The support from
the Honorable Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, was
prompt and extremely timely. This enabled SEWA to initiate emergency
economic rehabilitation, thereby provide immediate work and
income security. This helped reduce the vulnerability of the
worst affected and the poor communities in the affected villages.
SEWA in the coming
year from August 2001 to December 2001 plans to consolidate
and strengthen the ongoing economic rehabilitation programmes.
Also make the programmes viable and sustainable.
1.
Craft
as means of Livelihood Security Programme
2. Marketing
Strategy
3. Salt
Farming
4. Restoration and Repair of Water Harvesting Structures
Craft as means of Livelihood Security Programme
The work for 3000 artisans will
continue. SEWA has completed the identification of remaining
4000 artisans, along with their skill testing. At the end of
the year, all the 7000 artisans will be covered under the programme.
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Marketing
Strategy
However, SEWA
will have to invest heavily in developing a sound and realistic
marketing strategy. This will require investment of resources
as well as qualified expertise. SEWA in collaborating with the
McKinsey & Co. and Boston Consulting Group, to develop a
long term marketing strategy. The teams are currently working,
and the plans will be prepared by August end.
SEWA will have to mobilize additional
resources, to implement the marketing plan.
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Salt
Farming
The next salt season commences
from October 2001. SEWA has identified about 1000 salt farmers.
These salt farmers will be provided with
- working capital
- quality control and technical
inputs
- Market linkages
- Transport services
- Storage facilities
Transport of
salt from the salt pans in the desert to the storage site, is
a major constraint. This requires hiring of heavy vehicles such
as trucks. The salt farmers have to remain dependent on the
traders for hiring of trucks, who charge exhorbitant rates.
This takes away 60% of the salt farmers earning.
SEWA has identified
a special kind of tractor trolley, which we plan to use on a
pilot basis for carting of salt. So far this has never been
tried in the salt business.
This trolly has
a special innovation, where it kits on its own, and thereby
also reduced the labour of loading and unloading.
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Restoration and Repair of Water Harvesting Structures
SEWA conducted
a detailed survey both geohydrological and engineering, to assess
major damages. A copy of the same is attached herewith. Based
on the outcome of this survey, SEWA will undertake restoration
and repair of major water resources.
