AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT

Mewat Area Development Project

Project Area: Mewat

Mewat is an arid, desert region in northwestern India that is economically backward. It lies between 26- and 30-degrees north latitude and 76- and 78-degrees east longitude. The region receives less than 100 millimetres of annual rainfall and suffers from water scarcity. Nearly 60% of the Meo population lives below the poverty line, and 48% of the land is uncultivated due to poor-quality water and insufficient rainfall. This makes it difficult to grow fruits and flowering crops. However, some high-value medicinal and aromatic herbs, such as Withania somnifera, Plantago ovata, Cassica augustofolia, Aloe vera, Vetiver, Jatropha curcas, and Palma Rosa, can be grown successfully in these conditions.

Project Action Plan

•  Identification of Villages

•  Selection of Crops and Technology

•  Social mobilization

•  Selection of Farmers and forming a group

•  Transfer of Technology

•  Extension activities

•  Value addition technology

•  Development of Marketing Network

Activity Milestones

Workshop on Medicinal and Aromatic crops: -  

In 2001, Natural's Care, a pioneering organization, organized the first-ever workshop in South Haryana on "Commercial Cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops in Mewat." This groundbreaking event, sponsored by the National Horticulture Board, paved the way for exploring the potential of cultivating high-value herbs in this arid region.

Project on Medicinal and Aromatic crops in Mewat: -

Recognizing our dedication and pioneering work in the field of medicinal and aromatic crops, Mewat Development Agency (MDA), the nodal agency of the Haryana government, entrusted us with the implementation of a project aimed at promoting the cultivation of the valuable plants in the Mewat region. The partnership spanned from October 2001 to September 2003, marked a significant milestone in our efforts to improve the lives of farmers and develop the economic potential of the region.

The project began with a thorough baseline survey of the region, allowing us to identify the most suitable medicinal and aromatic crops for cultivation. With the help of our comprehensive workshops, training camps, and study tours, we empowered 300 farmers with the knowledge and skills to successfully produce these high-value plants. We provided them with timely access to essential resources like seeds, fertilizers, and technical guidance, ensuring their success. The project culminated in the cultivation of MAPs across 70 acres, demonstrating their viability in the region. To secure the farmers' profitability, we established vital marketing tie-ups, guaranteeing a fair price for their harvest. Compared to traditional crops, the cultivation of MAPs provided farmers with a remarkable 2-3-fold increase in income. Furthermore, we established an oil extraction unit dedicated to aromatic grasses, bolstering the local economy. To ensure the long-term sustainability of this sector, we also facilitated the formation of the Mewat Essential Oil Association, a dedicated organization serving the needs of farmers and promoting the growth of the industry.

Dipin Project- (2004-2005)

Natural's Care, a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture, actively promoted the cultivation of aromatic crops and Jatropha in Ballabhgarh and Hathin blocks of Faridabad. Their dedication went beyond mere promotion, as they established a nodal nursery for the free distribution of slips and plantlets, empowering farmers to embark on this profitable journey.

In a commendable initiative, Natural's Care motivated and equipped 30 farmers with the knowledge and resources to cultivate fennel during the Rabi season of 2004. They provided comprehensive support, encompassing all aspects from seed procurement to market access, ensuring a smooth and successful transition for these farmers. By embracing these new crops, farmers stood to gain a remarkable 2-3 fold increase in their income compared to traditional agricultural practices.

Entrepreneur Development Programme-

Natural Care's Entrepreneurship Development Program: Empowering Rural Youth and Women of Mewat through Medicinal and Aromatic Crops

Natural Care: Cultivating Hope in Mewat

Since its inception in 2000, Natural Care has been a dedicated advocate for agricultural development, with a particular focus on promoting the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic crops (MAPs). Recognizing the potential of these crops to provide a sustainable source of income within rural areas, Natural Care embarked on a project supported by the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) to empower the rural youth and women of Mewat through MAP cultivation.

Mewat: A Region with Untapped Potential

Mewat, a predominantly rural area in Haryana, faces various challenges, including limited water resources and dependence on traditional crops with diminishing returns. Despite these constraints, the region possesses untapped potential for the cultivation of high-value MAPs.

A Three-Phase Project for Sustainable Development

Natural Care implemented a comprehensive three-phase program:

• Community Mobilization (2006-07): This phase focused on raising awareness and building capacity among the rural community. Workshops, training camps, and the establishment of a herbal nursery provided farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to cultivate MAPs.

• Demonstration of Production and Processing Technology (2007-08): This phase focused on showcasing the practical application of MAP cultivation through demonstrations and the establishment of an oil extraction unit for Artimesia and Aloevera. This provided tangible evidence of the potential benefits for farmers.

• Commercial Production and Marketing Tie-up (2008-09): This phase facilitated the transition to commercial production by providing farmers with access to planting material, technical guidance, and market linkages. This ensured sustainable income generation and long-term success.

Key Achievements:

• 10 workshops and training camps: Provided critical knowledge and skills to over 200 farmers.

• 1-hectare herbal nursery: Enabled farmers to observe and learn about MAP cultivation practices and acquire planting material.

• Oil extraction unit: Demonstrated the value-addition potential of MAPs and provided farmers with access to processing facilities.

• Training for young volunteers: Facilitated knowledge transfer and empowered young people to become agents of change within their communities.

• Award for progressive farmer: Recognized the achievements of early adopters and motivated others to follow suit.

• Introduction of new crops: Promoted the cultivation of diverse MAPs like Rose, Artemisia, Aloevera, and Mulethi, offering farmers greater flexibility and risk diversification.

Impact and Future Prospects

Natural Care's project has demonstrated the potential of MAP cultivation to create sustainable livelihoods and improve the socio-economic conditions of rural communities in Mewat. By empowering women and youth, the project has also contributed to gender equality and rural development.

Building upon this success, Natural Care continues to advocate for and support the cultivation of MAPs in Mewat. By promoting innovative practices, facilitating access to resources, and fostering collaboration between farmers and stakeholders, Natural Care is paving the way for a brighter future for the communities of Mewat.

Natural Care's commitment to empowering rural communities in Mewat through the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic crops (MAPs) extended beyond establishing a nursery and oil extraction unit. They actively engaged with farmers through workshops and training camps, providing them with the knowledge and skills to thrive in this new agricultural endeavor.

Here's a summary of the workshops and training camps organized by Natural Care in different villages and blocks of Mewat:

1. Kherla (Nuh) - May 4-5, 2006: This village-level workshop, attended by 44 farmers, featured presentations on the agro-technology of Aloevera and encouraged farmers to explore high-value medicinal crops suitable for rain-fed conditions.

2. SDO Agriculture Office (Nuh) - June 12-13, 2006: This workshop targeted 32 progressive farmers from various blocks of Mewat. They received detailed information on Aloevera cultivation and processing techniques.

3. Mewli (Nuh) - July 27-28, 2006: This block-level workshop, attended by 150 farmers, provided comprehensive guidance on crop diversification and the cultivation and processing practices of various MAPs like Artemisia, Aloevera, Rose, and others. Renowned scientists from Hisar Agricultural University, IARI Pusa, and other institutions graced the event.

4. Kheri Kalan (Nagina) - October 4-5, 2006: This workshop focused on the prospects of medicinal and aromatic crops and drew 24 farmers from the surrounding area. It highlighted the potential of these crops and provided practical insights into their cultivation.

5. Nai Nagla (Nagina) - November 11-12, 2006: This workshop-cum-training program specifically focused on the rain-fed cultivation of Aloe Vera and Ashwagandha. It targeted 20 farmers and addressed the feasibility of growing these crops in brackish water.

6. Kheri Kalan (Nagina) - February 7-8, 2007: This block-level workshop, attended by a staggering 371 farmers, emphasized the large-scale cultivation of Artimisia and Aloe Vera. Experts from IARI Pusa and KVK Shikopur, Gurgaon, provided detailed information on these crops and their suitability for Mewat's climate.

These workshops and training camps played a crucial role in educating farmers about the potential of MAPs, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills, and ultimately empowering them to embrace a new and sustainable source of income.

Additionally, the visit by the sub-divisional magistrate to the herbal nursery and demonstration plots established by Natural Care underscored the organization's commitment to supporting the development of MAP cultivation in Mewat.

Natural Care Establishes Herbal Nursery and Demonstration Plots in Kheri Kalan, Mewat

In February 2006, Natural Care leased a one-hectare plot in Kheri Kalan, Mewat, to establish a nursery and demonstration plots dedicated to medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). This ambitious project aimed to provide farmers with firsthand experience and knowledge about the cultivation of these high-value crops.

Within a tight timeframe, Natural Care achieved the following milestones:

• April 2006: The plot was secured with barbed wire fencing, a room for the caretaker/guard was constructed, and an irrigation system was installed.

• June 2006: Land leveling and layout arrangements were completed before the monsoon season.

• July 2006: Over 40,000 polybags were filled, signifying the significant scale of the project.

• September 2006: Mr. Saini, a representative from the State Medicinal Plant Board of Haryana, visited the nursery and offered valuable feedback.

This initiative involved establishing demonstration plots for various MAPs, providing farmers with a tangible example of the potential of these crops. By showcasing successful cultivation practices and demonstrating the viability of MAPs in the region, Natural Care aimed to inspire and equip farmers to embrace this new agricultural opportunity.