Participatory Rural Development Initiativessociety

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is a global non-profit membership organization aimed at promoting supply chain linkages with measurable improvements in productivity and reduced cultivation costs of cotton, while also considering environmental and social impacts. PRDIS is a member as well as an Implementing Partner (IP) for BCI, working with local partners in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka since 2013. Through capacity building and field activities, PRDIS has collaborated with various stakeholders, resulting in increased yields, reduced input costs, and improved livelihoods for participating farmers. Additionally, PRDIS has undertaken research and development efforts in collaboration with state departments of Agriculture, Agricultural universities, and ATMA to enhance yields, soil health, moisture conservation, and fiber quality, while reducing cultivation expenses.

The Agri-clinics and Agri-business Centres Scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with NABARD, aims to utilize the expertise of agricultural graduates and diploma holders to set up their own clinics and businesses and offer professional extension services to farmers. Managed by MANAGE, the scheme provides free two-month training to interested graduates. PRDIS has played an instrumental role in extending the scheme's benefits to diploma holders in agriculture. PRDIS has been designated as one of the Nodal Training Institute (NTI) centres, conducting training programs for unemployed agricultural graduates and diploma holders. The trained graduates receive support in setting up their enterprises, and many have successfully established agribusiness ventures, aided by increased loan amounts and subsidies from the government.

PRDIS is a National Level Monitor for Ministry of Rural Development, GoI, New Delhi for effective regular monitoring of Major rural Development programmes like MGNREGS, SGSY/ NRLM, PMGSY, IAY, NSAP, IWMP, DWS, TSC, etc.

PRDIS is actively involved in executing the Vemulanarva WS IWMP, a significant mega watershed project in Kesampet Mandal of Mahabubnagar District. The project aims to cover a vast treatment area of 4.5 thousand hectares, spreading across seven Micro Watersheds in five Gram Panchayats over a span of 5-7 years. The project emphasizes natural resource management activities, focusing on horticultural and avenue plantations, farm ponds, and soil and moisture conservation initiatives. Regular monitoring and guidance by the project officer and technical team ensure smooth implementation, with PRDIS SMSs also providing valuable support.

PRDIS has established an agricultural skill development center in Amistapur village of Bhoothpur mandal, offering various trades like Micro Irrigation Technician, Agricultural Extension Services Provider, Green House Technology, and Fruits and Vegetable Processing. The rural youth undergo 2 months of training in relevant skills, including computers, soft skills, and English, followed by 1 month of on-the-job training. Skill Development Councils of India certify the trained candidates, helping them secure job placements in the market, thereby improving their livelihoods. The centre accommodates around 100 participants with boarding, lodging, and additional facilities like computer training, Domino Labs, library, and recreation lab.

"In collaboration with Chaudhary Charan Singh National Institute of Agriculture Marketing (NIAM), Jaipur, PRDIS successfully organized four training programs aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of SC/ST communities involved in chilli cultivation in Khammam District, cotton cultivation in Mahaboobnagar District, vegetable cultivation in Ranga Reddy District of Telangana, and millet cultivation in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. Each program spanned three days and involved 30 selected members from the respective areas.

The participants received training on the latest Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), and sustainable agricultural technologies to reduce cultivation costs, enhance productivity, and increase income. Market-led extension, post-harvest practices, and value addition.