Dediapada, Zankvav and Jhagadia. Bullocks also had been
supplied to many farmers for plowing/tilling purposes.
AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Dediapada Center is engaged in various
developmental projects, agriculture is one of the main thrust of development. The distribution of grain during the drought, the Dediapada Center
had long - term plans for agricultural development. Hence most of the work
done under the 'food for work' projects was connected with land betterment
and irrigation. By 1969, over 300 wells had been dug and pump sets installed
in the Talukas of Dediapada, Zankvav and Jhagadia. Bullocks also had been
supplied to many farmers for plowing/tilling purposes.
The Center also has a seed Bank, which was started in 1966. Because of the
drought that year the Adivasis had nothing to eat. Let alone having seeds
for sowing. The unscrupulous merchants gave the seeds on loans charging
as much as three times the original amount when the planting or pre-harvest season.
Through the help obtained from Misereor,
seeds were bought and distributed to needy farmers. This project has now
evolved into a full - fledged seed bank. Oxfam
financed storage facilities for the same, by way of godowns/warehouses.
Initially the Taluka Panehayat officials, Talatis, and Village leaders
were consulted to find out the really needy farmers. In addition the personnel
associated with the center were able to ascertain facts regarding the needs
of those affected by the dry spell. The amount of seeds given to each farmer
varied according to their needs, i.e. land, irrigation facilities, etc.
Under this program, the farmers returned the seed to the Dediapada Center
as soon as they harvested their crops. In additional, they also bring seeds
they require for sowing at the beginning of the following monsoons. The
seed bank has thus become a self -help program. The farmers now realize
that due to the seed bank, their stock for the following year is safe and
ensured. For most of them preserving their stock at home is impossible
because of social pressures to consume it on the occasion of some festival,
marriage or even death. Then again there is the ever-present danger of
mice and rodents. The farmers are clearly told that if they do not return
the loaned seed and at the same time keep a stock of either seeds with
us, they will not get any further help from the seed bank.
While preserving their stocks, we also help the farmers by renewing
and replacing their seed by a better variety that is produced on our farm
at Dediapada. In this farm, where we have trained agriculturists in charge,
we use appropriate modern methods of farming. Occasionally we also hold
agricultural camps for Adivasi farmers. We cultivate rice, wheat, grams
and vegetables. Misereor
helped us in the irrigation project of this farm.,
The seed Bank project has taught the farmers that they have to provide
for their own future needs and thus strive towards becoming self - sufficient.
In short, the seed bank is a blessing: