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Grant for Integrated Rural Livelihood Scheme

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan Livelihood Mission has sanctioned Rs.56 lakhs for implementation of an ambitious Integrated Rural Livelihood Development Scheme stipulating the evolution of 28 villages as model employment-oriented habitations through their technical enrichment.

The Livelihood Mission will execute the scheme in collaboration with the Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, which has selected two villages each in the 14 Krishi Vigyan Kendras attached to it. The villages are situated across seven districts in the State.

The scheme – to be implemented for two years in each village – will promote the avocations such as agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture and cooperative-base activities to expand the sources of livelihood for the villagers. The funds will be released through the Rajasthan State Agricultural Marketing Board.

State Agricultural Extension Director R.N. Goswami said here on Sunday that a Field Associate educated up to the senior secondary level would be appointed in each village after an intensive 10-day training for implementing the scheme at the grassroots. The Krishi Vigyan Kendras are run by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research.

Dr. Goswami said only the small villages comprising about 200 families would be selected under the scheme. After the scheme’s completion in a set of two villages in each of the 14 Krishi Vigyan Kendra in two years, another set of two villages will be selected for the work.

A village-level survey will be undertaken to find out the livelihood needs, agricultural requirements, status of the market, income level of the residents and the resources available before launching the scheme. At the end of the work, a team will conduct monitoring to gauge the changes brought about in the standard of life of the rural populace.

Mr. Goswami said the scheme would lay a special emphasis on the sections such as small and marginal farmers, families living below poverty line and the villagers belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

In addition to the popularisation of new techniques, the scheme envisages distribution of mini-kits of superior quality of seeds for various crops and vegetables and extension of financial support for developing livelihood-oriented resources. Subsidy will also be provided for the purchase of livestock of advanced breed.

Besides, there is a proposal to run short-term training courses for the rural youths in the fields such as animal husbandry, dairy and horticulture.

The self-help groups will also provide information about productive livelihood options.

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