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Chollammarri project
With
Bhagawan's direct guidance and instructions, our
GST
started its trust activities in Chollammarri village cluster of
Roddam mandalam in Anantapur district. Historically the
activities included (1) cultivation of animal fodder (2)
repairing a 4 km stretch of the access road (3) reviving the
defunct telephone access (4) repeatedly conducting medical camps
(5) repeatedly conducting veterinary camps (6) developing a
rural seva center (7) working with youth on self employment
matters etc.
In
continuation of this infrastructure and long-term oriented
projects, and in keeping with Swami’s directives, agricultural
activities were also cognized and planned. When we received word
that ICRISAT, a Hyderabad based UN organization which does arid
land farming research, showed interest
in
working with the GST, we immediately leveraged this opportunity
and proposed to conduct some experimental programs in village
cluster of Chollammari. To get a feel for the interest levels of
the farmers, two - three months ago we conducted a "raytu mela"
(a farmer's meet). The attendees showed great interest in agri
technologies like (1) bio fertilizers, (2) vermi composting, (3)
intercropping, (4)
replenishment
of micro nutrient etc. Coupling the interest levels of the
Chollammarri farmers with that of the ICRISAT scientists we
developed a agri pilot program.
After informing Swami, on July 2nd, 2005, this past weekend, we
yet again visited Chollammari and signed up farmers for a few
pilot activities. Briefly the idea was to earmark about 10 acres
of farmland in Chollammarri and grow crops like Ground Nut,
Pigeon Pea and Castor, with new seed varieties, and that too in
ways that would increase their yields.
On
July 3rd, 2005, we got ICRISAT scientist to visit the
village(rs)
and
deliver the new breed of seed. By organizing another "raytu
samelana" (a get-together of farmers) we were able to instruct
the farmers about the project and its expectations. After having
their buy in, we, in collaboration with ICRISAT scientist,
distributed a new variety of seed. Overall we were able to reach
out to 24 farmers for this type of agri experimentation. The
expected completion period for this project is 6 months. In the
meantime, GST will track the progress and give timely agri
advice to these farmers.
The
uniqueness of this project is that it directly connects
with
and involves the farmer. Unlike our other projects, the major
doer of work in this project is the beneficiary and not the
sevadal!
While this agri pilot program in Chollammarri is far from over,
even at this early stage we are thankful to Bhagawan for giving
us this opportunity, and pray to Him for continued strength and
guidance in making this (and other projects) fruitful.
Jai Sai Ram!!
Courtesy:
Hyderabadcityyouth, Yahoo! Group - July 15, 2005
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