Madhubani, India Project - supported by Elanco

During this reporting period, project participants have formed 30 original participant Self-help groups (SHGs), 30 first generation Pass on the Gift (POG) groups and 30 second generation POG groups. Original participants work together to form new POG groups and continue practicing POG despite members’ differences and background.  Families in surrounding villages are willing to join Heifer SHGs because they see members’ positive behavioral changes due to Cornerstones training. Wheat farmers produced a larger harvest using the System of Wheat Intensification (SWI) method over their traditional methods. SWI training helped farmers learn modern wheat cultivation technology. One farmer’s 2.5 acres of land yielded about 1,400 to 1,600 pounds of wheat per acre. This project also collaborates with Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) agriculture. Male members of 26 kisan clubs consist of 500 families and wives of farmers in SHG Groups. Their farm land is mostly sandy loam (soil consisting of sand, silt and clay). Specific agricultural packages are being developed to help farmers produce better harvests. Keshore cultivation has proven to be an income generating crop. Arjun Mahato of Belha village earned about 200,000 Indian Rupees (about $3,200) from one acre of the Keshore crop. Vegetable seeds are also given to all SHG members of original placement families. Vegetable cultivation has increased incomes about 2,500 Indian Rupees (about $40) per month, and nutrition levels of project families. Support for the Demonstration of Vegetable and Paddy is also given to the program participants. By System of Rice Intensification method 55 farmers planned to cultivate in 5 acre land.