Livelihood interventions and support

Microfinance plus – Animal husbandry

TMN realizes that just giving microfinance does not really help poor people come out of poverty. They need concerted technical and managerial support for some time to be able to utilize the loans properly and address poverty.

Nearly one third of the microfinance loans in rural areas are for purchase of buffalo and cows for milk purposes. By strengthening the support services in animal husbandry the productivity of animals can be increased with corresponding reduction on morbidity. The mortality of the animal is addressed by suitable animal insurance.

TMN has provided support to four MFIs/NGOs to take up intensive development of buffalo financing with support services of paravets and inputs supply for heath care and nutrition of animals accompanied with change in management practices.

Diversified and sustainable agriculture

Agriculture new agriculture varieties and practices are being introduced that would make cultivation more remunerative. This has been done with one partner where the farmers have taken three crops in two crop seasons resulting in income going up per unit of land by nearly 150%.

This experience would be extended to other NGO partners.

System of rice and wheat intensification (SRI/SWI)

TMN has initiated promotion of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and System of wheat Intensification (SWI). These methods reduce the cost of cultivation while giving higher yield that can vary from 20% to 100% on average.

The first foray in SRI was made by TMN with one NGO partner in UP in 2010 and it was a huge success. The yield achieved was nearly five times the earlier yield. Spurred by the success, TMN is replicating the experience with other partners in Bihar and UP in wheat and rice with support from SDTT.