April 2005 Update

April 2005 Update

April 2005 Update

April was a busy month since it gave birth to two more new enterprises and the installation of the drip irrigation systems was started. Up until recently, Dnyaneshwar suffered from a poor image of himself because of his extremely weak economic situation. He never speaks in any of the GSBG meetings. However, the GSBG members continued to encourage him and were very happy when he agreed to undergo welder training sponsored by the GSBG. After the training, GSBG arranged for Dnyaneshwar to obtain a welding machine to start his own business. He has already fabricated a green house for the other new business that started in April.

The other new business was a vegetable nursery started by Datttu, the son of a local farmer. He attended a training program in Pune and is now selling tomato, bitter gourd, and egg plant saplings to surrounding villages. Dattu plans to have six employees to begin with.

Also in April, the drip irrigation equipment was received and installation has begun. The results of many weeks of training will now start to bear fruit (and vegetables).

A guest who visited Belgaon Dhaga recently made the following comment: "You are saving a great brain drain from happening. These young rurual talents would otherwise be wasted in being treated like doormats in most urban settings. Besides they are creating permanent employment opportunities for so many other dependents who would otherwise flee to cities in search of food - especially in the dry season."

Chandu and several local farmers look over the drip irrigation equipment they have received and plan to install for the next crop cycle. 

Dattu showing some vegetables from his newly opened vegetable nursery. 

Dnyaneshwar receives his new mobile welding unit.