SUCCESS TRUST
INDIA ( $5,125 in first year; $3,000 in years 2 and 3)
Sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry
They are farmers. They own small plots of land. They have not planted for five years or more. Why?
Because they can’t afford to buy seed, fertilizer, pesticides and irrigation water. Without seeds, there is nothing to plant; without the other inputs, there is no point in planting. These small farmers can’t earn enough from their crops to pay for chemical pesticides and fertilizer, and they no longer have the seeds for traditional varieties which can be grown without those inputs.
There is another way to farm and Success Trust is teaching it. They teach farmers to make pesticides from plants, and fertilizer from compost and animal manure. Then, to 25 women a year, they make micro-loans to pay for seed, seedlings, irrigation rights, and calves. In the course of this three-year project, they expect to return the land of 75 families to production. With an estimated annual income of $1,200 per family (after loan payments), these women will be feeding their families and their communities.
RSWR Field Staff in India, Dr. R. Kannan reports: : ST is run by Mr. Subramanian, a dedicated person with good experience in organizing women. All the proposed beneficiaries have small land holdings of dry lands. They have good experience in farming activities. They are interested in organic farming methods, inter cropping and calf rearing.
This project is in its second years and reports 100% repayment of the loans with no defaulters. Success Trust has become a model for other NGOs undertaking organic farming and the beneficiaries of this project have helped train other women in sustainable agriculture methods.
Testimonials from Women Beneficiaries:
M. Lakshmi, age 43, mother of 3 children
I have been a member of the women self help group promoted by Success Trust since the SHG formation. The RSWR funded project enabled me to learn about sustainable farm methods and also about record keeping and accounting. I am now confident to carry on the project on my own. The project helped me to have work throughout the year in our own lands. Previously, we used to catch a bus to Pudukkottai to work as laborers for wages in any jobs available at the market and the bazzar. I am now able to concentrate on my children’s education, and the project income helped me in this respect. I will not anymore use chemical fertilizers on my crops, and I also encouarge the same methods to my fellow women farmers.
Mrs. Ponnuthai, age 31, mother of one son
At the outset, I express gratitude to RSWR and Success Trust for this wonderful opportunity to participate in this important project for my village and the families. My family members have been able to give up migrating to other districts to get jobs. I am proud that our family has a well matured cow which is our asset. I will not use chemical inputs hereafter and I have become a master trainer to train others in this method of farming.
Project to be completed: June 30, 2013