Jayantibhai Patel - BAIF Development Research Foundation

THE BAIF JOURNAL
Vol. 31 (2) April-June 2010

THE BAIF JOURNAL
A quarterly journal of the
BAIF DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Mr. Arvind N. Mafatlal, Chairman
Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Vice Chairman
Mr. Jagmohan L. Bajaj
Smt. Rajashree A. Birla
Mr. Bhalchandra G. Deshmukh
Chairman, Executive Committee
Mr. Hrishikesh A. Mafatlal
Mr. Deepak C. Mehta
Dr. Sudha N. Murty
Prof. Indira Parikh
Mr. Pratap G. Pawar
Mr. Hasmukh S. Shah
Dr. Narayan G. Hegde
Mr. Ramesh Rawal
BAIF TRUSTEES
Mr. Girish G. Sohani
President and Managing Trustee
Founder: Late Dr. Manibhai Desai
EDITORIAL OFFICE
BAIF Bhavan, Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar
Warje, Pune 411 058
MANAGING EDITOR
Ms. Sucharita Dhar
Annual Subscription: Inland: Rs. 50/-
Overseas: US $10
I n t h i s I s s u e
April-June 2010 Vol. 31 (2)
1 Three-legged Stability
3 Growth of the Wadi Programme
5 Government of Orissa visits Cattle
Development Programme in Gujarat
7 Promotion of Non-wood Forest Products
for Sustainable Livelihood
9 Ground Water Award for BIRD-Karnataka
10 Foundation Day of BAIF Celebrated
12 BAIF receives Best Water NGO Award
13 Harvest of Hope
15 News you can Use
18 Drinking Water reaches Water Scarcity
Villages
20 Grafted Mahua Plantation
Edited, Printed & Published by BAIF DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar, Warje, Pune 411 058
E-mail: baif@vsnl.com Website: www.baif.org.in Designed and Printed by: Varad Printers, Pune

Dear Colleagues and Friends,
The farm sector continues to be the mainstay for
two-thirds of the Indian population. The largest
group within the Indian farm sector, in terms of
number, is the small and marginal farmers.
Farming is their traditional occupation and it is a
routine practice for most of them to cultivate
their fields every year during the rainy season.
Based on experience, but with limited technical
knowledge, often, their efforts are not fully
rewarded. A majority of those belonging to this
group are subsistence farmers who grow staple
crops primarily for consumption.
The expectation that access to improved
technology will result in a quantum jump in farm
productivity has not materialised. On the
contrary, smallholders are faced with a host of
challenges that continue to impede their
progress. Key issues associated with this
situation - food insecurity, low farm productivity
and high level of vulnerability - continue to
remain unaddressed. Inclusive development of
the country can only be achieved through the
1
Three-legged Stability
From the President
transformation of the farm sector, on which
depends the livelihood of 65% of our population.
This will require a three-pronged approach to
bring about stability and sustainable
development of farm holdings, especially those
of small farmers. The legs on which such a
strategy would stand on are stabilisation,
intensification and diversification.
Stabilisation: In the absence of assured
irrigation, it is the crop cultivated during the
monsoon season that most farmers depend
upon. Erratic rainfall, characterised by early or
delayed onset as well as cessation, long dry spells
during the season and high-intensity showers
have been causing instability to crop production
during the monsoon season. Yield fluctuations
due to vagaries of rain can be minimised to some
extent by adopting suitable practices. For
example, growing short-duration varieties can
partly overcome the effects of delayed onset of
monsoon. Similarly, protective irrigation can be
helpful if there is a long dry spell during a critical
stage of crop growth. Strategies of this nature
will help stabilise farm output and
thereby bring in food security.
Intensification: Average yields of crops
are much lower in India compared to
many other developing countries. The
enormous resources committed to
technology development in the country
are not reflected in farm productivity. A
dedicated effort is needed to maximise
the output per unit area of farmland.
This has to be achieved by increasing
the yield of the rainy season crop and
then growing a winter and / or summer
The BAIF Journal

crop. There is considerable amount of
residual soil moisture after the monsoon
crop is harvested. Farmers generally do
not attempt to grow a second crop
believing it is insufficient to meet the
total crop requirement. Moisture
conservation practices such as minimum
tillage, mulching and choice of efficient
crops / varieties can enable the limited
moisture to last for the entire cropping
season.
Building up the soil fertility is another
requirement for crop intensification.
Organic matter content of most soils is so
low that they are more like sand or clay than soil
and hardly hold any water. There are also
instances of indiscriminate use of fertilisers and
tillage that further deplete soil fertility. Practices
such as recycling of waste biomass by
composting and biological inputs should be used
to continuously build up and protect soil fertility.
Intensification should be coupled with
sustainability to ensure that anticipated benefits
are of a permanent nature.
Diversification: Small farmers usually depend
on very few crops, mainly those required for
their staple diet. If they are to become more
efficient, farmers should shift from their
traditional methods to farming systems
approaches. It has been demonstrated beyond
doubt that under tropical small farm conditions,
systems such as tree-based farming can be highly
productive and sustainable in the long run.
Hence, systems comprising of perennial and
annual crop species should be introduced in
place of single species-single season cropping
pattern.
A common thread running along the strategies of
stabilisation, intensification and diversification is
commercialisation. The surplus produced in
2
each farm, even if it is small, should reach the
market and bring in the best possible returns to
the producer. Realisation of this goal requires
value addition of farm produce. Important
actions associated with commercialisation of
farm produce are village-level collection, postharvest
handling and collective marketing.
Through the adoption of the above unified
approach, the farming sector can continue to be
a source of reliable livelihood for farmers apart
from ensuring sustainable use of degraded
natural resources. With stabilisation,
intensification and diversification becoming the
corner stones of the farm sector, a more
balanced and growing rural economy will
emerge. This in turn, will realise the Gandhian
prescription of a decentralised development and
the concept of Providing Urban Amenities in
Rural Areas (PURA) propounded by Dr. Abdul
Kalam.
Our efforts are all directed towards making this
alternate development paradigm a reality.
With best wishes
Girish G. Sohani
The BAIF Journal

Tribals constitute 8% of the total population in the
country with 1.50 crore families spread over 9400
villages. They are mainly dependent on the forests for
food security through collection of Non-Wood Forest
Products. However, due to depletion of forest
resources, they are forced to migrate to towns and
cities for their survival.
Betul district of Madhya Pradesh has many forestfringed
tribal villages. The tribal farmers generally
own small farms with poor soil conditions and lack of
assured irrigation facilities. Hence, they are able to
practice farming for 4-5 months during the monsoon
season which yield foodgrains barely sufficient for
their survivial. Realising the plight of the tribals and
the need to bring them into the mainstream of
development, BAIF with the support of its Associate
Organisation, Society for Promotion of Eco-friendly
Sustainable Development (SPESD) initiated a holistic
programme for tribal development in Shahapur,
Ghodadongari and Chicholi blocks of Betul with the
support of the Tribal Development Department,
Government of Madhya Pradesh in the year 2007.
1747 wadi plots have been established in 74 villages.
Training for capacity building and skills development
was organised for 534 farmers while 650 farmers
were taken on field visits to wadi plots of successful
farmers for motivation. 62 self help groups have been
formed for empowerment of women. Health camps
have been organised for improving the health status
of the families.
A nursery of planting materials and saplings has been
established at Dhadgaon in Ghodadongari block to
3
Betul
Growth of the Wadi Programme
Government
programmes have brought
prosperity in the life of many.
Enhancement in income has made many
farmers happy. The best example of this
can be seen in one of the tribal villages namely
Shrirampur in Nandurbar district. Through
government funds and guidance by BAIF-MITTRA, an
Nandurbar M.S. Chauhan and A. Bhor, Betul
meet the needs of the wadi project as well as other
projects in the district.
As their traditional occupation is collection of Nonwood
Forest Products (NWFP), they collect lac,
mahua, charoli, bael fruits, aonla berries and a small
quantity of Karaya gum from the forests. The hard
cash generated by the collection of these forest
products and selling them to local traders helps to
sustain the families during the non farming period. To
enhance their income, it is planned to take up
domestication of NWFP by establishing such trees on
the neglected areas of tribal farmlands.
Presently, tribal farmers are growing maize, wheat,
gram, soybean and til with poor management
practice s leading to low productivity. It is planned to
provide training to the farmers on new farming
technique and introduce new cash crops such as
turmeric and ginger for better profitability.
NGO, 60 farmers successfully cultivated orchards.
Three years back, they cultivated horti-plants such as
cashew, mango and Amla. Farmers will receive yields
from these trees shortly. Farmers did not stop at
orchard cultivation but also went for cultivation of
vegetables such as chili, tomato, cabbage and brinjal.
Out of 60 farmers, 30 have successfully cultivated
roses. Plantation of vegetables such as beans on farm
The BAIF Journal

unds has yielded thousands of rupees from mere a
2.5 ha plot of land.
Many farmers have received the benefit of water
lifting pump for irrigation through the support of
Government funds. Farmers took up the task of
levelling the land under the guidance of Shri Gulabrao
Patil and Shri Choudhary of BAIF-MITTRA. Jalkunds
are constructed in the lands of farmers and pipes and
drums are also provided by BAIF-MITTRA. Farmers
received support worth Rs.1000 for fencing of their
farms. BAIF-MITTRA helps farmers for three years for
maintenance and aftercare of the plants who
undertake orchard cultivation.
Shri Raju Gangurde was dependent on rains as his
farm did not have irrigation. His yield was meagre. He
has cultivated orchard on 2.5 ha land with the help of
BAIF-MITTRA. He has 50 plants of mango along with
sapota and amla. He has taken tur as an intercrop and
cultivated vegetables on farm bunds. He was able to
receive support for well construction and pump from
the Agriculture Department.
Sani Mundari of Jabaghat,
owns two acres of land that
was cultivated by his family of six
members. The land was producing only
one crop per annum with meagre yield. In
August 2005, when a team of agricultural experts
from Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) under its Parswanchal
Vikas Project in collaboration with its implementing
partner BAIF Development Research Foundation,
Pune, started enrolling villagers under the wadi
intervention, Mundari came forward. Based on the
size of his plot, saplings of mango, lemon, cashewnut
4
Rourkela Farmers in the villages have formed a group and
collective marketing is done by using a vehicle.
Expected income from floriculture will be Rs.30,000
to 40,000. Anticipated income from sorghum and
maize will Rs.25,000 approximately and a farmer will
received Rs.one lakh annually from vegetable
cultivation.
Courtesy: www.mahanews.gov.in
and litchi, were provided to him free of cost. The
excited Mundari completed the pit digging activity
within a week.
Today, Mundari owns 59 horticulture plants in the
land and 180 forestry plants. Under improved
agriculture intervention, best quality seeds of various
vegetables were made available to him for getting
better yield and related inputs were provided through
capacity development training. He is earning an
additional Rs.3000-4000 per annum through these
inter-crops. Apart from increase in his agricultural
income through better yield, Mundari has also taken
up vermicomposting and goat rearing through
various schemes of RSP. The family today expects an
income of Rs.10,000-15,000 per year through their
fruit crops and earn upto Rs.5-6 lakhs through
forestry plants like teak.
He is now keen to train and educate fellow villagers in
income generation activities. His wife Sumi is an
active member of the Self Help Group formed under
the project.
Courtesy: Caring, sharing and spreading smiles,
Rourkela Steel Plant's CSR Initiatives
The BAIF Journal

5
Government of Orissa visits
Cattle Development Programme in Gujarat
Dr. Damodar Rout, Minister for Agriculture
Cooperation, Fisheries and ARD, Mr. Bariha,
Minister, SC & ST Development, Mr. Mohan Kumar,
Principal Secretary and other officials of the
Departmetn of Animal Husbandry Government of
Orissa, visited the Cattle Development Centre at
Gangpur in Vansda taluka, Navsari district on April 19,
2010. They also visited a calf rally at Gangpur, the
Chikhli Dairy Cooperative Society at Dholumber to
view the heifer rearing and fertility improvement
programme of the Dr. Manibhai Desai Technology Visit to calf rally at Gangpur
Transfer Centre, Dairy Cooperative Society and
Bulk Milk Cooler programme, disease surveillance
and diagnostic laboratory. The team of senior
officials also interacted with women members of the
dairy cooperative and the Chairman and Managing
Director and other senor officers of the Vasudhara
Dairy. The mission was accompanied by Dr. S.M.
Desai, Chief Programme Coordinator, GRISERV,
Dr. P.K. Pradhan, Principal Programme Director,
GRISERV, Mr. V.C. Badve, Chief Programme
Coordinator, Dhruva, Dr. R.K. Mahuli, Advisor,
BAIF and other officials of GRISERV.
Visit to dairy cooperative at Chikhli
The BAIF Journal

6
Interaction with women at dairy cooperative
“The activities of BAIF here in livestock rearing and dairy development
is impressive. They render excellent services for enhanced milk
production through scientific cattle breeding program. They have
succeeded in inducing the local inhabitants originally refusing to take up
dairy as a source of income. Now they give priority for milch cows. The
cross breeding has given excellent results .
”
- Dr. Damodar Rout
Hon'ble Minister for Agriculture Cooperation,
Fisheries and ARD, Government of Orissa
Visit to disease investigation lab
The BAIF Journal

Promotion of Non-wood Forest Products
for Sustainable Livelihood
Income generation from Non-Wood Forest
Products (NWFP) is not new. Apart from the
produce generated from farms, forest resources
especially NWFP such as gum, wax, medicinal
herbs, fruits, nuts, edible and non-edible oil seeds
have been an additional source of livelihood for
tribals and villagers living in adjoining forest
areas. A majority of the tribal families have been
forest dwellers, collecting a variety of forest
produce for their livelihood in the past. However,
with the increasing rate of deforestation resulting
in degraded forest resources, these communities
who were traditionally dependent on diverse forest
resources for their livelihood, are now suffering
due to diminishing income and employment
opportunities.
Realising the need to preserve nurture and cultivate
multipurpose tree species which can produce a
wide range of non-wood commodities of economic
value and utility while conserving forest resources
and protecting the environment, BAIF has
promoted an innovative programme of
popularising these species under the agri-horti-
7
BAIF has taken up the promotion of non-wood
forest produce in its operational areas by small
and marginal farmers with encouraging
success. With a view to capture the essence of
the case studies documented in the publication
“Unfolding the Potential of Diversified Rural
Livelihood- Successful Initiatives” brought
out recently, this article provides a brief
narration of these initiatives.
forestry programme popularly known as wadi on
degraded lands.
This programme has potential to ensure food
security and enrich the eco-system in rural India.
While promoting the wadi programme, BAIF has
also been encouraging rural and tribal families to
tap additional sources of income making optimum
use of their traditional knowledge and existing
resources. For helping the participant families to
improve their livelihood base, BAIF has
established the Resource Centre for Tribal
Development under the Centre of Excellence
supported by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs as a
thematic centre to consolidate initiatives in natural
resource management. Realising the importance
of NWFP for tribal families for their livelihood and
food security, this centre is promoting pilot
initiatives in transfer of technologies which are
innovative and provide scope for skills
development.
Such successful initiatives and discoveries
documented from various operational areas of the
The BAIF Journal

tribal development programme have led to a
publication “Unfolding the potential of
diversified rural livelihood: successful
initiatives”, with the ultimate aim of developing
best practices to improve productivity of these
enterprises, popularise their cultivation and share
these experiences with various communities
across the country for a brighter and sustainable
future.
The success stories demonstrate simple ecofriendly
technologies and innovative marketing
strategies practised by small and marginal farmers
with the active involvement of the entire family in
remote areas while cultivating NWFP including
under-utilised non-traditional crops. Successful
cultivation of jackfruit, jamun and custard apple by
a few ambitious farmers have proved them to have
excellent potential for establishment on marginal
and wastelands while ensuring nutritional security
and assured livelihood. These lesser known fruit
crops are now posing a challenge to popular fruits
in the markets of leading cities and towns where
they are being transported by these farmers in
durable bamboo baskets for profitable returns.
Thus, apart from contributing to the livelihood,
these NWFPs serve as nutritious and delicious
food for both rural and urban population.
The multiple uses of phoenix palm are being
demonstrated by a herbal practitioner who
indulges in extracting sap from the tree and selling
it thereby widening his livelihood options while
the tough leaves made into brooms and sold by the
landless in the operational areas of BAIF and also
woven into handicrafts highlight the commercial
value of this species. Some innovative farmers are
also using the leaves as tree guards for protection
of young fruit plants while others are making use of
the bushes as live fence for vegetable crops. The
fruits are eaten when fully ripe. The tree also has
ornamental value and is planted in gardens.
Palmyra palm, a sturdy multipurpose tree is also
being cultivated for tapping the sap popularly
known as Neera, for commercial as well as home
consumption.
The nutritional value of Bauhinia, an ornamental
tree is reflected through the experiences of tribal
families who make use of the tender leaves,
flowers and pods in their diet. Elephant foot yam is
8
being cultivated by tribal families due to its simple
cultivation practices and aftercare resulting in
enrichment of backyard kitchen gardens while
progressive non-tribal farmers in Navsari district
have taken the lead in practicing mixed farming of
perennial crops, thereby fetching handsome
returns. Some of the farmers in Dang district of
Gujarat are also reviving finger millet cultivation.
Cultivation of lemon grass and other grasses of
essential oils have also been adopted by a few tribal
farmers of Wardha district to resist attack by
predators. As wild animals damaged all food crops,
citronella grass was introduced. The strong odour
of this grass prevented wild animals from entering
the field. Cultivation of karvy for watershed
treatment has also been tested with encouraging
success. Harvesting of green sticks having
commercial value was another source of livelihood
for landless families. Potential of Portia tree for
financial security of small farmers has also been
documented. Revival of gum collection and
mahua flowers while protecting forest resources,
focus on the sustainable management aspects of
these NWFPs which are a major source of income
during the lean period.
The successful initiatives made by the students of a
residential tribal school to promote lac cultivation
in homesteads has scope for wider replication
while rearing of lac on Palas trees naturally
growing on farms was a new discovery by the tribal
farmers. Training of new entrants by successful
lac growing farmers, management of lac farm by a
group of women and improving lac production in
non-conventional locations, have also been
successfully carried out under this programme.
Farmers in Nanded district of Maharashtra have
demonstrated successful use of salai tree as a low
cost non-traditional fence for crop protection.
All these experiences have been well captured
from various operational areas of BAIF and
documented in this book, which will serve as a
reading and reference material for field
practitioners and extension officers for wider
dissemination of the use of valuable non-wood
forest species.
Sucharita Dhar
The BAIF Journal

9
The BAIF Institute for Rural Development, Karnataka, an
Associate Organisation of BAIF was awarded the Ground
Water Augmentation Award, for the year 2008 by the Ministry
of Water Resources, Government of India on the occasion of
World Water Day on March 22, 2010 in New Delhi. Shri. P.K.
Bansal, Honorable Minister for Water Resources and
Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, presented the
award to BIRD-K in recognition of the innovative practices
adopted for ground water augmentation through rainwater
harvesting and artificial recharge. The award was received by
Shri. Ramesh Rawal, Executive Vice President, BAIF.
This award is in recognition of the outstanding work of
Sachetana Project wherein BAIF could promote roof top
water harvesting for drinking purpose and combat fluorosis problem in 45 villages. The
uniqueness of this programme was to construct ground water tank to store water and
connect water supply to the tap installed in the kitchen which was not only user friendly but
also hygienic.
Shri. Ramesh Rawal receives the Award from Hon'ble Minister
The BAIF Journal

10
Recipients of Dr. Manibhai Desai Gaurav
Puraskar and Smt. Vijaya Deshmukh
Memorial Award
Smt. Vijaya Deshmukh Memorial Award
for Second Best SHG
Best Self Help Group under MITTRA
Foundation Day of Celebrated
“Women empowerment has resulted in a new awakening”.
Women are demonstrating their efficiency and confidence by
venturing out to operate urban oriented activities apart from
managing their routine activities which focus around preparation
of papad and pickles”, stated Ms. Supriya Sule, Member of
Parliament. Ms. Sule was speaking at the BAIF Foundation Day
celebration and award ceremony at the BAIF Central Research
Station at Urulikanchan near Pune on January 19, 2010. While
appreciating the transformation in the lives of rural women who
are playing an effective role in community development, Ms. Sule
also highlighted the problems of global warming and
environmental pollution and the problems associated with it such
as acute shortage of water. She appealed to development
organisations including BAIF to share and demonstrate efficient
use of water resources to solve the problems of water scarcity and
drinking water and thereby to control the injustice being done on
Mother Earth.
Earlier, Ms. Sule handed over the Dr. Manibhai
Desai Gaurav Puraskar (Rs. 10,000/-) and
Smt. Vijaya Deshmukh Memorial Award
(Rs. 20,000/-) to Maruthi Mahila SwaSahaya
Sangh from K. Hosur village in Arasikere taluka
of Hassan district of Karnataka, which was
adjudged as the Best Self Help Group for the
year 2009.
Smt. Rajashree A. Birla, Trustee, BAIF while
handing over the Smt. Vijaya Deshmukh
Memorial Award 2009 for the Second Best Self
Help Group (Rs. 10,000/-) to Jalaram Mahila
Mandal from Ladkuva village in Surat district of Gujarat,
expressed her satisifaction with the self reliance demonstrated by
these women inspite of hardships in their lives.
Ms. Sule, also presented the Best Self Help Group under MITTRA
Programme (Rs. 10,000/-) Award to Durgamata Self Help Group
from Anji village in Nanded district of Maharashtra.
Dr. Narayan G. Hegde, Trustee, BAIF while welcoming the
dignitaries, traced the genesis of BAIF which was established on
August 24, 1967 by Dr. Manibhai Desai, with the support of Shri.
Yashwantrao Chavan, Shri. Vasantrao Naik, Shri. Annasaheb
Ms. Supriya Sule, MP
speaks on Women Empowerment
The BAIF Journal 11
Shinde and inaugurated by the-then President of India, Late Dr.
Zakir Hussain. Today, the programmes of BAIF are benefiting ovr
30 lakh families spread over 55,000 villages in 12 states, he added
and concluded by stating that BAIF hoped to cover one lakh
families across the country in the next 10 years.
Shri. Girish G. Sohani, President, BAIF highlighted the dream of
Manibhai Desai in establishing BAIF to tackle the problems of rural
poverty. Today, livestock development through promotion of
dairy husbandry, watershed development, dryland horticulture
through promotion of agri-horti-forestry and sustainable
agricultural practices are enhancing the income of the poor
families.
Shri. B.G. Deshmukh, Chairman, Executive Committee of BAIF
Trustees, appreciated the empowerment of women in BAIF's
operational areas who have taken the bold step to step out of their
houses and work for community development.
Shri. Ashokrao Pawar, MLA, Shirur taluka and
Shri. Ramesh Thorat, MLA, Daund taluka, were
also present on the occasion. Shri. Hasmukh S.
Shah, Shri. Deepak C. Mehta and Shri. Hrishikesh
A. Mafatlal, Trustees of BAIF were also present
on the occasion.
A representative from Maruthi Mahila
SwaSahaya Sangh from K. Hosur village in
Arasikere taluka of Hassan district of
Karnataka highlighted the activities taken by
the group for social and community
development.
Earlier, awards were given to meritorious students and for sportsrelated
achievements. “Marching towards Economic
Empowerment” by Ms. Sunanda Kulkarni and Dr. Shrikant
Khadilkar and BAIF in Sustainable Development by Savita Kulkarni
and published in 'Vishranti' Journal Diwali 2008 were adjudged the
Best Publications; “Effect of Dairy sludge application on yield and
quality parameters of Forage Crops” by Mr. P.S. Takawale, Dr. V.K.
Kauthale, Prof. J.S. Desale and Dr. P.K. Kulkarni was selected as the
Best Scientific Paper.
Dr. A.B. Pande, Vice President, BAIF proposed the vote of thanks.
Dr. Narayan G. Hegde, Trustee, BAIF
welcoming the dignitaries
About the Award by
Shri. Girish G. Sohani, President, BAIF
Shri. B.G. Deshmukh, Chairman,
Executive Committee of BAIF Trustees,
speaks on the occasion
The BAIF Journal

12
BAIF receives
Best Water NGO Award
BAIF was conferred the 'Best Water NGO' National Award. The award supported by UNESCO and
Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India, was given to BAIF under three categories, namely,
'Revival of Rural Water Resources,' 'Water Harvesting' and 'Water Education' in recognition of its
efficient use of water resources through innovative water harvesting technologies and for creating
awareness among the Community, Institutions, Schools, Government and Industries.
It was for the first time in the history of Water
Awards that the award under all three
categories was claimed by one organisation
itself. Mr. Ramesh Rawal, Executive Vice
President, BAIF, received the award from
Mr. Armoogum Parsuraman, Director and
UNESCO Representative to Bhutan, India, Sri
Lanka and Maldives and Mr. Ramesh Negi, CEO
New Delhi Jal Board in the presence of the Chief
Guest Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal, Hon'ble
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Water
Resources, Government of India on January 9,
2010 at a formal function held in New Delhi.
The Water Awards were institutionalised by
Water Digest Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi in 2006. The nominations were judged by a panel comprising of
representatives from IIT Delhi, TERI, Wes-net and UNESCO.
The watershed development programme of BAIF is spread over 5968 villages, improving the
livelihood of 0.23 million families. Suitable water harvesting technologies have been adopted based
on local conditions, traditional knowledge and scientific skills. In this process, many innovative
approaches have evolved to ensure equitable distribution, effective use of water and improved
agricultural production. 9900 participants are trained and oriented every year through various
projects for creating awareness a mong rural communities and regions on the issues of water
conservation and recycling. BAIF has also introduced a Diploma course in Watershed Development
and Rainwater Harvesting in Maharashtra in collaboration with Indira Gandhi National Open
University, New Delhi. Several books, articles, papers and audio-visual materials on water
conservation and management have been brought out for effective use as training and extension
material.
The BAIF Journal

ayantibhai Chimanbhai Patel's farm in
JKesargam village in Bharuch district of
Gujarat was no different from many others in
the vicinity. He would grow cotton and some
pigeon pea and had a traditional irrigation
system that just about sustained his needs.
He then heard about various activities of the
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), BAIF's
training and demonstration campus in
Bharuch. From KVK, he leant about new
high yielding varieties of crops. He also
learnt about the use of micro nutrients for
cotton and horticultural crops, and the
benefits of balanced fertilisers and water
harvesting. From the year 2001onwards, he
began to make use of micro (drip) irrigation
and horticultural development schemes apart
from schemes of NABARD and the
13
Harvest of Hope
Jayantibhai: A successful farmer
Success Story
Agriculture Department. All these
interventions helped him to nurture his crops
in the most cost effective way. Soon, he
started using drip irrigation on his farm,
saving precious water. He constructed a
check dam for water harvesting and on the
advice of scientists, diversified into papaya
cultivation. The measures he took increased
the net income per ha to Rs.1.5 lakh from
Rs.10,000. He also saved 40% expenses on
water and electricity costs and half of his
earlier fertiliser costs. His product showed a
marked improvement in quality and through
the farmers' club organised by NABARD, he
could get access to larger and more lucrative
markets like Delhi and other states which
earlier were beyond his imagination.
The BAIF Journal

Today, Jayantibhai is looked up to by farmers
in the neigbouring region who come to him
for advice and help. His one simple advice
for everyone is “forget traditional ways.
Thing big, think smart and see your life
flourish”.
J.C. Patel, a farmer from Kesargam village in
Valia taluka of Bharuch district was awarded
'Development of Agriculture' award in
14
Two Gujarat farmers, who employed scientific methods shunning traditional farming practises,
resulting in increased yield and profits, were felicitated by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar
here. Jayantibhai Chimanbhai Patel from Bharuch district and Kharadi Zinabhai Fatabhai from
Banaskhantha district were presented with a citation and memento at a coffee table book (on
farmers) release function yesterday.
The success was achieved with the support of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, NABARD and Department of
Agriculture, Government of Gujarat.
The book titled 'Harvest of Hope' accounts the success stories of 101 farmers, including the Gujarat
duo. Patel's farm in Kesargam village in Bharuch district, 100 kms from here, was no different before
he shifted to papaya cultivation from cotton and pigeon pea, that just about sustained his needs.
Discarding the traditional irrigation system, Patel turned to drip irrigation system, promoted by
Irrigation Horticulture department and adopted schemes of NABARD and Krishi Vigyan Kendra from
2001 onwards, saving precious water.
He constructed a check dam for water harvesting and on the advice of scientists, diversified into
papaya cultivation. The measures he took increased the net income per hectare to a lakh and a half
from Rs 10,000. He also saved 40 percent expenses on his water and electricity costs and half of his
earlier fertiliser costs. His product showed marked improvement in quality and he got access to
larger and more lucrative markets like Delhi and other states. Today, Jayantibhai is looked up to by
farmers in his locality, who come to him for advice and help. His mantra for everyone is 'Shake off
age old ways, Think big, Think smart and see your life flourish.'
Kharadi's tale from being a poor farmer in Vagadadi village in Banaskantha district bordering
Pakistan to being a village panchayat and Farm Science Club member, also inspires many peasants in
the area, who have taken up scientific farming methods to reduce wastage of soil nutrients due to
excessive tillage. Kharadi, a castor farmer increased the net income per hectare by an impressive
five times by conserving soil on his farm with minimum tillage.
terms of technical guidance and Improved
technology, water harvesting and drip
irrigation, crop diversification and farm
science club support. The award was
conferred on him by Shri Sharad Pawar,
Union Minister for Agriculture, Government
of India on February 26, 2010 in New Delhi.
Jayantibhai was provided airfare to receive
the award.
Courtesy: Press Trust of India, February 27, 2010
The BAIF Journal

15
GUJARAT REGIONAL CLOSE UP
EWS YOU CAN US
N E
Mr. Karimkhan D Malek, Centre-in-Charge of Kansa in Patan district of Gujarat,
was recently felicitated for his dedicated services to dairy farmers in the region. The
event took place on the occasion of the inauguration of the new building of the Dairy Cooperative
Society in Volavi village which falls under the operational area of the cattle development centre
at Kansa. The centre is sponsored by
Mehsana District Cooperative Milk
Producers' Union Limited (Dudhsagar
Dairy). Mr. Malek has been operating this
centre since the last 10 years and has won the
love and affection of the villagers due to his
hard work and sincerity. More than 18000
AIs have been performed by him so far.
During the period April 2009 to March 2010,
Mr. Malek carried out 2500 AI. In
recognition of his committed service,
Mr. Malek was felicitated Dudhsagar Dairy
on March 30, 2010 in the presence of
Mr. Vipulbhai Chaudhary, Chairman of the
Dairy.
ANDHRA PRADESH
Cattle Development Centre-in-charge Felicitated
Mr. Sukhender
Reddy, Member of
Parliament and former
Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Dairy
Mr. Malek being felicitated by Mr. R.A.Modi,
GM, Dudhsagar Dairy in the presence of
Chairman, Mr. Vipulbhai Chaudhary
Development Cooperative Federation and
Mr. Rizwi, Collector, Nalgonda district, attended the
calf rally at Chityal on October 30, 2009. The rally
was organised on the occasion of the distribution of
scholarships and awards to meritorious students
belonging to socio-economically poorer sections of
Visitors to calf rally
the cattle farming community of Nalgonda and
Rangareddy districts. 40 calves of different breeds were brought to the rally and nearly 1000
farmers gathered from various parts of the two districts.
The BAIF Journal

16
Impact Study on Cattle Developemnt Programme
An impact study of Mission Sunhera Kal Cattle Development Programme in Andhra Pradsesh
was conducted in Prakasam, Guntur and Khammam districts by Dr. C.K. Rao and Dr. T.
Padmakar Rao from Inter Cooperation Hyderabad in October 2009.
The following findings emerged from the study:
The BIRD, AP doorstep breeding service is a unique delivery package with low costs, says
Pinnapaka, a dairy farmer.
Doorstep AI services has brought a facelift to rural
livestock scenario with overall betterment of
villages in the study area.
Positive pregnancy over AI ranges 47-69% is much
above the customary levels of 40-45% in India.
Breeding procedure adopted by BAIF is akin to AP
Breeding policy.
CBC staff have excellent commitment to and
rapport with farmers.
Project village
Spectacular change has been noticed in getting improved progeny resulting in higher
productivity ensuring overall additional income to the farmer.
Higher returns to investment (nearly 13 times) Rs.12.9 lakh invested in 3 CBCS (4 year old)
resulted in Rs.153.56 through milk, male calves and pregnant heifers.
* * *
Karimnagar Milk Union had collaborated with BAIF in the year 2000-01 for breeding activities.
This milk union was collecting 12000 litres of milk per day. Due to the impact of the breeding
programme in the region, the procurement has reached one lakh litres per day from November
2009. The Milk Day was celebrated on November 26, 2009 on the occasion of the birth
anniversary of Dr. V.J. Kurien, Founder of National Dairy Development Board, Anand at
Karimnagar. All the organisations shared their experiences and were also felicitated.
* * *
A team of Project Directors from all over the state visited the cattle breeding centre at Majidpur
in Rangareddy district on December 19, 2009 to study BAIF's Model AI Services in the district.
* * *
The Government of Andhra Pradesh Order No: GO Rt.No.:561
dated November 24, 2009, has recognised BIRD, AP as a competent Agency
for providing quality doorstep AI Services.
The BAIF Journal

17
With the support of Programme for Appropriate Technology in
Health (PATH) and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a special
Health Project entitled “Sure Start”, has been undertaken in Bahraich and
Balrampur districts to improve maternal and new-born health (MNH) status through effective
community action. These activities included creating awareness among the community about
MNH issues, closer interaction of pregnant women with “Ashas” who are the local community
health volunteers, arranging home visits of these health workers to interact with pregnant
women, emergency transportation, and delivery in healthcare institutions. The project has made
a significant impact on maternal and child health while significantly reducing the incidence of
child mortality.
UTTA R PRADESH Radio France Travels to Bahraich
Radio France representative Marina, Piya from Hyderus, New Delhi and Kumar, RPM-PATH,
visited Hyderpur Naubasta village in Bahraich district on April 5, 2010 and recorded
community action in process with the active participation and cooperation of the community.
In addition to the cattle breeding centres operating in the state,
25 additional centres were approved in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakashi
and Pithoragarh districts based on a State Government Order released in
January 2010.
UTTARAKHAND
MAHARASHTRA
Biodiversity Conservation
Dr. Vandana Shiva, Founder of Navdanya, Dehra dun and 'Bija
Vidyapeeth' Awards is involved in the national movement to
protect the diversity and integrity of living resources, especially native
seeds through the establishment of community seed banks and promotion of
organic agriculture. Intellectual Property Rights and Biodiversity is another area of concern
which has been popularised through the "Neem Campaign" and "Basmati Campaign".
During her visit to BAIF's tribal development
programme at Jawhar in Thane district on January 14,
2010, she visited the community seed bank at Chowk
village and interacted with the farmers and members of
the seed savers' committee. She also visited the
floriculture plot at Dengachimeth and held discussions
with the members of the floriculture cooperative apart
from interacting with the members of the Women's
Federation and Amarai Cooperative.
Dr. Shiva highlighted the need to create awareness among farmers and women on economic
aspects of agriculture while complimenting the BAIF integrated model of farming which was a
model of food security. Mr. G.G. Sohani, President, BAIF focussed on the conservation
approach which should be made a part of one's lifestyle blending conservation led by the
communiy, revival and sustainable use by means of open ended research.
The BAIF Journal

ven today, just 40 km away from Pune,
availability of safe clean drinking water
Eis a critical problem which affects the quality
of life of the community. Due to lack of
access to reliable sources of clean drinking
water, the villagers especially women have to
walk several km under adverse weather
conditions to fetch water for drinking,
cooking and various other needs. As over
50% of the villages in India suffer from water
shortage and about 75% of the potable water
sources do not meet the WHO safety
standards, conjunctive use of surface water
and ground water resources and provision of
safe drinking water at closer locations, can
reduce the hardships of women to a great
extent while saving their energy and time.
18
Drinking Water reaches Water Scarcity Villages
Rotarians and Dr. Narayan Hegde
visit a project village
Considering the plight of the women in the
neighbourhood of Urulikanchan village, a
Sustainable Clean Water Supply
Development Project was undertaken in 10
priority drought-prone villages in Haveli,
Daund and Indapur talukas of Pune district.
The objective was to provide safe drinking
water and improve the health status of the
rural community through the installation of
borewells and hand pumps at their hamlets.
The project was launched by BAIF
Development Research Foundation, Pune and
the Rotary Foundation with the support of
Rotary Club of Nigdi, Pune and Rotary Club
of Longueuil Rive-Sud, Canada, with the
active participation of the rural community
through the establishment of drinking water
user associations in every village to manage
the programme efficiently.
Under the Matching Grants programme, with
an investment of Rs. 13 lakhs, more than 700
families from 10 villages around
Urulikanchan have been provided with 10
tube wells and hand pumps. These water
sources are located on community land in the
villages itself for easy access by the villagers
especially women. The contribution of the
villagers towards the project is by way of land
and responsibility to maintain the tube wells
in good working condition.
To express their gratitude and as a means of
ownership, the villagers have named these
tube wells as “Any Time Water” or ATW as
water from these sources are available
throughout the day unlike pump sets which
function only when they receive power
supply. Inspite of power cuts upto 16 hours
every day, the villagers are blessed with easy
availability of safe water any time of the day.
Rohini Dilip Kudale, the Secretary of the
women's group was overcome by emotion
while expressing her satisfaction with the
project. She in fact went to the extent of
mentioning that it was because of BAIF's
women empowerment programme that she
became alert about her children's education.
The BAIF Journal

As a result, both her daughter and son are
studying in the tenth and eighth standard
respectively at Mahatma Gandhi Vidyalaya at
Urulikamchan have scored more than 70% in
their final examinations. Although, she could
not complete her school education due to early
marriage, she started using her limited
English vocabulary here and there which
indicated her confidence in her leadership.
Her mother-in-law witnessing her
conversation with the Rotarians, expressed
her pride at her daughter-in-law's
accomplishment. Indeed, Rohini has led the
whole village into various community
development programmes.
A recent visit by a team of Rotarians namely
Mr. Shyam Sirur, former President,
Mr. Shivesh Anand, current President and
Mr. Karkare, future President, from Rotary
Club of Nigdi, Pune District 3131,
accompanied by Dr. Narayan G. Hegde,
Trustee, BAIF and Dr. Ravi Jadhav, Project
Coordinator, BAIF to Holewadi, Dalimb and
Shindaune villages in Haveli taluka near
Urulikanchan, revealed the impact these
water sources have made in the lives of the
villagers especially women.
Many bold women shared their experiences
during the meeting. They narrated how they
accompanied by their children, used to spend
two hours daily and walk long distances to
fetch water from wells located nearly half a
km away . These enterprising women who are
active members of the village borewell
committee have assumed the responsibility of
operating the wells in the larger interest of the
community. The families have benefitted not
only in terms of access to a clean potable
source of drinking water but also by way of
better health due to less risk from water-borne
diseases. The children no longer have to
19
Drudgery reduction for women
accompany their mothers long distances in
search of water and can now attend school
regularly as well as have time for other
activities. With this benefit, the womenfolk
are finding time to operate various micro
enterprises from their houses and thereby
improve their income status as well as gain
confidence. As members of the self help
groups promoted in the villages, they are also
availing of various insurance schemes to
educate their children and to avail of
scholarships for higher education. All the
men in the community had great admiration
for the leadership assumed by the women,
who neither had proper education nor
exposure to community development before.
After their interaction with the jubilant
women, who were a significant part of this
successful project, the Rotarians expressed
their satisfaction and advised BAIF to take up
similar activities in many other villages.
Thus, through awareness and motivation and
capacity building through development of
local organisations, these villages are now
assured of safe and potable drinking water at
their doorsteps while enjoying better quality
of life.
The BAIF Journal

Mahua (Madhuca indica, M. latifolia) is
commonly grown in semi arid, tropical and sub
tropical regions of India. It is a large deciduous
tree, which grows to 20-25 m height with a
short trunk, 80-120 cm in diameter and
spreading habit. The tree grows slowly and
starts flowering after 12-15 years. The corolla
part of the flower is fleshy, thick and
sweet and an important source of food in
tribal areas. These flowers fall down
naturally after fruit set and are collected
by local people for immediate
consumption or stored after drying. The
seed is a good source of edible oil and the
cake is fed to livestock. Dried flowers are
fermented and distilled for spirit. Seed oil
is used for preparation of food and for
providing illumination in the house. The
oilseed cake is also a good source of
manure.
A grown up tree yields 50-100 kg seed
every year and around one quintal
flowers. The average market price for seed is
Rs.7 per kg and for dried flowers, it is Rs.20-25
per kg. This tree is considered as Kalpavruksha
for the tribal poor and is also finds place in their
culture, as is reflected in numerous folk songs.
In recent years, degradation of forest area
leading to barren wastelands has directly
affected tribal livelihood. For generations,
these communities have been dependent on
natural resources for their livelihood. Mahua
trees are not cut due to immense importance
attached to them for tribal livelihood.
20
Grafted Mahua Plantation
BAIF has developed the agri-horti-forestry (wadi) programme for
holistic development of rural and tribal communities in their own
surroundings through sustainable use of existing natural resources. In its
effort to provide diversified options for livelihood generation of rural
communities, BAIF is pilot testing various interventions in its project
areas. The article describes the preparation of Mahua graft and its
introduction in Nandurbar region of Maharashtra.
Realising that long gestation period is a major
constraint for commercial plantation of Mahua,
BAIF has developed and standardised the
grafting technique for Mahua using softwood
grafting method in controlled climatic
condition. With this technique, it was found
that the tree starts fruiting within five years,
which otherwise requires 12-15 years.This has
helped in popularising commercial plantation
in tribal areas.
Grafted mahua can be planted in a spacing of
10 x 10 m accommodating 40 plants per acre on
marginal lands. The tribal family then obtain
Rs.25,000-40,000 from one acre plantation
with minimum care. Thus, Innovative
technique of Mahua grafting can be a boon for
rural communities.
G.A. Patil, Jalgaon
The BAIF Journal

PATRONS AND ASSOCIATES OF BAIF:
A CALL FOR PARTNERSHIP
BAIF has established the
Dr. Manibhai Desai Endowment Fund
for promoting sustainable livelihood in rural India.
We invite generous donors to support this worthy cause by associating
with us as our Patrons and Associates.
You can become our Patron by contributing over Rs. 25 lakhs and
our Associate by contributing over Rs. 10 lakhs.
Minister visits the Nature Cure Ashram
Dr. Nitin Raut, Hon'ble Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries,
Government of Maharashtra, visited the Nature Cure Ashram at Urulikanchan, established by
Mahatma Gandhi, on May 2, 2010. He was
accompanied by Dr. Narayan G. Hegde, Managing
Trustee, Nature Cure Ashram, Shri. Dnynoba T.
Kanchan, Trustee, Dr. A.B. Pande, Vice President,
BAIF, Dr. T. Chandrasekhar, Senior Principal
Doctor and Dr. Hema J. Arya, Principal Naturopathy
Doctor Dr. Raut was briefed about the origin and
historical significance of the ashram by Dr. Hegde,
the types of facilities available, the kind of desirable
lifestyle advised and diet management for improved
quality of life. Dr. Raut was shown the posters on
these aspects. He also visited the Prerana Mandir and various treatment facilities.
“I am really a happy person to visit this place where Mahatmaji spent
some time for the unique work in relation to human help. I appreciate and
”
wish you the same again .
- Dr. Nitin Raut, Minister for Animal Husbandry,
Dairy Development and Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra
Earlier, Dr. Raut had also visited the BAIF Central Research Station at Urulikanchan on January
17, 2010.
“Today, I have visited this research centre which is so excellent and
fruitful to the farmers. This excellency in the field is highly appreciable
and technologically proper and sound .
”

From the
Book Shelf
MANUS UBHA KELA
Registration with R.N.I., Registration No.: 39839/82
A book in Marathi on the development
philosophy of its founder Dr. Manibhai Desai
and his contribution to the growth of BAIF.
The book focuses on the development
programmes in Maharashtra with special
emphasis on empowerment of women.
Pages 134, Price Rs.125/-
Nature Cure for Obesity
This book provides solution for those who are
likely to become obese due to wrong eating and
living habits. It emphasises on balanced diet,
various exercises and yoga for overcoming
obesity.
Pages 120, Price Rs.60/-
Nisargopchar Gramsudhar Trust
Urulikanchan, Pune 412 202, Maharashtra, India
Phone: 020-26926298 / 26926230
E-mail: nisargopchar@vsnl.com
Available at
Diamond Publications
Tel.: (020) 24480677
Email: diamondpublications@vsnl.net
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