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Name of the Donor: WORLDWIDE FUND-INDIA

Grants received Rs.72,28,848/- and Spent Rs.74,80,807/-

MARI ensured sustainable agricultural production by promoting appropriate agricultural practices, by establishing farmers’ cooperatives and required linkages. The uniqueness is continuous engagement in finding appropriate solutions to farming challenges.   WWF supported Better Cotton Initiatives project is one such project.

Objectives:

  • By 2021, at least 15,235 farmers to be empowered to produce better cotton
  • By end of 2021, to strengthen the Farmers’ Co-operative Societies and Farmer Producer Companies to involve actively in project planning, monitoring and implementation
  • To systematically document the project learning’s and challenges and report to WWF/BCI

Quantitative Indicators: 2019 – 2020

No of villages covered: 175

No of farmers participating in the project: 15,235

Volume of Better Cotton certified produced in MT: 7,707

Total farm area certified by BCI in Hectares: 12,321

Project Progress 2019-20: Activity with Achievements

IPM (Pest Management)

  • PU Societies supplied 8,842 Pheromone Traps and 8,312 Yellow Sticky Plates
  • 6,935 farmers adopted No pesticide spray in first 60 days and 6,075 farmers installed bird perches.
  • 6,891 farmers from 115 villages participated in Rallies on storage, safe disposal, avoiding banned pesticides ; 45 rallies conducted in 45 hot spot villages to eradicate use of Monocrotophos, Triazophos and Carbondazim
  • Application of botanical extracts and Neem oil adopted by 6,068 farmers

Soil Health Management

  • Soil testing done in 20% of the 440 LG’s 3,599 individual Grid-based tests were done on site by project staff/ 200 by lab
  • Soil test based fertilizer application taken up by all 3,599 farmers
  • Refugee/border/inter-crop done by 7,009 farmers adopted
  • Compost through waste Decomposer adopted by 476 farmers

Biodiversity

  • Bio-diversity mapping (Off -Farm mapping ) was done in 175 project villages
  • Farm Mapping Medal approach was done in 140 villages
  • Bund plantation was take up and 12,300 plants were planted through Haritha haram

Water stewardship

  • Water resources mapping completed PRA in 175 villages identified surface and ground water resources and recorded water levels
  • Tank silt application was taken up with the government program MISSION KAKATIYA wherein 3,169 farmers benefitted
  • Water conservation in irrigation; promoted minimum tillage; alternative furrow irrigation by 8,654 farmers
  • 7,558 farmers were involved in safe disposal of pesticide and 6,867 farmers were involved in cleaning sites.
  • 212 farm ponds constructed through NREGS

Decent Work

  • Identified 2,824 daily workers, 262 permanent workers and 3,644 shared labourers in all 175 villages
  • 2,824 landless labor, 695 single women, 4,626 women workers identified and listed
  • Child labour policy was adopted by all the PU societies. Child Labour Protection Committees formed and their effective functioning was ensured in all the project villages
  • Non discrimination policy was adopted by societies and as many as 154 village level awareness programmes were conducted
  • 147 Awareness Programmes on negative impact of pesticides on women, pregnant and lactating Women workers and ANMs was conducted.
  • 142 school meetings were conducted on preventing children from hazardous work
  • 175 meetings conducted on the various government schemes to Support disadvantage groups by facilitating the women and farmers of disadvantage groups. Farmers received NREGS Job Cards (205), Kalyan  Laxmi (33 @ Rs. 1,00,116/-), Charging sprayers 62  etc

Fibre Quality

  • 6,000 Cotton bags sold through Cooperative Society. 440 bags for lead farmers supplied through project

Trials and results

  • Mobile Soil Testing Kits: Soil testing at Farm level was found very useful with its quick results & Motivation to farmers to
  • Low cost PPE: Trial and error in preparing more adaptable, low-cost PPE
  • Safe disposal of pesticide containers: Local vendors identified for collection of pesticide bottles – Discussions held with local pesticide dealers for collection of containers
  • Regular performance / review of Staff: Written tests/ quiz in monthly reviews. PU Managers prepare materials, Questionnaires, presentations (PU Manager-INTL04 got second best in Water Quiz (southern) conducted by BCI

2 Comments

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    September 3, 2020 at 7:26 am

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    September 3, 2020 at 7:26 am

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Gaddala John, Executive Member

He brings unparalleled experience and empathy to his role, which stems from over four decades of dedicated work dedicated to uplifting the rural poor and downtrodden communities in Warangal District, Telangana State. His extensive personal and professional involvement in the region informs his profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by these communities.

 

As a devoted social worker, John has spearheaded various community development projects to empower marginalized and vulnerable groups. His nearly three-decade association with MARI has significantly contributed to the organisation’s growth and impact.

 

He remains actively engaged in executive functions, ensuring his valuable insights continue to influence MARI’s direction. His enduring commitment and adaptability highlight his dedication and inspire others in the sector.

Ramisetty Murali, M.S.W, Executive Director

He has 38 years of experience in social development and plays a crucial role in steering MARI towards remarkable achievements in social development work. His passion and expertise have been instrumental in assembling a robust team of professionals capable of executing diverse projects precisely, ensuring satisfaction among funding partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders alike.

 

His comprehensive understanding of various development fields—including water management, environmental conservation,sustainable agriculture, livelihoods, gender and social equity, WASH, capacity building, and community mobilization—has consistently fostered trust and confidence among MARI’s partners. This trust is a testament to his ability to effectively align project goals with partners’ expectations and community needs.

 

Recognized as the most impactful personality in Telangana State, his contributions have not only elevated the organization’s status but also ensured it is seen as credible, democratic, transparent, and reliable. Under his leadership, the organization has earned numerous accolades, highlighting the significant impact of its initiatives on the targeted populations. His visionary leadership continues to guide the organization toward achieving its mission and enhancing its influential footprint in the development sector.

Kocherlakota Venkata Seshasai, Joint Secretary

He is an expert in financial management and statutory compliance, with extensive experience in the NGO sector. He has been actively contributing to systems development in MARI since 1998, dedicating over two decades of voluntary contribution to the organization. His deep understanding of NGO accounting intricacies and their applicability under the Income-tax Act, 1961, makes him an invaluable asset.

 

Venkata Seshasai’s commitment extends beyond financial oversight; he is deeply passionate about social development. His voluntary contributions significantly enhance MARI’s planning and implementation processes, ensuring both efficiency and compliance. His guidance is strategic and inspirational, fostering a culture of diligence and ethical accountability within the organization.

 

His steadfast presence and insight have helped shape the organisation’s success and integrity. Seshasai’s blend of expertise, dedication, and passion for social work enriches MARI’s mission and operational strength.

Kolisetty Rama Rao, Treasurer

He brings over 35 years of comprehensive experience in the development sector, enhanced by a robust academic foundation in Commerce and financial management. Throughout his illustrious career, he has developed an extensive knowledge of accounting practices specific to charitable institutions, working with several prominent national and international NGOs.

 

Rama Rao’s deep expertise in finance management has made him an invaluable resource for MARI, offering essential support and guidance that significantly benefits the organization’s financial operations and strategic planning. His reputation as a seasoned expert in the development sector is well-recognized, making him a key figure in various NGOs under different capacities.

 

Since joining MARI in 2011, his vast experience and expertise have been instrumental in advancing the organization’s goals and enhancing its operational effectiveness. Rama Rao’s long-standing association and contributions remain vital to MARI’s success and sustainability in pursuing its mission.

Suresh Kosaraju, Secretary

He is an agricultural professional with over three decades of experience in the development sector. His deep analytical skills in social issues have been precious in guiding MARI in the design and execution of impactful social development projects. Suresh is also a highly effective trainer and is respected for his passionate contribution to Manchi Pustakam. This initiative translates globally popular children’s books into Telugu,creating excellent pictorial books that encourage children to learn with joy and interest.His extensive experience and expertise have greatly enriched the organisation.

Tenneti Hema Nalini, Vice President, M.Sc. (Chemistry), M.Ed, LLB

She is an esteemed educator and a dynamic motivational speaker with extensive experience across various government colleges in Telangana. Known for her articulate speeches on social development issues, she brings a blend of academic rigor and passionate advocacy to her roles.

 

Her deep commitment to social work is not just a part of her life, it is her life. This is evident in her significant contributions to the Environmental Education programme implemented by MARI, where she demonstrated passion and effective leadership. Her involvement in this programme underscored her dedication to fostering sustainable practices and educating the community on environmental issues.

 

Subsequently, she joined MARI as an Executive Member, where she provided strategic direction and critical insights that significantly enhanced the organization’s vision and the development of various initiatives. Her role involves strategic oversight and active engagement with project sites, where she offers invaluable guidance to team members.

 

Her expertise and leadership remain vital to MARI, reinforcing the organization’s foundation with experienced and visionary guidance.

Gangula Arundathi, B.S.W., M.Ed., M.Phil (Dip) P.R., President

As a pioneer in the educational community, Gangula Arundathi has amassed over 40 years of experience in the field. Her role as the founder and head of Sanghamitra School is not just a business venture, but a testament to her vision of a nurturing environment dedicated to holistic student development. Since its establishment on March 27, 1990, Sanghamitra School has flourished into a prestigious institution, boasting a 34-year legacy that mirrors Arundathi’s unwavering commitment to excellence in education.

 

Arundathi’s commitment to community service and advocacy is as strong as her administrative prowess. She works closely with the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate to promote safety. She actively volunteers with Akshaya Vidya, an organisation that strives to educate children in urban slums, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the educational sphere.

 

Her influential role as an educator and community leader has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Brave Teacher award from the Cyberabad Police Commissioner. Arundathi is also a recognized voice in educational discourse, having shared her insights on platforms like TEDx and Josh Talks, further establishing her as a respected figure in both educational and professional circles.

 

At MARI, Arundathi brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a proven track record of impactful leadership, underlining the organization’s commitment to being led by a team of highly committed and reputed professionals.