Livelihood

Livelihood may be defined as continued income generation in a sustainable and dignified manner. In the village scenario, the major source of occupation is agriculture. However, in the working area, it is growing fact that over the last decade there is a rapid decline in the proportion of population engaged in cultivation (Upto 45 % decline). The occupation profile has shown tremendous change in tribal villages of Jhadol and Kotra region mainly from cultivation to labour.

The major occupation of agriculture has been adversely affected by drought situation and the people are unable to survive on single maize crop. Another source of income based on livestock is also characterized by unproductive livestock and face the scarcity of fodder and other amenities. Minor forest produce which once used to be important source of income for the tribal has become very less and limited to few pockets.

In such a situation of decreasing occupational opportunities, MSS helps community in strengthening livelihood through the development of land and water resources for agro based income generation sources.

MSS is promoting concept of herb cultivation by establishment of herbal gardens or Dharam Bagichi. MSS also organizes traditional health camps where local experts to treat chronic diseases use traditional and herbal medicines. in order to promote organic concepts various practices are promoted in the working area like the vermin compost demonstrations, green manures, leaf compost, liquid manure, Neem pesticides, etc. MSS is also seeking collaboration potential clients for marketing of the organic and herbal produces of the area. MSS has been trying to organize the SHGs in the area so that they can develop their saving habits and in long run can undertake some income generating programs like dairy, Goatry, brick making, etc.

Up till now four groups are facilitated to get linked with Bank and loan is taken for the income generation activities like ginger cultivation, rural shops, agriculture implementations etc. These groups are regular in their monthly meetings and also discuss on the issues like government schemes rules and regulations.

MSS has been motivating them for strengthening their relation with the land upgradation through the organic practices like the vermin composting, decomposing and other organic and herbal cultivation. Presently MSS has 58 Self Help Group that are involved in the saving and credit activities.

Major Activities Undertaken In livlihood:
• Community lift irrigation scheme
• Herbal medicinal plants
• Formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs)
• Organic farming practices
• Vermi compost on commercial basis