PROJECT DESCRIPTION Location Degraded and rain-fed lands in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam PROBLEMS Farmers are resource-poor and

and depend mainly on monsoons for yield When the land has high concentration of alkaline and acids it gets degraded which is a loss to farmers Increased dependence of industry on natural forests Soil erosion, water erosion and other environment related problems

OBJECTIVE GIM Enactus in collaboration with Veda Climate Change Solutions Ltd took a step ahead to conserve natural forests with the help of agro-forestry with a dual benefit of helping poor farmers by utilizing degraded lands. This project is aimed at a three fold benefit of To identify, utilize and conserve degraded and barren lands To enable, empower and enhance the farmers To protect the interests of the society with respect to afforestation. To provide farmers with the support to en-cash their resources. To provide participation opportunities to the farmers in entrepreneurial ventures.

MEASURED IMPACT Economic Improving the living standards of vulnerable group (farmers)-Total number of farmers benefited- 2450 Transformed 512 hectares of uncultivated- degraded lands more productive thus making it a significant step in National level Income levels have increased by 218% Employment generation- 416 farmers were employed in the degraded lands

Social

Ensures sustainable community-based land protection mechanism Stable income generation for farmers Increased standard of living- many farmers are self-employed through this project Reduced wastage- land which is degraded due to unfavorable properties of the soil Number of villages benefited 127

Environmental Sensitized farmers about the importance of utilizing degraded lands Carbon loss arrested and soil productivity increased. Conservation of bio-diversity Firewood is an additional benefit and will replace non-renewable resources

PROJECT SUMMARY: Number of students involved in this project 137 Area Covered- 1265.18 acres Hours put in 217 Associate Organization Veda Climate Change Solutions Ltd Amount spent on this project Rs. 2,67,000 TACTICS Fact Analysis: The major soil types in the proposed project area consist of sandy loams and sandy soils . The soils represented are slightly acidic to moderately alkaline. The lands are either not put to any use at present or being intermittently used for rain-fed agriculture for cultivation of minor millets, cereals and pulses because of many barriers such as technological and financial. Initiatives: Land eligibility analysis undertaken using GIS Creating awareness among farmers about the project Training programmes conducted to educate farmers about the benefits of the project Ensuring the authenticity of ownership in correspondence with the village panchayat authorities Building alliances, linkages and supporting networks on issues concerning conservation of soil, water and biodiversity Campaign and advocacy interventions. Environmental initiatives through reduction of carbon emissions

PROJECT DESCRIPTION Location Anuku, Gottivada, Kotavaratla mandal, Visakhapatnam PROBLEMS Paddy was always believed to be a water plant that needs continuous flooding of the crop fields during its entire growth cycle. This gave raise to liberal water use. In this era of increased ecological awareness, we know that we have to use our sweet water resources more judiciously. But apart from this ecological side of the matter, rice is performing much better with less water than centuries long was thought. Andhra is the rice bowl of India. But growing paddy involves the following issues; High requirement of water High requirement of seeds Issues with quality of seeds and the harvest quantity

OBJECTIVE GIM-ENACTUS aims at a better economy. Thus if this dream has to materialize, we feel the Agro-Industry has to grow sustainably in India. Thus in association with CePHA, we have taken up SRI (System of rice intensification) in order to fulfill the following objectives; To advocate and inculcate in farmers the sustainable agricultural practices To increase the produce of rice with scientific techniques To save sweet (Potable) water resources To increase awareness in farmers about organic farming and bio-fertilizer techniques

MEASURED IMPACT Economic By following these practices up to 40% to 60% of water is saved.

 Social

only 2-3 Kgs of seeds are required per acre as opposed to 25 Kgs in traditional farming Yields are increasing importantly (25% to 40% and in some places 100%). Grain quality is improved Cost of cultivation is reduced Faster and better weed management thus saves time.

High quality of food in the country A great contribution towards stability in food production Sustainable agricultural practice thus increases the quality of life with respect to health It has helped farmers to save the water resources and grow other crops with the conserved water Protection of the interests of the society and of the farmers Enhancing

Environmental Use of bio-fertilizers and organic farming techniques help reduce pollution and wastage Conservation of potable water resources Eco- Friendly practices Creating eco-friendly consciousness among the target audience (farmers)

PROJECT SUMMARY: Number of students involved in this project 83 Area CoveredHours put in 61 Associate Organization CePHA Amount spent on this project Rs. 2,06,800 TACTICS Fact Analysis:

Initiatives: