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NATURAL FARMING FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE FOR TRIBAL POPULATIONS IN MAHARASHTRA, INDIA
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A. PROJECT BACKGROUND & DESCRIPTION
Om Gagangiri Maharaj Ashirwadit Trust (OMGMT), based in Nimboli, Maharashtra, India, is a dedicated non-governmental organization committed to building sustainable livelihoods for over 300 tribal farmer families. Our vision is to transform the agricultural landscape across 34 villages in the Wada and Bhiwandi Blocks through low-cost, environmentally friendly farming practices.
We seek funding from the International Rotary Club to support an ambitious initiative of intensive community engagement and technical training. Our project aims to:
• Empower tribal farmers with sustainable techniques
• Restore soil health
• Reduce dependency on chemical inputs
• Enhance food safety and nutrition
• Improve local ecology
• Increase household incomes
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B. CURRENT ACHIEVEMENTS:
OMGMT currently collaborates with over 300 tribal farmers, providing training in the use of locally available materials to create natural farming solutions. Using ingredients like cow dung, cow urine, fresh leaves, garlic, tobacco, cloves, ginger, chilies, and bean powders, farmers are taught to replace chemical fertilizers and pesticides with effective organic remedies. These efforts significantly lower farming costs and contribute to environmental healing.
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C. PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES
1. Establishment of Natural Farming Demo Farm and Training Facilities:
• Create a model farm showcasing sustainable farming techniques.
• Conduct hands-on workshops and field training for farmers.
2. Promotion of Environment-Friendly Farming Practices:
• Promote the use of organic and natural inputs.
• Restore soil health and preserve biodiversity by reducing chemical usage.
• Provide demonstrations and continuous training in natural farming.
3. Entrepreneurial Training:
• Equip farmers with business skills for fair trade engagement.
• Distribute fruit-bearing plants to supplement income through local market sales.
• Establish a collection and storage center for agricultural produce.
• Provide training in pricing, branding, and local market sales.
• Establish a market in nearby metropolis of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai with distribution
vehicle
4. Community Engagement:
• Preserve and celebrate the region's rich tribal heritage through integration of traditional practices, such as the Tarpa Dance, into project activities.
• Foster community pride, resilience, and self-respect.
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D. BENEFICIARIES
The initiative directly benefits over 300 tribal families across 34 villages, primarily from the Warli, Malhar Koli, and Thakur tribal communities.
Key challenges faced include:
• Unsecured livelihoods
• Limited access to markets, healthcare, and education
• Dependence on chemical farming practices
• Waterborne diseases and nutritional deficiencies
• Weak social structures affected by liquor addiction
This project will empower these communities with sustainable, health-promoting agricultural practices, stronger community bonds, and new income opportunities.
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E. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
In 2018, OMGMT conducted participatory rural appraisals (PRA) in three villages to build a shared understanding of community needs. Findings confirmed the urgent need for sustainable agriculture, alternative livelihood skills, access to healthcare, and restoration of traditional practices.
The community will be actively involved through:
• Cultural events
• Hands-on farm training
• Farmer leadership councils
• Women's engagement in farm and entrepreneurial training.
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F. PROJECT SCOPE
Month 1-2
Identify & register 300 families with awareness sessions with 34 + tribal hamlets, database creation
Launch cultural activities such as 1 traditional tribal event (tarpa dance, folk program)
Finalize land layout for demo farm with site selection, layout designed.
Month 2-4
Set up demo farm. Soil conditioning, fencing, compost pits, nursery and irrigation systems
Distribute seeds, sprayers, water wheels to selected farmers.
Begin farmer training (continuous) including input training (Jeevamrut, pest repellant, seed treatment)
Continue cultural events with two events conducted.
Month 4-10
Continue farmer training (hands on and entrepreneurial) with 17 clusters of 20 farmers each. Train in natural input use, marketing, fair trade practices.
Conduct over 100 guided field visits and demo plot exposure by team volunteers.
Maintain monthly cultural activities that promote cultural pride and community bonding.
Month 7-10
Conduct fruit tree plantation education and drive for 300 selected farmers. 9000+ fruit and
native saplings distributed and planted.
Market linkage and entrepreneurial guidance. Training on pricing, branding, selling at local markets.
Setup produce collection center on OMGMT land in Vadpada. Identify storage.
Month 11
Monitoring and evaluation using surveys, soil and yield comparisons, tree survival lrates.
Collect farmer testimonials and stories. Utilize for Rotary reporting and publicity.
Month 12
Final graduation event and community celebration. Honor top performing farmers.
include cultural event.
Submit final Rotary Global Grant report which includes impact data, stories, financial summary and visuals.
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G. PROJECT PARTNERS
Rotary Host Partner: Rotary Club of Ambernath Industrial Area (India)
• Manages and controls grant funds.
• Provides technical advisors for farming practices and marketing.
• Facilitates market linkages to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
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Rotary International Partner: Rotary Club of Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico (District 4140)
• Leads international fundraising efforts.
• Networks with Rotary clubs worldwide via the Online International Project Fair.
• Promotes visibility for the project within and beyond District 4140.
• Jeanette Monosoff, PhD serves as the primary international contact.
• PDG Peter Jeschofnig (D-5470) serves as secondary project advisor.
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Implementing Partner: Om Gagangiri Maharaj Ashirwadit Trust (OMGMT)
• Deeply rooted in the Wada and Bhiwandi tribal communities since 2016.
• Proven expertise in natural farming, women's empowerment, education, water
conservation, and cultural preservation.
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H. SUSTAINABILITY
The project addresses multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
• Zero Hunger
• Good Health and Well-Being
• Responsible Consumption and Production
• Climate Action
• Life on Land
Natural farming is a self-replicating model: once farmers learn these techniques, the knowledge continues to expand through peer-to-peer sharing.
Entrepreneurial training and market access will ensure that farmers benefit economically, making natural farming a sustainable livelihood choice for generations to come.
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I. FUNDING PLAN
International Partner (Rotary Club of Ajijic) will raise international funds.
Host Partner (Rotary Club of Ambernath Industrial Area) will raise local Indian contributions and coordinate with local Rotary clubs.
Together both partners will ensure full financial backing to successfully apply for and complete the Global Grant.
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J. Together, the International Rotary community can transform lives, restore the earth, and empower tribal farmers to become leaders of a sustainable future. Your support will make an enduring difference.
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