Report on

Sustainable Community-based Approaches to Livelihoods Enhancement (SCALE) Programme

Sajjata Sangh

Project Leader: Natu Macwana

Gujarat, India

Report prepared for – Aga Khan Foundation, New Delhi

Period January – December 2010

C/O Development Support Centre

Near Government Tube Well

Bopal, Ahmedabad: 380 058

Phone: + 91-2717-235994, 235995,

E-mail: sajjatasangh@gmail.com

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Executive Summary

DSC has promoted a network Sajjata Sangh (SS) which has 31 NGO partners across the state. These

partners work, in about 8000 villages in rainfed and irrigated areas. The main focus of SS is to

promote and build capacities of NGOs as well as Community Based Organisatios on agriculture

productivity enhancement, cost reduction, risk mitigation and value addition.

Project Goal

To contribute to rural poverty reduction through innovative community based approaches to natural

resource management and livelihood enhancement that are suitable for wider adoption by

government and others.

Progress

The year started with a state level workshop on Weather Insurance to initiate a policy dialogue to

introduce Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) in the state. About 145 participants

including Mr. K.N.Rao, Deputy General Manager, Agriculture Insurance Company, Dr. B.S.Suran,

General Manager, NABARD, Mr. Apoorva Oza, CEO, AKRSP(I), Mr. Zubin, Progamme Head,

Oxfam India, policy holders, farmers, representatives from Sajjata Sangh partners, media

professionals etc have participated in the same Experiences of the weather-based crop insurance in

Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Gujarat shared during this event were helpful to initiate

dialogue with the Government of Gujarat to increase role of Government in promotion of weather

insurance in the state. Issues such as high premium rates and reference weather stations were

highlighted by policy holders.

The intervention on developing and promoting weather insurance by the Sangh has been recognized

by NABARD by sanctioning Rs. 83.79 lakh for three year period to subsidize premium of rainfall

insurance. Costal Salinity Prevention Cell (CSPC) initiated by AKRSP (I) and Sir Ratan Tata Trust

(SRTT) has sanctioned a grant of Rs. 4.29 lakh for promotional activities carried out under weather

insurance initiative in coastal area.

Total 4223 farmers including 2818 (67%) small/marginal farmers have been covered under weather

insurance for Kharif 2010. Farmers contributed Rs. 27.72 Lakh as premium and total 3118 (74%)

farmers have received total payout of Rs. 27.90. For the first time in the state, Sajjata Sangh has piloted

weather insurance covering risk of temperature, humidity and unseasonal rainfall for the crop of wheat

and cumin in Rabi 2010 season. Total 1409 farmers covering 1599 acres of land have been insured

under weather insurance scheme in 12 talukas of 6 districts.

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During the year Sajjata Sangh continued to adopt and strengthen innovative models of farmer-centric

agriculture extension. “Sajjatano Sang Lave Khetima Rang”- radio programme completed 200

episodes during this period. The year 2010 was celebrated as SAMPARK VARSH. During this year

radio team has visited about 1200 listeners in 8 districts.

The Agriculture Department requested SS to use the wheat calendar developed during 2009 for

wider dissemination. About 50,000 copies have been printed and disseminated during the Krushi

Mahotsav and other training programmes organized by the Department. The Extension Director of

Junagadh and Anand Agriculture University have appreciated wheat calendar and audio CD on

cotton and groundnut published by Sajjata Sangh.

Total 85 NGO staff members from Sajjata Sangh partner organizations and 282 members from

farmer organizations/CBOs have participated in various exposure visits, capacity building

workshops and meetings organized on subjects such as livestock development, organic cotton,

weather insurance etc during the year.

In coordination with Dr. Tushaar Shah, Sajjata Sangh has started a study on “The collective effort

of NGOs in strengthening the backbone of Gujarat’s sustainable agriculture: Impact of

irrigation, watershed and allied activities”. This study will highlight the contribution and impact of

the work done by NGOs for sustainable agriculture which will give a recognition and visibility to

NGOs of Gujarat at state and national level.

Sajjata Sangh has partnered with different state and National level networks such as Voluntary

Action Network India (VANI), International Network of Alternative Financial Institutions (INAFI),

India Development Gateway and WASSAN to co-host state level workshop on various subjects such

as voluntary action policy, Weather Insurance, Information Technology for agriculture and allied

services and Integrated Watershed Development Programme (IWDP) etc.

Sajjata Sangh has collaborated with Credibility Alliance under a special Accreditation Drive for

small NGOs. As a result of constant coordination with Credibility Alliance and applicant partner

organization, MAHITI, SARTHI and Shroffs Foundation have been awarded with accreditation

during this period. 3

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Narrative Section

Result I: INCREASED AWARENESS AND ADOPTION OF APPROACHES THROUGH

DISSEMINATION OF BEST PRACTICES

1.1. A. Development of Radio Programme to promote improved agricultural practices

amongst farmers, with particular focus on the need and priorities of small and marginal

farmers in drought-hit regions of the state.

Year 2010 was very successful for the radio programme as it completed 200 episodes in December

2010. Total 52 episodes were produced and aired during the period. A series of episodes on land

development were very inspiring and becoming popular. As per the need of farmers, special episodes

on Weather insurance, weather based crop planning, importance of certified seeds were designed

which were very popular.

The radio programme emphasized on adoption of low cost technology to small and marginal

farmers. The year was celebrated as SAMPARK VARSH. More than 1200 farmers have been

contacted by radio team through field visit, Shrota Sammellan etc. It is observed that farmers have

utilized information related weather and climate change forecasted on radio programme. Sajjata

Sangh also had focused on promotion of organic farming as cost reduction tool. Sajjata Sangh

partner organizations are now actively involved in the programme to make it widespread.

Representatives from partner organization have participated in Shrota Sammelan and shared their

views to make this useful.

Workshops for sharing experiences of radio programme

Sajjata Sangh and DSC conducted a seminar for NGOs which were producing radio programmes as

a means of extension. Six NGOs from the state viz. Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA),

Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India) [AKRSP(I)], Janpath, Drishti, Centre for Social Justice

(CSJ) participated in the workshop. They shared their methodology of production of radio

programme and the problems faced with All India Radio.

Sajjata Sangh and DSC also conducted a Shrota Sammelan where more than 70 listeners attended

from about 11 districts. The participants discussed their experiences and shared how the radio

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programme had been useful during Rabi and summer season. They shared the problems related to

their crops and animal husbandry. Mr. U A Parasara and Dr Sawani from Amul Dairy provided

appropriate guidance. They also took an oath for creating awareness on the radio programme in

nearby villages.

Avaaj Otalo

On the basis of a pilot project on spoken web with IBM Research Laboratory, from January 2010

DSC with the help of Mr. Neil Patel- a doctoral student of Stanford University initiated its own

spoken web which can be accessed by dialing 07930142000. The main feature of DSC’s Avaaj Otalo

is quick search and fast forward facilities with Q&A, Mahiti Vibhag, Anubhav and previous Radio

episodes.

The Avaaj Otalo caters to the needs of farmers by a mobile phone. Total 300 listeners have been

benefited under Margdarshan Seva. An average of 15 hits has been registered under AO. Mr. Rushi,

a student from Standford university is now associated with AO experiment and he found it to be a

very useful ICT based communication tool to empower small and marginal farmers.

JATAN an organization promoting organic farming in Gujarat has studied and adopted this AO

model as an effective extension.

1.3 Developing Agriculture based IEC material

a. crop-specific CDs

Last year Sajjata Sangh had produced CDs on cotton and groundnut. This year Sajjata Sangh

developed CDs on wheat and castor. The 40 minute CD covers information on necessary scientific

practices such as land preparation, sowing practices, irrigation management, practices to cope up

with pest and diseases etc. For easy understanding and sustaining the attention of farmers, a drama

format is used. A series of CDs for major four crops have now been developed. 500 copies of each

crop was disseminated during shrota sammelan, partners meetings, training etc.

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b. crop calendar

During the last year Sajjata Sangh published a crop calendar on wheat. This year Sajjata sangh

published crop calendar on maize and cotton. These calendars contain information on organic

farming and IPM approaches. Compilation of these calendars is based on guidance and observations

from agriculture experts from partner organizations, Dr. S.M. Khanorkar (Head & Senior Research

Scientist, Main Maize Research Station, Godhra), Dr. V.Kumar (Research Scientist, Main Cotton

Research Station, Navsari), Dr. U.A.Parasara (Agriculturist, UPL), Dr. Maheshbhai Patel (Professor

and Head, Dept. of Agriculture, Anand Agriculture University) and Dr. J.G. Patel (Department of

Extension Education, Anand Agriculture University). As recommended by scientists, in IPM

chemical insecticides/pesticides have to be used in a manner which is least disruptive to biological

control. Total 500 copies of both the calendars have been printed and disseminated to the partner

organizations and farmers.

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Result II: TRAINING AND EXPOSURE VISITS FOR SAJJATA SANGH PARTNERS FOR

CAPACITY BUILDING

Sajjata Sangh organized total 4 training cum exposure visits, 5 regional meetings during the year.

Total 85 NGO staff members from Sajjata Sangh partner organizations and 282 members from

farmer organizations/CBOs have participated in different capacity building events.

2.1.1 Training-cum exposure visit on Livestock Development

A two day training and exposure visit was organized on 11-12, March 2010 in collaboration with

Anand Agriculture University (AAU) under RKVY scheme. About 74 farmers and 10 staff members

from partner organizations participated in this event. An exposure visit was organized at Nandanvan

farm which is well developed and maintained stable by Manishaben Patel at Valasan village of

Anand district. Veterinary doctors & professors of Anand Agriculture University, Senior Manager

from AMUL and Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry from Anand and Gandhinagar provided

inputs in this training. Participants received basic knowledge about food and fodder, diseases and it’s

precautionary and curative measures, new emerging technology – hydroponic fodder, care for

pregnant cows and calf etc. Participants were very happy with the exposure and various session

organized during the training. A group of 12 farmers including 5 women from Maan and Jobat

(M.P) field area of DSC also participated in the workshop.

Unique features:

1. The training was co-hosted by AAU under RKVY scheme.2. Each scientist /veterinary doctors provided inputs on issues raised by only without formal

presentation. 3. An Exposure was organized at Nandanvan farm at Valasan, Anand which is run by one

woman named Manishaben Patel.4. Shared information on hydroponic fodder- a new technology for fodder.5. Sessions were conducted at farms of university.

2.1.3 Training cum exposure visit on organic farming of cotton

Training and exposure visit was organized on organic farming of cotton on 13th & 14th December,

2010 at Vivekanand Reseach Training Institute, Mandvi. About 60 participants from 10 partner 8

organizations participated in the workshop. First day the group has visited the farm of Kantibhai, a

small farmer growing organic cotton. The group also visited Agrocel Company who promotes

organic cotton in Gujarat. Shri Maheshbhai Patel from Suminter Company gave the information on

Certification process, it’s need, benefits and issues. Shri Jaswantbhai from Kutch Navnirman

Abhiyan – SETU and their farmers shared their experiences on organic farming. He shared

experiences of the Producer Company promoted by SETU. On the second day of the workshop, Shri

Shaileshbhai, Agrocel, Shri Mahesh Kankal - cotton connect and Shri Shailesh Vyas from Satvik

provided technical guidance on inputs, marketing, certification etc. Participants were happy to know

about organic farming market, fair trade and better cotton initiative, process to deal with farmers,

consumers, retailer, spinner, ginner etc. in the concluding session, the panelist Shri Shaileshbhai

Vyas, Shri Pramod Sahu from CSPC and Shri Pankaj Dave from AKRSPI-sayla shared their views

on way forward. It was planned that Agrocel will assist NGOs for fair trade and other market

linkages and CSPC will support coastal area partner NGOs to initiate pilot for organic cotton

farming. A representative from Sumintar Company also gave surety for the marketing of organic

cotton and other crops after studying possibilities.

2.1.4 Documentation on application of new wheat varieties by Sajjata Sangh partners

Sajjata Sangh had conducted an exposure visit to Madhya Pradesh for 56 participants – farmers and

NGO staff. About 10 farmers purchased four new varieties of wheat i.e. HI-1500, HI-1479, HI 8498,

HI-1418 and took up trial plots in their respective fields. Two follow-up workshops and two visits

were organized to share the management practices adopted, suitability of new varieties and its yield

potential. Follow-up workshops were organized at Bagasara in Amreli district and Mahuva in

Bhavnagar district. It is observed that the varieties can be grown with only 2 to 5 watering instead of

10 to 15 watering for local varieties. However, it needs to be studied whether these varieties are

suitable for saline areas or not. The Sajjata Sangh has collected data on the experiences and

performance of the new wheat varieties which have been tried out in different regions of Gujarat by

the farmers. Total 8 organizations have mobilized about 750 farmers for sowing less irrigated wheat

variety. Total 4560 kg seeds of HI 1500 & HI 8498 have been provided to farmers on their own cost

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in Rabi 2010 season. This internal document will be further developed incorporating experiences of

other farmers.

2.1.5 Regional level meeting with partners on issues of NRM and rain fed agriculture

Five regional meetings were organized during the year. Out of 31 partner organisations, 29 actively

participated in such meetings. Discussion on status of each activity planned under Work plan 2010

was made during meetings. Participants also shared their feedback on activities to be proposed for

work plan 2011.

Meeting of eastern/ southern tribal regional centre was hosted by Shroffs Foundation Trust, Kalali,

Baroda; meeting of central and north Gujarat partners was hosted by Manav Kalyan Trust at

Khedbramha and M.G. Patel Sarvoday Kendra at Virampur. Such meetings have been proved to be

very useful tool to scale up radio programme which is a well organized agriculture extension effort

of Sajjata Sangh and DSC. Participants also suggested decentralizing certain programmes to create

visibility of the Sangh at district level. The promotion of less irrigated wheat variety, scaling up of

weather insurance as risk mitigation tool in rainfed agriculture and issues of spurious seed were

discussed during the meetings. Partners have suggested to organize a workshop on Seed Act for

agriculture staff of NGOs. This activity is proposed under work plan 2011.

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Result III: IMPROVED AND RESPONSIVE PROCEDURAL FRAMEWORK FOR RURAL

LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT AND NRM AT STATE LEVEL ACHIEVED.

3.1. State level workshop on Weather Insurance

The Sajjata Sangh organized a state level workshop on 6th March, 2010 for sharing the experiences

of weather insurance. About 145 participants including policy holders, farmers, NGO workers,

practitioners, bankers and insurance company, media etc participated in the same. Experiences of the

weather-based crop insurance in various states including initiatives in Gujarat by Sajjata Sangh and

SEWA, Andhra Pradesh by BASIX, Maharashtra by Micro-Ensure and in Rajasthan by the

Agriculture Insurance Company were shared. Linkages and role of Government in promotion of

weather insurance in each state was highlighted by each presenter. The policy holders in Gujarat

shared their experiences and issues related to rainfall insurance policies made during Kharif 2009. A

majority of them were of the view that it was a very useful product and should be scaled up further.

Two major issues identified were the need to subsidize the premium rates which at present were in

the range of 12% to 15% and in some cases even more and the need for having more weather

stations. There was discussion on the proposed strategy and approach for scaling up of weather-

based crop insurance as a potent tool for risk mitigation of farmers in Gujarat particularly to help

them counter the adverse impacts of climate change. As a result of the discussion and experience

sharing during the workshop, NABARD agreed to support Sajjata Sangh for further scaling up.

3.2 Influence policies and programs of government

State level Consultative workshop on National policy on voluntary organization and

implication of direct tax code”

In continuation of the consultation on ‘Voluntary Action Policy’ organized by VANI in

collaboration with Sajjata Sangh, Janvikas, EDI and UNNATI at EDI, another state consultative

workshop was organized on 18th January 2010 at Ahmedabad Management Association. The agenda

of the workshop was to review the progress on the Voluntary Action Policy and the implications of

the Draft Direct Tax Code.

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A committee was formed to prepare a draft the state policy. A session on Direct Tax Code (DTC)

was facilitated by Sajjata Sangh. Mr. C.A.Shah, Charted Accountant explained DTC in detail.

Weather Insurance

Exposure Visit for Weather Insurance:

Weather plays a very important role in deciding the quality and quantity of the produce. It can make

or break a farmer’s fortune. Not only rainfall but other weather parameters such as humidity,

temperature etc also play a role in crops, growth of pests and fungal diseases. Winter crops such as

wheat and cumin crop production is highly unpredictable and risky business and so there is a need of

institutional financial support to cover associated risks. An exposure visit was held at Dungarpur &

Udaipur districts of Rajasthan from 28 – 30th October 2010 with 26 participants from 10 partner

organizations. The groups has visited village Auda where CII, JK insurance broker agency are

involved in promotion of weather insurance. CII shared their experiences on weather insurance.

After the exposure with villagers, Mr. Arindom from Centre for Insurance and Risk Management

(CIRM) discussed the product design. On the second day the group visited the Agriculture

Department at Udaipur. Mr. Verma, Joint director –agriculture, Udaipur informed about role of the

state government in product design, extension activities and marketing of weather insurance product.

They thereafter visited village Gudael of Udaipur. Badlav Organization promotes weather insurance

in this village. Mr. Anil Kothari, Director, Badlav has shared their experiences on promotion of

weather insurance in village. Farmers explained about wheat product and process of claim

settlement. After the visit, Mr. Anil Kothari took one session on Rabi product of Wheat and cumin.

He explained the components of the product in detail.

Result of the workshop:

Sajjata Sangh piloted weather insurance products for Rabi crop such as wheat and cumin for 2010

season. Very first time farmers were made aware about the insurance package covering temperature,

humidity and unseasonal rain affecting to wheat and cumin crop. As a result total 1409 farmers

covering 1599 acres of land has been insured under weather insurance scheme in 12 talukas of 6

districts.

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Coverage under Kharif 2010 season:

Kharif 2010 was a very encouraging season for Sajjata Sangh to promote rainfall insurance in

Gujarat, particularly after NABARD’s support to farmers associated with Sajjata Sangh Partner

NGOs. NABARD has sanctioned a grant assistance of Rs. 83.79 lakh to Sajjata Sangh for

implementation of the three years project ‘Sustainable up scaling of weather based crop insurance in

Gujarat’. Total 9 Partner Organizations of Sajjata Sangh had undertaken promotional activities in 35

blocks of 9 districts focussed on extensive coverage of locations and farmers. Kharif 2010 season

also witnessed the participation of organizations like Shri Khambhat Taluka Anusuchit Jati Sahakari

Kheti Utpadak Sangh Ltd. - Daheda, Manav Kalyan Trust – Khedbrahma, Sadguru Foundation –

Dahod, and DSC – Meghraj unit, which had not participated in the earlier rainfall initiatives of

Sajjata Sangh.

Due to limitations of time available for promotional activities, partner organizations were constrained

in reaching out to the maximum number of farmers to make them aware about rainfall insurance.

However, with the support of AIC and NABARD, Partner Organizations have put in their utmost

efforts to achieve the coverage of 5000 farmers. Nearly 4300 farmers covering 5227 acres of land

have been covered under rainfall insurance for Kharif 2010 season. The main crops covered were

cotton, groundnut, maize and paddy.

Immediate benefit to policy holders

Against the total premium of Rs. 40.76 lakhs, NABARD has contributed Rs. 13.04 lakh in the form

of premium subsidy to the insured farmers. Out of total premium contribution of Rs. 27.72 lakh from

farmers, they have received payout of Rs. 27.90 lakh from AIC.

Out of total 4223 farmers, 3118 farmers have received payout in range of Rs. 13 to 2911 in Kharif 2010

per acre.

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NGO Accreditation:

A mutual agreement has been made to initiate accreditation process for member organizations of

Sajjata Sangh on the base of minimum norms set by Credibility Alliance (C.A). Interested members

of Sajjata Sangh would be given a discount of 25% on accreditation fees (i.e. administration costs of

CA). Organisations such as the Shroff Foundation, Deepak Charitable Trust, Sikshan and Samaj

Kalyan Kendra (SSKK), Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF) have applied for the same in first phase.

Meanwhile Prakriti Foundation, Sarthi, Mahiti, SSKK, Gram Vikas Trust, Vishwa Vatsalya and

Utthan, has been included in a special Accreditation Drive with the help of a grant from Canadian

High Commission to be implemented in the year 2010 where total accreditation fees would be

waived for Small / medium level voluntary organisation. (Organization with annual receipts up to

Rs 25 Lakhs is termed as small and above Rs 25 lakhs upto Rs 1 Crore is termed as medium).

As a result of constant coordination with Credibility Alliance and applicant partner organization,

MAHITI, SARTHI and Shroffs Foundation have awarded with accreditation during this period.

3.3. Research and documentation on contribution of Sajjata Sangh partners and other NGOs

in agriculture growth rate of Gujarat: This is a two year research study being planned in

consultation with Dr. Tushaar Shah. A preliminary meeting with Dr. Tushaar was organized on 30th

June 2010 where member organizations had shared their views on proposed study. Methodology and

scope of the study was discussed during the meeting. As per the discussion and suggestions received

from partner organization the study will be titled as “The collective effort of NGOs in

strengthening the backbone of Gujarat’s sustainable agriculture: Impact of irrigation,

watershed and allied activities”. Final ToR has been signed between the Sajjata Sangh and India

Natural Resource Economics and Management (INREM) Foundation during this period.

The study was started in November 2010 and will be completed by June 2011. Through meetings

with the network partners and communication, INREM will capture the individual work of each

NGO as well as the common attributes that can be summed up. For example, some initiative will

have a very local appeal to the community there eg. Salinity control measures, whereas another can

be transported to a much larger level eg. Check dams. This study will capture all such ideas, both in

a objective way – as much as possible with measurable indicators and data – as well as in a

descriptive manner of case studies of work of the NGOs. The study will also involve self-assessment

by the NGOs. 14

A list of responsible member from each organization was prepared by Sajjata Sangh. The agency

has started dialogue with them on phone and the first round will be on a general level to make

categories of work of different NGOs. As a part of the first round data collection a questionnaire has

been shared with all partner organization for their feedback.

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