Eenaadu (Today)

Medak Edition
June 28th 1999

ACTIVITIES TO IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS

Narayankhed, June 27th : Dr. Vithal Rajan, Chairman of Swayam Krishi Sangam, congratulated the rural poor women of Narayankhed region for proving their capabilities through self-help activities. He addressed the women on the occasion of a meeting organized in Anthwar village on Saturday, when the organization and its women members celebrated the completion of one year of work in the region.

He encouraged more women to come forward and avail themselves of opportunities being provided by the organization. He explained that the support for the organization comes from non-resident Indians.

Swayam Krishi Sangam's director, Mr. Vikram Akula, reported that since June 1998, the organization had been ale to reach out to 253 poor families belonging to 51 groups in 14 villages. 366,000 rupees of support has been extended to these 253 members in this one year. In addition, members have saved a total of 50,000 rupees, which they used for their emergency needs. The coordinator, Ms. Rama Laxmi, noted that "repayment of the income generation loans has been 100 per cent, which goes to prove that the members are improving their living conditions".

Durgamma, the leader of Raipally Sangam [banking cooperative], one of the first women's groups set up by Swayam Krishi Sangam, said, "Swayam Krishi Sangam has made a big difference in our lives, and the economic condition of our families have improved a great deal".

The meeting was attended by members of Swayam Krishi Sangam Board of Directors: Mr. Chandra Prabhakar, Ms. Namrata and Ms. Sandhya, Ms. Rangamma, and members from the village women's Sangams [cooperatives].

Explaining why Narayankhed was selected to start their activity, Swayam Krishi Sangam Director Mr. Vikram Akula said that "the region has one of the highest rate of poverty in Andhra Pradesh" and the objective of the organization is to bring about socio-economic empowerment of the poor here.