The Hindu Business Line : Vidarbha farmers learn ‘art of living’

A local farmer Mr Nilesh S. Rahate has begun teaching basic yoga to about 250 villagers in five villages – Jawara, Karajgaon, Fatehpur, Dapori and Namaskari. And, this is just the beginning, he says.

The Nabard’s Swayampoorna or Village Farm Development Project has given the yoga teacher the incentive to spread the ‘art’ he has learnt. As part of the project, Mr Rahate was sponsored to undertake a training programme conducted by Shri Shri Ravishankar.

Now, over 250 youth from the villages have vowed to quit liquor and marry without demanding dowry after practising yoga, says Mr Rahate.

Distressed villagers, who once thought farming was a futile exercise in the arid land, are switching crops, testing organic farming, vermin-compost, besides demanding godown facilities, exploring avenues to raise bank funds through warehouse receipts and the futures market.

Though minor problems persist, none of the farmers in the five villages thought of committing suicide in last two years, says Mr Rahate. Started two years back, the low-cost Swayampoorna is run by a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) Apeksha Homoeo Society.

The programme promotes self-help group and focuses on generating supplementary income for members and reducing cost of farming. The society has raised Rs 40 lakh from HDFC Bank and lends it to the farmers.

Dr Vilas Lokhande, Treasurer, says there was initial resistance from the village elders, but youngsters were willing and formed the SHGs. The youth venture had its impact on the elders who subsequently formed separate SHGs as well.

School children are not far back. Ms Manisha Munde, a XII standard girl from Jawara, has initiated a Kishori (young girls) Self Help Group of 10 members in June by chipping in Rs 10 a month. Ms Munde proposes to fund the education expenses of the girls after 12 months.

More Stories on : Trends | Maharashtra

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page