Agriculture and Food Security

journey towards peace and non violence

Objectives

Improving the fertility of land and enhance the capacity of oppressed tribe towards agriculture.
Improve agricultural activities by utilizing the local available resources as well as the skill and knowledge of the tribal.
Create food self reliant society through agricultural activities.
Securities of livelihoods of rural communities especially to women.
Increasing profitability from agriculture.
Increase the knowledge of tribal especially women on modern agriculture with adequate information, knowledge, skill and choice.
Provide employment opportunities of tribal women through different agricultural activities i.e rearing of animal and birds, fishery, vegetables cultivation etc.

Working strategy to attain the objectives

Control of women in the family on marketing decision and agriculture production activities.
Emphasis on soil and water conservation to enhanced yield.
Develop the self help group of women for sustainable development on agriculture activities both individual and group level.
Capacities building of women in agricultural activities.
Multiplying nos. of grain bank.
Integrated approach-i.e the production of foods crops vegetable fruits from a piece of land.
Our agriculture intervention focuses on small holders. Under this backdrop Seba Jagat is visualizing to provide basic facilities, ideas to the farmers exceptionally tribal. With our facilitation since last one decade we succeed to enhancing the productivity, knowledge, market linkage, conservation of agriculture bio diversity in a sustainable manner. Some of our major activities are below in nut cell, Soil and water conservation.
Keeping in mind the soil type, topography of the area and the availability of water, a strategy was formed to check soil erosion and increase the level of ground water in the operational area. With a watershed approach, treatmen

Empowerment of Physical Challenge People

Current situations of PWDs

Social exclusion and indiscrimination is prevalent almost everywhere in the country, Kalahandi is impacted more considerably than other areas because it is one of the most backward Districts not only in Odisha but also in India. More than 70 percent tribal & Dalit population who have suffer disproportionately from displacement, landlessness, food insecurity, unemployment, hunger, malnutrition, high IMR & MMR.. The condition of the people with disabilities (PWDs) in this district is simply horrible in terms of their socio, economic, political and cultural exclusion. Their human rights are violated from every corner.

Firstly, they belong to culturally excluded groups (tribal, Dalit and other "backward" categories). Secondly, constant spiritual beliefs reinforce the notion that supernatural causes are responsible for their condition so they are more likely to feel shy than hope. Thirdly, they are geographically isolated and economically disadvantaged so have little experience of what medical treatments can or cannot do. Fourthly, because of social traditions, they have low expectations of their own abilities - a self-fulfilling prediction.

Diversion Based Irrigation (DBI)

Diversion based irrigation system diverts a portion of water from a natural source like spring/ mountainous stream or any Water Harvesting Structure and uses it with or without intermediate storage for the purpose of irrigating crops

The irrigation system aimed to provide life saving irrigation to small tribal land holders in the topography where canal irrigation is almost impossible due to the higher altitude of land.

This diversification irrigation system works through tapping water through perennial and semi-perennial source of water in a higher elevation and diverting the water through PVC pipe lines along with the contours through intermittent outlets.

As there is no electrification in the agricultural fields for operating the electric pumps for the irrigation purposes, thus the diversion based irrigation project through gravity flow has been a sustainable model for providing the irrigation facilities to the uplands.

As a new intervention Seba Jagat has started two DBI in two perennial water sources where water will be used for protective irrigation in kharif crops and to Rabi crops./ There will be no electrification in agricultural field to operating the electrical pump for the irrigation purpose. Thus the diversification of irrigation will take place through gravity of water.

Improving Livelihood through Aquaculture

Background

Fish is a popular and important source of animal protein in all communities of Seba Jagat operational area which consume a non-vegetarian diet. Many groups and individuals practice the culture of fish in the traditional way from their pond/village tank ,farm pond, agriculture lands,reviers etc where conditions permit. Fish, represents a resource over which households have control, with obvious food security implications. Low-input fish culture not only provides an opportunity for income generation but also locally supplied animal protein and a range of vitamins and essential trace elements, which

What Seba Jagat has done so far

Creating awareness to change the attitude of the people including local leaders- Selection of interested groups for taking up aquaculture Incorporation of farm pond beneficiaries in MGNREGS to arrest distress migration Organising orientation programme for SHG and other groups Development of pond and tank in climate resilient infrastructure and promotion of pisciculture as a sustainable livelihood Organizing market support Preparation of dry fish in a hygienic way Integrated fish farming Working on fish diversity and fish production

What Seba Jagat wants to do

Strengthening available resources for promotion of aquaculture, of groups /individuals interested in adopting aquaculture,Identification of resource individuals/organizations Capacity building and orientation Group building, and supporting Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Federation FPOs to uptake of aquaculture Orientation and capacity building in ‘rural aquaculture in support of poor people’s livelihoods’ training and exposure visits, savings and credit for aquaculture SHGs/FPOs, management of aquaculture Formation and Strengthening of Producers Group/FPOs Development of aquaculture microplan (village/G.P) Support in input and marketing Construction and/or renovation of ponds for pisciculture and arrangement of necessary Supports through MGNREGS Development of Fish Hub Convergence with line departments (Fisheries Dept ,Watershed,Panchayati Raj,Horticulture,OLM ,ORMAS,ITDA,OPELIP etc) and district Fish Mission Developing a comprehensive set of appropriate information and media in local language

Strengthening of Rural Haats into Rural Business Hubs (RBH)

Objectives

To developing rural haats as Rural Business Hubs.
To reduce players in the supply chain by converting haat into a wholesaling platform in order to provide higher realization to small farmers .
To provide information about on various aspects of economic activities to community in order to enhance the knowledge.
To use haat as a place for extending a range of BDS services to enhance the quality and value of the produce.

Forest Land Rights

Towards Proper Implementation Of FRA (Land Rights)

As a result of the continuous efforts of our Organization there is some breakthrough in the land rights. Seba Jagat would continue to bring about substantive changes in the operation of FRA, NREGS in two district of most backward region of Orissa-, however has great cultural, climatic and geographical potential for development - given the right political and economic environment. the food security of poor and vulnerable people is an issue attracting increasing regional and national attention, but progress has been slow. It needs strengthening local governance and advocacy for women`s collective action.
Seba Jagat would also help in creating space within adivasi communities to access information require for the need and deliberate. Seba Jagat would make sincere effort to organize women especially in its operational areas to put pressure on the existing service delivery mechanism. As women take greater share of family burden it is also visualize incapacitating these women towards exercising their choices.
Seba Jagat would try to gather support and cooperation from fellow civil society organizations/groups towards capacity building. While encouraging people to raise their voices Seba Jagat would help communities come out with best possible local solutions to the problems through micro-level planning. Micro level plans prepared would give scope to villagers for bargaining out maximum benefits out of different antipoverty, social security schemes.

How we proceed

Organized Staff and community leaders orientation on FRC.
At village level FRC members are identified.
Village level sensitization of FRC members is organised.
Development of Form A & B.
Distribution of Form A & B at Panchayat level.
Identification of volunteers and after orientation they are in field to help community to collect evidence and fill up form.
Volunteers are given responsibility and they have gone to the hilly area.
Identification of unsurveyed village and Forest village i.e. Jurakhaman, Bimlapadar giving special effort for them.
Evidence collection at village level.
Collection of caste certificate from Panchayat.
Discussion with Tahasil office for providing village map.
Lobby and advocacy at district and state level.
Assuring participation of traditional Adivasi sanghas.

MGNREGA

Governance & Livelihood

Empowering People For Ensuring Livelihood Through Improved Governance in Twelve Panchayats of Norla & M.Rampur Block In Kalahandi District is started with the support of Concern Worldwide with the following objectives. To enhance the livelihood opportunities of the poor people by providing Employment with effect and proper wage.
Creating productive asset and reducing disaster and migration through Protecting the environment.
Proper management of natural resources to get a sustainable benefit.
Fostering food security through proper implementation of PDS.
Fostering social equity by employing rural Women.
To initiate a people`s oriented planning process by strengthening Functioning of PRIs and local leaders and Inclusion of eligible beneficiaries under different schemes.
Capacity Building of staffs as well as of the organization.

Major Achievements

For the first time in Kalahandi 267 families in Gigina and Muskuti Panchayat in Narla Block got unemployment allowance of Rs 25,550/-.
Effective participation of women in Palli Sabha and Grama Sabha.
Worksite facilities were provided Equal wage to both men and women.
The wage is just as declared by Govt.
Development institutions like Chetna Club,Labour Union.
Strengthening of VDCs Ensuring access of women in Panchayati Raj institution and Govt Welfare Schemes.
Increased bargaining power of Women`s group to get qualitative service and supply.
Ensuring women`s participation in Jati Sabha and discussion on development issues.
Improvement in Social Audit process facilitated.
Activating the traditional systems of Adivasis like Jati Sabha and ensuring women`s access in it.
Inclusion of people`s planning in Govt action Plan.
Availability of information on NREGA and work availability according to people`s choice.
Informed persons on NREGS & specially on role of Panchayat & its functionaries.
Women bargain for equal wage in infrastructure development work.
Capacity building of Panchayat functionaries.
In last 2 financial years Muding and Mohangiri stood first in the district in NREGS implementation.

Land Developement Through MGNREGA

NREGA is a way towards getting legal assurance to provide 100 days employment to the jobseekers. In the absence of adequate work opportunities, the people had to migrate to other places in search of their livelihood. NREGA also providing an opportunity to the local self governance and rural mass through which they can develop their own infrastructure, pursue to work on land development, plantation etc. By taking this advantage we have taken adequate strategy through which more job opportunities created at grass root level as a result .The migration has gradually reduced and resource base infrastructure is being developed in the local level.
During this period, 5625 no`s of households demanded for jobs out of which 4951 have got their jobs, in addition to it 268 persons newly register their names. Immensely in this financial year 102 no`s of farm pond, 32 no`s of tanks and 56 no`s of connectivity have been accomplished. Following to this one plantation activity has been carried out. For effective facilitation of the act at grass root level 145 and 13 no`s of labour committees have been formed in respectively Village and GP level. 12 no of chetana club also formed. Apart from this, soil conservation measures has been taken in Barabandha GP, 30 no`s of loose boulders/ check dams constructed, 133.87 acres of land treated. Villagers of Talbora repaired the WHS for both fish and vegetable cultivation.
Ironically, for the first time a labour case filled by Chitalpata villages of Muding GP in related to delay of payment. Through use of RTI 27 applications filled to check the corruption level in regular developmental work.
Focusing to NRM based NREGA training program was conducted at both grass root and block level, PRIs, CBOs and labours were sensitized. Committees were formed to initiating the process of landscaping planning process. Through exposure program the committee members were able to visit to different sites of Balangir district, they learnt about the planning process.

The places they go are

Mumbai-4, Rajkot-24, Secunderabad, Hydrabad, Nagpur, Raiur (12), Goa (9), Kerla (7), Within Orissa (Jharsuguda,Sambalpur)(50), To Dubai(1)
Generally, these people are poorer in their village and belong to low socio economic status groups.
Migration is predominately short distance and they prefer to work within State .
The workers have no social security, compensation to injuries, access to drinking water, and health care.
They said food costs more for migrant workers who are not able to obtain temporary ration cards.
They are victims of constant verbal abuse, working without any grievance redressal mechanism.
The working hours are more very often from sunrise to sunset.
Mostly migrants, live with inadequate water and bad drainage in open spaces or make shift shelters.
Among the many problems that migrant workers and their family shared, a crucial one is the limited scope to save their earnings, which are temporary in nature.
When workers do not have any work, they have to return to their homes. They cannot address emergency situations. This creates further indebtedness and migration, and the vicious circle continues.
Since there is no support system available, the bargaining power of the migrant workers is negligible and they are compelled to work at low wages.

Natural Resources Management

The lives of the rural people revolve around natural resources. Its management has a lot to do on their lives. Their livelihood is determined largely by the Non-Timber Forest Produces (NTFP) like Mahua flower, Char, Harida, Bahada, Tol , sal and siali leaves etc. They procure NTFP both for consumption as well as selling. But since the last few decades this sector is failing to sustain their lives. The same is found in agriculture sector also. Absence of irrigation, poor land quality make agriculture non remunerative. In both forest and agricultural produces the people suffer distress sale.

Most of the lands in Kalahandi district are upland with low productivity. Irrigation facility is almost non-existent (less than 15% against the state average of 30%), land right is not clear and there are many villages which are on encroached land even if people have been staying there since generations. The pre-eighties settlement failed to reach these unfortunate people. From the legal perspective the women have the right over land. But there is no land right in the name of women. These are the problems found in land sector and this has reduced agriculture a great deal. In case of forest also the same trend is found. The tribal people have been living in close proximity with nature. Nature forms an integral part of their lives. But there are a number of restrictions imposed upon them so far as their usufruct right is concerned.

The tribals are under continuous threat of being displaced. Leaving their forest abode is the last thing these people can accept. In addition to this people are restricted to collect NTFP, move around in the forest, collect fuel wood etc. The situation is similar in other forest area also. But it is ironical to note that illegal tree felling still goes unabated and unfortunately the forest officials seem unconcerned. But on the other hand the poor tribals who are basically forest dwellers are debarred from their natural rights. Life here moves around water since the region has an agrarian economy.

But irregular rain, bad water management, monopoly of the big farmers over traditional water bodies and lack of irrigation facility has brought life to a grinding halt. Seba Jagat has tried to address the issue in various ways. It has initiated micro watershed in some villages. It has provided financial support to the self help group members to dig well, farm punds, procure pump sets, prepare bio-fertilizers through different compost method, purchase seed, undertake land development etc. This has solved the matter to some extent. But still there is lot to be done in this regard.

Seba Jagat organizes training, workshops seminars, orientation programme, village discussion meeting etc. to sensitise the community on their rights over land, forest and water. People are trained to take part in joint forest management, community forest management, promotion of Eco village to protect their forest. They have also developed some awareness so far as selling NTFP is concerned. As far as land right is concerned there has been some break through. Some landless people have been allotted government land and some more have applied for land rights. Even women have got joint entitlement rights in some cases. In order to make people get their own rights and claim for the same before the government we make continuous effort.

The goal of the Natural Resource Management programme of Seba Jagat is to establish a food self reliant society where people are able to control and manage their own livelihood systems to improve their quality of life. In pursuing this goal, the Organisation through its sincere efforts has tried to achieve the following objectives in last 3 to 4 years of works in 102 villages of the 3 project regions.

Ensuring participation and control of women in Agriculture process and assets.

To enable small and marginal farmers to actively participate in the process of development and equip them with information, skills and technologies to meet the growing challenges.
To achieve ecological security of the village commons through bio physical, institutional, geo hydrological and ecological interventions.
To work towards landscape level planning and management for developing livelihood assets in two of the Gram Panchayats of the M.Rampur Block.
To increase productivity and profitability of land.

Non-Timber Forest Produces

Forest resources are gift to mankind. Forests provide humanity a multiplicity of goods and services. The goods include timber, fuel wood, and NTFPs. They provide habitat for wildlife and the ecological conditions for maintenance and natural evolution of genetic diversity of flora and fauna. They are the abodes of traditional forest dependent communities. Forests and natural resources provide the foundation on which the structure of development and prosperity of the state is built.

With the deterioration of these ecosystems, their capacity to support human well-being is reduced. Unless they are managed well and efforts are made to increase the forest resource base, the very sustainability of man`s life is under threat. Unfortunately the deterioration of these resources adversely affects the under privileged and down trodden sections of the people and society. We and our project focus project to promote the protection, regeneration, conservation and management of forest resources by the local communities in a democratic, participatory and decentralized manner.

Objective

The primary collectors and forest protecting communities and self-help groups especially that of the tribal and dalits are able to process and market their forest produces especially NTFP in lieu of fair prices and ensure their livelihood.

Impact

Improved forest conservation and management. Our 8 self help cooperatives are involved in NTFP value addition, processing and marketing which enabling them to enhancing their income immensely. Similarly, women have been playing a key role in protection and management of their nearby forest resources. Increased participation in protection, conservation and management of forest resources by the local communities. Traditional healers are preparing their herbs and medicines in scientific manner. Their lucrative packaging improved their stake in the local market and also in fair exhibitions. To preserve the endanger species the local healers are establishing backyard herbal gardens.

Policy and Practices of MFP

The NTFP policy of 2000 clearly mentions that the GP has ownership right over MFP. The issue of ownership over NTFP still lies undefined and remains dependent on how the Government defines NTFP and it is the FD (and not GPs), which is the ultimate authority in this regard. In other words, GPs can only exercise control over those produces that the FD decides as MFP. The policy further prescribes that all operations with regard to the trade and transaction of NTFP will be subject to the existing laws in force, i.e., subject to the Forest Act, Rules, Orders. It is pertinent to note here, as envisaged in the new policy, preservation of forests is still the responsibility of FD. Therefore, in keeping with this, exploitation of NTFP by Panchayat bodies will be subject to restrictions laid down in Indian Forest Act, 1927 and working plans, working schemes or regulations prescribed (from time to time) by the FD, thereby further squeezing the scope of activity of the GPs.

The policy has identified 85 NTFP out of which only 60 are termed as MFP and has been kept under control of GPs. Such a terminology for MFP neither has scientific basis nor any legal validity. Neither the central act nor any of the previous forest legislations ever uttered the word NTFP. They only used and emphasized the term `MFP`. Later on by two other notifications the number of NTFP has been raised to 70. From these 70 items, only a few are procured commercially as neither primary collector nor traders have knowledge regarding domestic and commercial use of the rest. The GPs do not have control over high value NTFP like KL and bamboo that contribute around 95 percent of the forest revenue. The rationale behind treating KL as an excluded item for GP is understandable. But net income from KL operation is still spent on non-Kendu leaf area.

However, there is no logic as to why Sal seed cannot be put along with other TBOs, as dependence of forest dwellers on it is absolute and complete. Similarly, Sal leaf collection and stitching is a major source of cash income for forest dwellers, especially in belts like Mayurbhanj and Kandhamal districts, and the leaf has been put as a lease barred item.

Significantly, if we analyses the statistics of FD, the contribution of MFP in the tribal livelihood is high other than agricultural and wage. It has the potentiality to eradicate the poverty if these are totally used in efficiently in a sustainable manner. The terminology sustainable is only coated, still government has never comes with a proper plan to handle such lucrative produces which is being continuously feeding millions of people. State earned revenues from KL and bamboo is more than 100 crores rupees annually (in 2000-01 the revenue from timber and firewood was 17 per cent of the total revenue whereas the revenue from bamboo and KL was 71 per cent of the total forest revenue) but these grants are spending in non KL area. By this the real primary collectors are not benefited.

Database on NTFP and access to information

The government does not have adequate information on the real potentiality and status of NTFP in different parts of the state. There is also very little information available on the trade related aspects. After the promulgation of the NTFP policy in March 2000 there was problem in circulating the information to the GPs who are the owners of NTFP. Even implementing government officials don`t have relevant information and clarity to carry out their responsibilities. There is no executive will to make the policy operational, both with regard to information sharing and capacity building with/of the GPs. In light of this it is difficult to ensure information flow on resource management to the level of Sarpanch, Panchayat Secretary and below. Still the government do not give adequate support services to is lower level institution to keeping record updated related to NTFP which more important aspects of tribal livelihood.

Price Fixation

Issue of price fixation and its ensuring remains an area of concern. The basis of price fixation remains ambiguous, as ever so is the ensuring part of it. There has been no effort in the past by the Government to create operational structures to ensure fair prices to the primary collectors even when price fixation was relatively decentralized and was fixed at district level. Now the bonus of fixing the price comes to Panchayat Samiti without any effort going to create operational basis for such decentralized price fixation. How the Panchayat Samitis will take the matter seriously is also a matter of concern. Since everything relating to NTFP boils down to remunerative prices to primary collectors, this still remains one of the most crucial issues needing immediate attention.

Conclusion with Reality

The Odisha State has understandably stressed on the revenue aspect and the primary difficulty with this approach is emphasis on timber based management and NTFP as livelihood resources is always negligible.
The tubers, roots, fruits and berries from the forests which are otherwise known as non- timber forest produces have been the lifeblood of the forest dwellers, especially the tribals in the forest areas of odisha. But policy makers strangely overlook the potential of NTFP in combating poverty and food crises. Rural poverty in India is understood primarily as deprivation of private land for cultivation and is understood as lack of access to paddy. The paddy- centric definition of poverty has made it very difficult for developing an appreciation of forest produces as an alternative option for many tribals in odisha and in other States. In present scenario, depletion of forest makes many NTFP in vulnerable condition; some NTFPs are under serious threats like Raulfia Sarfentina, Amla, Satabari, Nuxvomica, gums and resins etc. Almost these varieties of plants are evaporated from nature, by its commercial uses. With the wide open of the market big companies and traders are coming to catch the valuable produces, virtually the government marketing societies are also associated with them in the whole marketing process. Nobody is seriously looking after the harvesting mechanism of produces, to fetch the demand in the market the traders are also playing a major role they insisted the primary collector with little bit of lucrative amount. As forest is opened for all, unsustainable harvesting practices has done immensely, which leads to, important species are evaporated and some of them coming under endanger. It is noticed that use of tree born oil seeds at the primary collector level is declining rather they are preferred in using agricultural oil seeds for its easy access. One upcoming threat is being found in the tribal belt that now people are moved towards forest based economy to agricultural economy, definitely it effects upon the forest and NTFP. If properly managed and marketed, NTFPs have the potential of blemishing in prosperity in the lives of poor rural poor.
Despite the changes in the government`s policies and practices, technological development and commercialisation, NTFP are not yet been properly managed and traded, and its real potential is never exploited. Poor people subsisting on NTFP for their livelihood still face a diversity of problems in collection, processing and marketing of NTFP. Certain issues in management and trade of NTFP have been presented below:

Sustainable harvesting and value addition

Forests have become degraded, and the primary collectors have to spend lot of time for collection NTFP and they cover long distance to procure and sell these produces.
Seasonality related problems - availability of high value products within short time span, which sometimes leads to non-procurement of certain items.
Most of the collection practices that are adopted at present are not technically appropriate and do cause damage to the process of natural regeneration.
Inadequate efforts are being made to ensure quality production of NTFP which makes the NTFP of the area as low grade/value products in different markets.
Value addition of NTFP is yet to receive greater attention by the primary collectors` organisations, market promotion agencies and the government, which leads to low income from NTFP and also limited employment generation opportunities.

Procurement and trade

The primary collectors and their organisations such as SHGs, Forest Protection Committees etc. have poor assess to market. Absence of market related information at the primary collectors`level reduces the individual negotiation skill as well as collective bargaining.
Lack of mobility and connectivity - roads and transport facility - leads to high cost of transportation and also storage.
Mostly women are involved in collection, processing and sale of NTFP. Lack of information, education etc makes them vulnerable to the traders and they are susceptible to exploitation. Sometimes they are not able to calculate the price, profit etc and are easily carried away by the traders. Because of ignorance, there is widespread cheating by the traders in weight and measures as well as under valuing the quality of the produces.
Traders buy only from those gatherers who can arrange delivery at convenient points, from where the products can be easily transported. Buyers those who come to their doorstep (in the remote villages) take the produces at whatever price quoted by them.
Fragmented market creates dependency on middleman and number of intermediaries, which reduces the options for fair trade.
Poor market promotion efforts by the government and private agencies lead to exploitation of primary collectors by the local traders, agents etc.
Indebtedness and requirement of cash make the primary collectors fall prey to the traders, which lead to sale of NTFP at through away price.
Bargain power of the primary collectors is often siphoned away by the prevailing barter system in the local haats.

Issues faced by GPs

There is very limited awareness and understanding among the PRIs on MFP, rules and regulations on MFP etc.
GPs are already over-burdened and they are not showing keen interest in management of MFP rather they are more interested for development programmes to be implemented in their Panchayat.
The role of GP has been limited to only registration of traders and collection of registration fee of Rs. 100. Beyond this they don`t monitor the activities of the traders in procurement of MFP in the Panchayat area. The GPs can`t collect royalty or revenue other than Rs. 100. The traders by paying Rs. 100 take away truckloads of MFP from the area.
The GPs can`t penalise or take any action against the traders who exploit the primary collectors. They have to depend on the DFO for taking action against the offenders.
It is very difficult to monitor the activities of the traders as they don`t report to the GPs from where they are buying, what quantity and where they are storing the produces. The registered traders don`t submit any report to the Gram Panchayat. GPs have no additional manpower to look into the management of MFP. Fixation of price is not done in time by the Panchayat Samitis and after fixation of prices it is not properly disseminated to the GPs. The GPs also don`t take appropriate measures for informing primary collectors on the price fixed. There is no proper guideline for fixation of prices at the Panchayat Samiti level.

Promotion of Animal Husbandry in Odisha(PAHO)

Small ruminants are associated with the rural poor. They play a big role in supporting the livelihood system of the poorest men and women livestock keepers, especially in the marginalised areas. In spite of its livelihood contribution and contribution to the livestock economy, this sub-sector received only diminutive attention.

Promoting Animal Health in Orissa (PAHO) with the support of CARE and Pfizer Foundation is started at Seba Jagat aiming at Enabling 1000 SC and ST women smallholders in the M.Rampur Block Kalahandi district of Orissa to increase income and contribute to household well-being by improved access to animal health services.

Seba Jagat has been working for Promotion of Animal Husbandry in the 3 selective tribal dominated Gram Panchayats (Urladani, Mohongiri & Manikera) of M. Rampur Block covering 1003 House holds in 26 villages. For the selection of beneficiaries importance was given to include SC & ST families particularly those are dependant on animal rearing. Priority was given to support women headed house holds and disable families so that they improve their livelihood system by rearing goats.

The specific objectives of the program are

Enable SC and ST women rearing small ruminants to better understand and express their needs and interests by organizing them into collectives.
Assist SC and ST women small ruminant rearers to access knowledge on improved practices and better animal health services through diverse extension mechanisms.
Develop a responsive and multipurpose extension and support mechanism by promoting a cadre of local animal health workers.

During this year the following activities have been conducted through this project

Base line Survey has been conducted in all the operational villages.
Developing Social Map covering House Hold, Population, livestock, resources, water Source etc.
Village level interaction meeting conducted with 1000 House Holds.
Training of Trainers for improving animals (Goat) Conducted for 32 selective volunteers.
Proper Care and Management of Goats is well known to 1003 HHs.
Market Study for better pricing conducted by the project staff.
Personal counseling and home based training to 30 HHs completed in 60 days with 1103 participants.
Formation & strengthening of common interest group through Capacity Building effort.
Stake Holders meeting conducted 4 times with 244 participants.
Animal Health immunization camps of Goats covered in all the selected villages.
Block Level technical workshop organized at M. Rampur with , 52 Participants including Resource persons.
Exposure visit & Sharing of experiences to CHIPLIMA by 22 CIGs & Staffs.
For fodder growing one central nursery raised at Rangapadar with different kind of plants.
26 Village Awareness camps have been organized with the participants of 1258.
Besides that we have prepared 1003 beneficiary profile covering all the goat rearing households. Regular MIS report has been collected at monthly basis and kept for the project documentation.

Major Achievements of the Project

1003 goat rearing beneficiaries are fully aware about the health and nutritional aspects of their goats.
The people of all the selected villages are initiating for fodder cultivation individually and community basis where the scope is available.
The selective communities in our project area are involved in the process of de-worming and immunization of goats. In fact they are even demanding for it.
People are avoiding intermediary businessmen for the selling of their goats and they are selling their goats directly in the market and gaining more money.
Remarkable change is notice in attitude of the people towards goat rearing.
Strengthened the Co-ordination and Co-operation among the Govt. departments like veterinary, Agriculture and ATMA. Accordingly people are getting all the support from the departments whenever they need .
Regular weighment of the goats is being done in monthly basis to monitor the growth of goats.
Develop the new concept of fodder cultivation among the people in the operational villages.

Right To Information

The president of Regional level Physical Challenge committee(Anchalika BhinanKshyam Sammitee) Regeda Mr. Suresh Ch Chaudhri had wanted to know the status of Indira Awas Beneficiaries (from 2006 to November 2012) from PD DRDA, Kalahandi and he also wanted to know the GP wise Beneficiary , along with a list of disable person got IAY benefited.
As a result now he is able to get the status of Two GPs. And also he wanted to know the beneficiary Name and category of BPL, APL, Antodoya ,PLO ( particularly Dist-GP wise including the Name of Disable Person).
Third RTI booked to DPC for Appointment of Teacher in primary education how many disable appointed.
Another RTI against Grama Shabah Report of Regeda Panchayat on November 2012 by Mr. Hiramani Sahu Secretary of Regional level Physical Challenge. He had got the Xerox copy of proceeding of Grama Shabha .

Prospects of RTI Act

The exercise of the right to information has the potential to kill the seed of corruption from the society by infusing openness and transparency into the system and change the very face of the nation by making it more democratic. In can be used to remove poverty and unemployment from the country by ensuring effective utilization of government funds allocated for the purpose.

Objectives

The Act is yet to be taken to each door step. A large part of the population is still ignorant about the Act & its use.
The number of trained RTI Volunteers has to be increased.
People are yet to learn the technique of Social Audit and use of RTI for common issues.
Public shall be oriented to usher in advocacy for RTI-compliance administrative model and governance.

Tribal Rights & Culture

Ensuring protection of Adibasis customary rights in the community level in 40 villages in Kandhamal and Kalahandi district.
Ensuring better livelihood of Adibasis with the value addition to their traditional practices and fighting for their rights over their resources.
Strengthening the healing practices exist among the Adibasis communities and recovery the vanishing of best practices.
As Adibasis women are more vulnerable ,so it will ensure the women`s participation in all type of developments and also their ownership over the resources and services.
Economic empowerment of Adibasis.
To take burning issues of the locality for the protection of Adibasis basic rights and environment challenges.
Empowering adivasis to take proper implementation of Govt. Program like. NREGA(For the first time unemployment allowance was given in Kalahandi district), RTI, FRA, MO JAMI MO DIHA, RIGHT TO FOOD PROGRAMME.
Child Centric Development.
Formation & strengthening of People`s Organization / CBOs.

Adivasi Museum

Adivasi Museum established at Rangapadar village in Seba Jagat premises; it`s an initiative to exhibit the tribal life style and their rich cultural heritage.

Rindo Majhi Mela

This Mela is unique in nature, it is observing to give reverence to the Tribal Hero Rindo Majhi. It is a platform to re-think about the past heroism of their leaders and take decisions to fight against social exclusion