pension.

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� 28 beneficiaries mobilized horticulture department under National Horticulture Mission for raising cashew and mango orchards in 14 ha land and 10 beneficiaries take up ginger cultivation in 3 ha.

� Demonstration of organic Turmeric taken up in 1 ha of 6 farmers with support of OUAT, Semliguda and Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, Govt. of India., The message is disseminated to 300 farmers through Field Day observation.

� 51 farmers adopting SRI in Kharif have doubled their yield there by addressing food security.

� 167 farmers are adopting different organic practices and 118 farmers have established vermin compost units.

� 52 farmers in 6 villages have raised vegetables in 11 acres land using water from lift points.

� Support of Rs 1, 50,000/- extended to 80 landless and women headed families enabling them to take up different income generation programmes and earn an additional income of

Rs 100/- to 200/-per week. � 41 Grain banks managed by VDCs with stock

of 157.21 Qnt of food grains catered to the need of 589 households during the lean agriculture season.

� Facilitated 66 SHGs covering 817 women members who have accumulated own savings of Rs 8,11,311/- and 38 SHGs are engaged in income generation programme earning an additional income of Rs 5000/- to 7000/- per head per annum.

� 62 women have accessed safe motherhood programme and pre and post natal care under

NRHM.10 SHG members are working as ASHA workers and sensitizing the women on institutional delivery and sanitation.

� The Self Help Cooperative with 400 members has an annual transaction of Rs 708,698-/- and 97 Members accessed loan for IGP.

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Shakti Sahaya Scheme Context :

The term “Shakti” means “power” or “strength” and “Sahaya” means support. Under this scheme support is extended to a beneficiary to purchase a pair of bullocks. The programme is supported by Trocaire under its Global Gift Scheme as a part of our community development project with an objective to reach out to the bottom 10 % of the poorest people with emphasis on landless & Women headed families in enhancing their strength and participation in the civil society process as well as strengthening the VDCs and

CBOs through their involvement in implementation of the scheme. In all 135 pairs of bullocks were provided to the 135 beneficiaries of 3 GPs namely Badel, Bheja and Thuba of Nandapur Block. The cost of the pair of bullocks and the ancillary cost was estimated at Rs 8215/- and the implementation cost was Rs 795/-.The ancillary cost were utilized towards such items as shed, training, insurance etc. Achievements & Impacts

� All 135 beneficiaries taking up their agriculture activities and have enhanced their income level supplementing an average of 13,000/- to 22,000/- per year.

� VDCs start selecting beneficiaries in Palli Sabha & Gram Sabha under different Govt. schemes.

� 29 landless beneficiaries taking up sharecropping on regular basis and stopped migrating and one women headed family has got insurance claim of Rs 3000/-

� 106 beneficiaries utilize their own land and also earn extra income from ploughing in other farmer’s land. 98 beneficiaries have savings account (initiated for the first time under this scheme) and deposited Rs 37000/-.

� 7 beneficiaries have constructed new houses.2 beneficiaries are able to afford high school education for their children.1 beneficiary has purchased another pair of bullocks.

� People start abandoning the traditional quacks and contact veterinary service providers for immunization and treatment of livestock.

Case study Chandra Masti is now a proud owner of 2 pairs of bullocks. He lives with his wife and two children in Tarliput village of Bheja GP.A pair of bullocks has changed his life.

Chandra lost his parents at the age of twelve. Though he had 2 acres of land, he was too young to cultivate and worked as a bonded labourer in his village for almost 5 years. As he grew up the villagers gave him responsibility to herd the livestock in exchange of two square meals a day. Chandra got married at the age of twenty. Though his father-in-law used to lend his bullocks, it wasn’t enough and he had to migrate out for nearly six months to earn his living. In 2007 the VDC of Tarliput selected Chandra as a beneficiary under SSS. He received Rs 8215/- and purchased a pair of bullocks, constructed a shed, insured his bullocks and also attended training on cattle care and management. He is now able to invest his time in agriculture and meet the consumption needs of his family through out the year and also earned an additional income of Rs 13000/- by selling the surplus. He has opened a pass book in the post office and saving Rs 20/- per month. He planned

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to go for a productive investment i.e. buy another pair of bullocks with Rs 6000/-. He now puts on good clothes; bought a few utensils for family and new clothes for his wife and children in festivals. SSS has not only changed the economy of Chandra but also increased his confidence and participation in local self governance.

Shanti Kutira Programme Context

Shelter is one of the basic necessities of life for human beings. The poor people in the action areas live in mud houses with thatched roofs as they cannot afford to construct better houses. During rainy and winter seasons and natural disasters, these people suffer a lot. There are housing programmes like Indira Awas Yojana, Kuchha Pucca etc.But they are very few and there are lots of gaps in the implementation process that it seldom reaches the real needy.

Shanti Kutira- (Peace Home) is the second Global Gift Programme of Trocaire, implemented as a part of our community

development project under which a beneficiary will get financial support for construction of mud house with tin roofing. This is intended for the poorest families who are not covered under any housing scheme of Govt. or who cannot afford to construct a house on their own. The beneficiaries will be selected by the VDCs according to the micro-plan findings. The programme will be implemented in two phases i.e. April 2008- March 09 and April 2009- March 2010.The unit cost for each house is estimated at Rs 15,330 /- out of which project support was 12030/- and the beneficiary would contribute Rs 3300/-

Achievements � Training imparted to staff, CBO leaders and the budget shared with PRIs, line departments and community. � 90 beneficiaries have constructed their houses and started living in their new houses. � All beneficiaries have opened their own savings accounts and 15 beneficiaries have started regular savings. � CBO & VDC leaders have developed liasioning with PRI members for proper selection of beneficiaries under IAY. Case Study Sani Jainra of Thuba village lost her husband 4 years ago. Being a landless woman she earns her livelihood as a wage labourer as she did not know her traditional family profession of pottery making. She had only inherited from her husband a half broken mud house with thatched roof. During the rainy season she had to spend many sleepless nights with her children. She has approached the Sarpanch on several occasions and requested for a house under IAY, but returned hopeless. “Except me and the God above, nobody knows how I have brought up my children- there was neither a patch of land to grow food for my children, nor a proper cover over their heads,”says Sani with tears

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trickling down her cheeks. She is however grateful to her fellow villagers who have helped her in need. In May 2008 the VDC of Thuba selected Sani as a beneficiary for SKP. She received support of Rs 12030/- towards

construction of her house in 3 installments i.e. Rs 1200 for foundation work, Rs 3400/- for construction of wall, Rs 1514/- for door and window and roofing material worth Rs 5916/- . With this amount and her own contribution of Rs 7896 /- she has constructed a good house. Sani heaves a sigh of relief as she moves to her new house with her four daughters.

Forest networking Context

The people living on the fringes of the forest are dependent on the forest for their basic needs and livelihood, including fuel, fodder, food, shelter and medicines and their culture and traditions evolve around the forests. But there has been large scale degradation of forests which have led to soil erosion and disappearance of perennial streams. Ground water table has receded and there is vulnerability to disasters like flash flood and landslides. People now experience the adverse impact of global warming and climate change. In this back drop, we started spreading out Community forest management initiatives in the District in 2001 through a network of local NGOs. A District Forest Federation has been formed covering 742 Village forest committees in 110 Panchayats of 14 blocks in the District involving 278,513 forest dependant people protecting 31,228 ha of village forests and take up advocacy for rights over forest lands and other common property resources. The VFCs have also created a fund for forest protection popularly known as “Chuli Chanda”i.e. subscription of Rs 1 from each family having one hearth to meet expenses of forest management and networking, out of which 20% is deposited in the District Federation.

Achievements & Impacts

• Organized a district level workshop on ‘Forest Right Act & Rules’ followed by block level federation meetings in 14 blocks.

• The District administration involved Pragati and the members of District Forest Federation to conduct trainings on FRA in all the 14 blocks of the District.

• 135 District and Block Federation leaders trained on ‘Forest Right Act and Rules’ and actively involved in facilitating processes for submission of claim forms for rights over forest lands according to the guidelines under the Act.

• Facilitated District and Block Federations to participate in the process of formation of 1807 Forest Right Committees in the District. The District Forest Federation facilitated 8085 applicants to submit claim forms for rights over forest land.

• The Forest dependent people’s network is involved in advocacy programmes for forest land rights and also highlighted the issues at state and national level forums. District Federation organized a rally on 6th August 2008 where 1500 forest dependent people demanded for proper implementation of “Scheduled Tribes & Other Traditional Forest

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Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 & Rules 2007”. • A member of the District Forest Federation participated in an international convention on

Community Forest Management held in Nepal in November 2008.

Sustainable Agriculture through organic practices Context

The Sustainable Agriculture project is implemented with support of CWS, ORC, Bhubaneswar since November 2003 covering 40 villages of 4 GPs namely Mahadeiput, Mastiput, Kendar & Manabar in Koraput block of Koraput district reaching out to 1809 households (1056- ST, 231- SC , and 522 –OBCs ) with a population of 2387 (Men: 1154, Women: 1233).The people depend on their small land holdings which are mostly rain fed up lands .Farmers raise only a single crop during Kharif season as there are no irrigation facilities.

Erratic rainfall patterns are causing decline of food production leading to food insecurity. Further the increasing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is a burden on the small farm holders and gradually making the soil impotent. The landless families depend on forest lands without any legal rights and some times resort to wood and charcoal trade as they have no alternate means of livelihood.

In this context we are promoting organic practices for small and marginal farmers through formation of organic farmers associations and encouraging proper utilization of

local resources for gainful employment of landless people.

Achievements & Impacts

� 566 farmers have started doing agricultural

activities fully adopting organic practices whereas 604

farmers are partly adopting such practices. � Two Organic Farmers Associations consisting of

156 small and marginal farmers liaison with line departments to avail different govt. schemes and have mobilized National Horticulture mission for orchard in 20 acres of land of 16 beneficiaries , ginger cultivation in 10 acres of land of 35 beneficiaries. One farmer has availed lift irrigation facility through subsidy.

� Farmers’ Associations are managing two Seed banks.74 farmers availed seeds, raised different vegetable crops in 15 acres and earned on an average of 2000/- to 3500/- profit per head.

� 46 farmers adopting organic SRI in 24.20 acres of land in Kharif in 2008 have harvested 113.15 qnt. of

paddy. Though the harvest was less due to irregularity of monsoon 50% of the farmers got double

yield. Six farmers have adopted SRI in Rabi 2009.

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� One Organic Resource Centre started functioning and 124 farmers have accessed technical

support for preparation of organic manures and pesticides. � 30 Grain Banks in 30 villages with a stock of 52.50 quintals of food grains have catered to the

need of 366 vulnerable families to tide over periods of food scarcity and thereby reducing dependency on external money lenders.

� Published Quarterly newsletter ‘Dangar Khabar’ documenting best practices of organic farming, SRI, and Govt. programmes and circulated among members of forest protection networks of 742 villages, PRIs, Farmers Associations, NGOs and line department officials.

Scale up of SRI & Sustainable Agriculture Context Koraput district is said to be the birth place of paddy; but the farmers of the district are poor and marginalized. They have small land holdings, mostly rain fed up lands without assured irrigation facilities. Irregularity of monsoon causes occasional droughts and also adversely affects crops. Due to the undulating topography, soil erosion is rampant leading to loss of soil nutrients and low productivity. Farmers have started adopting chemical practices and high yielding seeds which further add to their marginalization, adversely affecting soil health, environment and increased dependency on external inputs. Climate changes

resulting in irregular and inconsistent rainfall pattern unfavorably affects rice productivity. All these factors have led to diminishing productivity thereby causing food insecurity for small and marginal farm holders.

Rice being the primary crop and staple food of people, there is utmost need of

increasing productivity

for food security since there is no scope of getting additional cultivable land and taking in to account the scarcity of water for agriculture. SRI is proved to be one such method that can increase productivity with less seed and water through organic practices.

‘Pragati’ began promoting organic SRI in 2006 with a small

experiment for 11 farmers. The success has resulted in Scale up of SRI & Sustainable Agriculture Project with support of SDTT, Mumbai to enhance food security and socio-economic status of 2000 small and marginal farmers in 7 blocks of Koraput District. We are facilitating the process to build an organic farmers network to disseminate practices, innovations of organic SRI and

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Sustainable Agriculture and creating marketing opportunities for their organic produces.Pragati is implementing the project directly in 2 blocks, Koraput and Nandapur, and through 6 local NGO/CBO partners in 5 blocks - Kotpad, Kundura, Laxmipur, Pottangi & Semliguda and formed a network called Jai SRI Samaj.

Achievements & Impacts � Organic SRI disseminated among 2710 farmers of

97 villages in 8 blocks. 266 Farmers adopted SRI in 140.20 acres land in Kharif 2008. 67 farmers have got double yield and 9 farmers got treble yield as compared to traditional method of paddy cultivation. 129 farmers have adopted SRI in 90.50 acres in Rabi 2009.

� 113 farmers and 25 staff are trained on Sustainable agriculture and organic practices ,as a result of which 96 farmers prepared and used organic manures and pesticides & 6 Organic farmers associations formed in 5 blocks covering 105 farmers.

� Supported for establishment of 70 vermin compost units, Weeders, markers which are used by 170 farmers in their respective organic SRI fields.

� Support of Rs 210,000/- extended to 69 farmers who have taken up organic vegetable cultivation in 47 acres.

� Organized “SRI Tirtha” on the occasion of PARAB -2008 and an interface of farmers with line department officials, PRIs, media, local NGOs and SDTT partners where 250 farmers shared their experiences of organic SRI and implementation problems. One farmer was honored as the best SRI practicing farmer of Pottangi block.

� Conducted a

market study to identify potential markets for organic produces followed by negotiation with local traders for marketing of organic produces.

� A media consultation was organized where the farmers shared their experiences and problems in SRI which was

widely given

coverage by media and the issues have been highlighted with line department officials and policy makers.

� Introduced “Jai SRI” Greeting Cards having pictographs designed with different varieties of paddy seed grains, symbol of Jaivik SRI (organic SRI)and an appeal to cultivate and consume indigenous organic rice as a popular medium for scale up of organic SRI.

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SRI Village Project Context

The Agriculture Department under Rashtriya Krushi Vikash Yojana has introduced demonstration of SRI village in each of the 30 districts of Orissa to popularize and spread the practice of SRI for food security and reducing investment cost in paddy cultivation. Due to our staff expertise and experience in promotion of SRI in 7 blocks of Koraput district ,we have been selected to take up demonstration of SRI village project in 50 acres land of 50 farmers in Randhapalli and Sankaudi villages of Jeypore Block in Koraput district in association with ATMA

(Agriculture Technology Management Agency) , Koraput in Rabi (summer) 2008-09. We did not have any previous presence in the proposed areas. Hence we had to start the process with village meetings and video shows to motivate the farmers.

58 farmers have taken up SRI demonstration in

54.50 acres in compact patches. The farmers belong to different categories: small and big, educated as well as

illiterate, each one having his

own expectations and apprehensions. Trainings were imparted in 3 phases to 100 farmers in Farmer’s Field School mode on soil testing, seedling raising, land preparation, transplantation, use of marker, weeder and water management, preparation of organic manures, pesticides, IPM & NPM with practical demonstrations. Our staff in charge of coordinating the SRI village and agriculture department officials including the Deputy Director of Agriculture Jeypore Dr, G.B. Mohanty have made regular field visits and counseling with farmers. Two varieties of seeds Lalata and Khandagiri have been used by farmers. The farmers adhered to planting 8 to 12 days old seedlings. We have provided input supports i.e. 1.Seed @ 2kg to each of the 58 farmers.2.Vermin compost @1 qnt to each

farmer,3.Liquid manure i.e. Panchagavya @ 20 ltr to each farmer & 4. 58 weeders and 58 markers. The farmers are now convinced that as compared against traditional method of paddy cultivation, SRI can minimize cost of cultivation through organic practices and consumes 40 to 45 % less of water. Several people have come for exposure to the SRI villages of Sankaudi and Randhapalli. There have been visits by researchers, govt. officials, farmers, NGOs, bankers and media representatives.

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Achievements and Impacts � 58 farmers have taken up SRI demonstration in 54.50

acres in compact patches as against the target of 50 acres and 50 farmers.

� SRI is more economical than traditional method as the expenditure in input costs decreased due to less investment in seeds, labour, and adherence to organic practices. The average cost of cultivation in traditional method was Rs 4250/- to 4500/- per acre where as in SRI it is Rs 3000/- to 3158/-.

� Water use has also been reduced to a greater extent. On an average, 30-40 % of the water used in conventional method is only used in SRI method.

� There has been average of 45 tillers in a plant hill, 30 being the minimum. However there have been minimum of 19 effective tillers per plant hill. There was highest of 79 tillers with 64 effective tillers. In Lalata variety the highest number of grains per panicle was 387 with lowest being 215.Similarly in Khandagiri variety the highest number of grains per panicle was 238 with lowest being 195.

� There has been almost no/less incident of pests and diseases in SRI Fields.

� Better soil aeration and sun light penetration due to wider spacing result in better root development and tillering.

� The highest yield recorded in Lalata variety was 73.20 quintals per ha in the field of Sri Dhanurjaya Halba of Sankaudi village, followed by 72 quintals

per ha. of Muna Bebarta in Randhapalli village. In Khandagiri variety highest yield recorded was 62 qnt. Per ha in the field of Nirmal Halba of Sankaudi village followed by 60.40 quintal per ha of Brundaban Gadba of Sankaudi village.

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Disaster Risk Reduction Context

The project is implemented 25 vulnerable villages of 4 Gram Panchayats, viz, Hatibari, Chatua, Golluru, and Raising GPs of Nandapur block in Koraput district consisting of 1945 households (ST – 1464, SC – 120, &Others – 361 HH) with a population of 8214 (Male 4149 & Female 4065). Most of the villages lie in remote locations. Majority of the families face food insecurity and migrate out to distant places in search of wage employment after the harvest. The areas are prone to recurrent disasters like flash floods, landslides and drought which also adversely affect crop yield and diversity, cause damage to infrastructures and livelihood assets of community. Climate change causing irregularity of monsoon

and variation in intensity of rainfall has further aggravated the vulnerability to disasters. There are also health hazards and epidemics resulting from food and water contamination and lack of awareness. Due to low literacy people in these areas are not even aware of any government plans and programmes, disaster relief measures and hence deprived of the basic amenities.

In August 2006 Hatibari, Chatwa, Golluru and Raising GP areas of Nandapur block were severely affected by massive landslides and flashfloods causing loss of crops and

nearly 1000 acres of land were covered under debris of landslides and 1500 families suffered from post landslide tyranny of food and livelihood insecurities. Against this backdrop, the project on “Facilitation for Community Based Disaster Preparedness” was started with support of Trocaire, Ireland since 1st February 2009 with a goal to empower 25 vulnerable villages of 4 GPs in Nandapur Block areas for community Level Planning and disaster preparedness.By developing skills and building capacity we are assisting communities in forming Village Development Committees (VDC) and Taskforces.

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Activities and outputs: � Project proposal and budget have been shared with community leaders, PRIs and line department

officials to ensure their cooperation and transparency. � 25 staff members are trained

on context, causes and types of disasters, preparedness & management system. Conducted a Field level training cum demonstration of staff on contingency planning.

� Village level meetings are conducted to raise awareness among villagers on the nature and context of disasters like landslide, flash floods and drought.

� Communities are mobilized for formation of VDCs and Task Force.

� Conducted orientation of staff for implementation of Shanti Kutira Programme for land slide affected families.

Learning

• Communities learn to visualize the cause and context of disasters and identify their capacity and resources as they are involved in the process of DRR plan. Planning promotes transparency and accountability and community take ownership of plans. It enables communities to tap resources from line departments. However, the budget frame based on people’s saying without appropriate technical analysis may not project actual fund requirement status.

• During use of PRA tools, community participation may be low in some villages as people do not understand fully the use of the tools. But gradually when outcome of the tool is shared, people actively participate.

• Participation of PRI members and line departments (ANM, AWW) sometimes sway away or distract the process. Their non-participation can also bring in to the issue of future ownership of plan execution. There is need of careful facilitation by the staff.

• Difficulties in perspective building as people fail to visualize the situation unless it is highlighted and put forth in a special learning exercise.

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EVENTS OF THE YEAR

District level Symposium on SRI A District Level Symposium on

SRI was organized on 5th and 6th December 2008,in Koraput on the occasion of visit of Professor Norman Uphoff, the promoter of SRI in the rice growing countries world wide. Other guests of the symposium included Sri Gadadhar Parida, Collector & District Magistrate Koraput, Mrs. Marguerite Uphoff and Dr. Ms Caroline, Pediatrician, Minnesota, USA, Prof. C. Shambhu Prasad, Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar Sri

Satyanarayan Mishra, Nodal officer (representative of Director of Agriculture & Food Production (Odisha) Bhubaneswar), Sri G.B. Mohanty, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Jeypore and Sri D.Narayan, the first farmer adopting SRI in Orissa.

430 farmers from 4 districts of Orissa had an opportunity to meet Professor Uphoff. This very successful event brought together with the farmers, Agriculture Department officials from Koraput, Raygada, Mallkangiri and Nabarangpur districts, Scientists, representatives of 31 NGOs, Bankers, academicians and Media people. Professor Norman Uphoff addressed an appreciative audience helping to spread the message of organic SRI beyond the district.

A booklet “Steps towards Eco friendly Food Security” published by PRAGATI, Koraput containing experiences of SRI farmers was released by Prof. Norman Uphoff. On this occasion Pragati honoured 10 farmer couples with an award - SRI SAMMAN presented by Sri Pyarimohan Mohapatra, IAS (retired) Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, in recognition of their work in adopting SRI and to encourage other farmers. Mr. Mohapatra also promised the SRI practicing farmers to provide necessary support from Government.

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People’s Voice for Rights over Forest Land Koraput Jilla Banabasi Sangha(District Level forest Federation) took out a rally on 6th August 2008 demanding action to end the age-old injustice being done to scheduled tribes and traditional forest dwellers through proper implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and other Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 and Rules 2007. 1500 people from all over the district under the leadership of Sri Dharmananda Guntha, President of the Federation marched through the town to the office of the District Collector and Magistrate and submitted a Memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister of Orissa.The Federation facilitated by Pragati in association with local NGOs is engaged in forest conservation and advocacy for rights over resources.

Koraput being a district with 50.66 % of tribal population (according to 2001 census report) living in forest fringe villages and depending on forest and forest lands for their livelihood since generations without any legitimate claims, will be immensely benefited if the Scheduled Tribes & Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 is implemented in letter and spirit. But, as the literacy rate is very low in the district, the people in remote

areas are neither aware of the entitlements under the Act. Further, in most of the places in Koraput district formation of Forest Rights Committees have not been made properly according to quorum (in the presence of two third members of village in Palli Sabha).Even in places where FRCs have been formed, the members are not aware of their roles and responsibilities. Hence, in such a situation it is quite ridiculous to think that the people will get their entitlements.

Koraput Jilla Banabasi Sangha in its Memorandum to the Chief Minister of Orissa has demanded for immediate action to look into the above problems and make necessary arrangements to enforce the Act and provide legal entitlement rights to the people.

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District Level Convention of Women’s Self Help Groups Pragati with support of

Trocaire & District administration had organized a two days District level Convention of Women SHGs in the premises of Tribal Museum Koraput on 13th and 14th March 2009, which brought together 350 SHG leaders from all the 14 blocks of Koraput district, representatives from ICDS department, academicians, NGOs and Media persons.

The Chief Guest Sri Gadadhar Parida, Collector & District Magistrate Koraput released a booklet entitled “Ma Sangathana Jivika Paiin” containing success stories of SHGs, prepared and published by Pragati and encouraged the women to continue their initiatives and participate in social mainstream. The other guests of the Convention were A.V.

Swamy eminent social activist and presently Advisor to Sate Govt. on NREGA, Prof. Digambar Shatapathy, Advisor to Pragati, Smt. Asha Hans Professor of Women Studies and women activist, Smt. Pramila Swain, Convenor NAWO and Smt. Pushapanjali Shatapathy from Vasundhara, Bhubaneswar.

The women leaders shared their issues and success stories. There were panel discussions on gender and participatory resource management, women empowerment for local self governance and women participation in NREGA & Social audit. Prof.

Asha Hans said that women can have rights over resource management only when they have ownership over resources. Mr. Swamy urged that there is utmost necessity of women participation in the local self governance process so that corruption can be minimized and women issues can be addressed.

The SHG women from different blocks of the district had put up stalls for sale and demonstration of different NTFP and agriculture produces like hill brooms, bamboo craft, leaf plate, tamarind, rice, minor millets, oil seeds, ginger, turmeric etc.

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INDIA NGO AWARD

Pragati Koraput was honoured as the National Winner- 2008 in the Small NGO Category at the India NGO Awards. New Delhi on 30th March 2009.

A joint initiative of the Resource Alliance and Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation, The India NGO Awards were instituted in 2006 to advance the non-profit sector by promoting financial and organizational sustainability and strengthening community support of civil society. The awards recognize and celebrate excellence in the non profit sector, focusing on professional management, innovation and diversity, organizational sustainability, mobilization of local resources and the effectiveness of the programmes. By promoting best practice, accountability and transparency, the awards provide inspiration for other non profit organizations, promote cross-regional learning and improve the overall credibility of the non-profit sector.

This award recognizes our team’s hard work and dedication to serving the community. We are previledged to have been selected from 167 entries and praised for our work with the tribal people and transparency in financial management and administration. The award is a befitting recognition to the hard work and dedication of the team – governing body, staff, volunteers, and support of donors and well wishers who have contributed their time, skills, resources and moral support.

The Award includes - a certificate of honour, a trophy and a cash award of rupees four Lakhs. Dr. Luna Panda of Pragati received the award at a function in India Habitat Centre, New Delhi from the Chief Guest Ms Sayeeda Hameed, Member Planning Commission in the presence of other honorable guests, Don Mohan Lal, CEO, Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation and Mrs. Urbashi Khemka, trustee member of Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation.

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Members of General Body SL. NO

Name Designation Experience Year of involvement

1 Prof. Digambar Sathapathy Chairman Former Member of Orissa Public Service Commission, 36 years experience in the field of Administrative and Supervisory work under both central and State Govt., adult Education, Youth Development and Social Service.

6 Years

2 Sri Suresh Kumar Panigrahi Vice Chairman 24 years experience in Social service and Administration

17 years

3 Sri Prabhakar Adhikari Secretary 20 years in community development , NRM and Livelihood

17 Years

4 Smt. Radha Pandia Joint Secretary 22 years in Community forest management and Sustainable Agriculture

7 Years

5 Sri V.Bhaskar Rao, Treasurer 40 years in Administration and Financial management

13 Years

6 Dr.(Smt.) Luna Panda Ex. Member 10 years experience in community development, livelihood & Gender issues

7 Years

7 Sri Surendra Masti Ex. Member 10 years in community mobilization and Forest protection & leadership

3 Years

8 Sri Gurucharan Datun Ex. Member 5 years experience in Civil Society organization, community mobilization & community leadership

3 Years

9 Smt. Shantilata Behera Ex. Member 20 years in women’s development and activist for women rights

3 Years

10 Sri Dibakar Jani Member 10 years in Community mobilization, community forest management and Organic farming

12 Years

11 Sri Shramik Jogi Member 40 years in community forest management, environment protection & social activist

7 Years

12 Sri Bala Nag Member 16 years experience in community development and livelihood

16 Years

13 Sri Dharmananda Guntha Member 20 years experience in community forest management, NTFP processing and marketing & agriculture

7 Years

14 Sri Kamaya Pangi Member Community forest management, NTFP processing and marketing

6 Years

15 Sri Sanjay Patnaik Member 20 years experience in forest sector & research 7 Years

16 Smt. Tulsa Khara Member 10 years experience in community mobilization and SHG

11 Years

17 Sri Ranjan Raut Member 20 years in Natural resource management & Documentation

7 Years

18 Sri Suryanarayan Panda Member 15 years in social work 3 Years

19 Sri Gadadhar Panigrahi Member 15 years in Administration 17 Years

20 Sri Pantulu Kulampeda Member 15 years experience in agriculture & community forest management

12 Years

21 Sri Relli Sisa Member 15 years in social service, agriculture and leadership

11 Years

22 Sri Hemant Kumar Patnaik Member 20 years experience in social service & community mobilization

17 Years

23 Dr P.C.Mohapatra Member 40 years in academics, economics& research One Years

24 Sri Jagannath Saraff Member Retired Orissa Administrative Service, Expert in land & revenue matters

One Years

25 Sri K.C,Panigrahi Member 50 years in development & conservation of Tribal culture in Koraput region

One Years

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PATRO & CO., CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS PHONE – 233114 NEHRU NAGAR, JEYPORE (R) – 233135 DIST – KORAPUT, 764 001 FAX – 233135

AUDITOR’S REPORT

We have audited the Balance Sheet of PRAGATI, KORAPUT as at 31st March 2009, the Income and

Expenditure Account for the period ended in that date and the receipt and payment Account of the trust for the

period ended on that date, annexed there to. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Board of

Trustees. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in India. Those

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 disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting

principles used and significant estimates made by the management, as well as evaluating the overall financial

statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We report that :

1. We have obtained all the information and explanations which to the best of our knowledge and belief

were necessary for the purpose of the audit;

2. In our opinion, proper books of accounts have been kept by the Board of Trustees so far as appears from

our examination of the books;

3. The Balance Sheet, Income and Expenditure Account and Receipt and Payment Account are in agreement

with the Books of Accounts;

4. In our opinion and to the best of our information and according to the explanations given to us, the said

accounts give a true and fair view in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in India

a. In the case of Balance Sheet of the Affairs of the Trust as at 31st March 2009.

b. In the case of Income and Expenditure Account, of the excess of income over expenditure of the trust for

the year ended 31st March 2009.

c. In the case Receipts and Payments Account of the trust for the year ended 31st March 2009.

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Governing Body Chairman: Digambar Shatapathy

Director/Secretary: Prabhakar Adhikari

Our affiliations and associations:

Credibility Alliance, New Delhi Women Power Connect, New Delhi

National Alliance of Women Organisation, Bhubaneswar SANHATI Bhubaneswar Sanjojana Bhubaneswar KBK NGO Forum

Vasundhara, Bhubaneswar Orissa Jungle Munch

Orissa Disaster Mitigation and Management, Bhubaneswar Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Koraput Regional Research Technology Transfer station, Semliguda

SRI India VSO India

Our network with NGOs and People’s Organizations includes

Koraput Jilla Banabasi Sangha

Jaivik SRI Samaj for Scale up of SRI and Sustainable Agriculture Anchalik Jungle Surakshya Parishad ,Nandapur

Dangar Bikash Parisad,Koraput Anchalik Unnayan Sangathan,Dasmanthpur

Gangeswari Jubak Sangha,Pottangi SAMPRATI, Koraput Surakshya, Kundura

Society for Integrated Village Augmentation, Laxmipur Yuba-The Youth, Jeypore

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