Anniversary Award
The PAHAL project, which is being funded by the Big Lottery Fund, has just reached the end of its first year. The project, which has already achieved amazing results, aims to empower 6,000 adivasi women in Jharkhand to develop long-term solutions to their poverty by providing opportunities to improve agricultural practices, develop income generation activities and increase access to basic services. Women with a vision
In Jharkhand state, 70% of the population live in poverty and struggle to meet their families’ basic needs. Low agricultural production means families suffer food shortages for six months a year and 49% of children are chronically malnourished. Which is why the vision and dedication of women like Saloni Hembrom is so important. Saloni, who is herself a tribal women, is the director of Gram Sewa, one of a network of four organisations that form part of the PAHAL network. This year the PAHAL network has organised trainings in sustainable agriculture for 1,538 women and established 14 Farmer Field Schools. As a result community members are increasingly adopting sustainable agriculture practices on their own plots. How worms change lives
By applying vermi-compost to her land Babita’s yields increased significantly. This prompted her to teach six other women in her village to adopt vermi-composting as well. Her success story caught the attention of District Officials and she and Saloni were invited to attend the AgroTech 2010 Farmers Fair organised by Birsa Agriculture University in Ranchi from 6-8th March. At the Fair Saloni was given an award by the Minister of Women and Child Development for her extensive work in promoting agriculture, and Babita was given an award by the Deputy Chief Minister for her efforts in agriculture and vermi-compost preparation. Looking forwardsBy the end of the five year Big Lottery Fund PAHAL project we aim to train 5,400 adivasi women in Jharkhand in sustainable agricultural techniques that will help ensure that food shortages become a thing of the past. Judging by Saloni and Babita’s recent success, the project is certainly off to a good start! Watch a video about the PAHAL project to learn more
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As we mark our 50th anniversary this year we were delighted that the excellent agricultural work of our local partner, Gram Sewa has been recognised at the Agro-Tech 2010 Farmers’ Fair in Jharkhand, India. 
“The women are much happier and more empowered. They are more open and vocal about many issues and are managing to improve their harvests through crop diversification and vermi-composting.” Saloni Hembrom, Director, Gram Sewa.
“I participated in training on sustainable agriculture, including vermi-composting. As a result I was able to start cultivating vegetables on previously barren land. Last year I earned 10,000 Rupees (£147) from the sale of compost and vegetables.” Babita Murmu, Ladhna Village, Jharkhand.