Chaitanya, Shimoga, February 26, 2020: Exposure visit was organized for 53 members of women SHGs along with men Farmers' groups to BAIF Institute for Sustainable Livelihoods and Development at Tiptur on 26 February 2020. Prior to the exposure, 26 men from the Farmers' groups visited Chaitanya on 25 February 2020 for a day long orientation to learn about the goal and vision of SMSSS and to know about the various activities undertaken. Farmers were very much impressed by the work done by SMSSS for the poor and the marginalized. They have understood the need to form Farmers' groups.
During the exposure visit they learnt more about self employment, group employment, organic farming, kitchen garden, use of Jeevamrutha, qualitative vermicompost, best fodder for cows as well as benefits of various cow breeds. Other aspects like rain water conservation for drinking, promotion of herbal medicinal plants for human health as well as for livestock were explained with demonstration. The participants have decided to implement these programmes in the field. Mr Shanmukha Naik, the Coordinator of the area and Mrs Lilly Lopes, Mrs Shobha and Mrs Gayathri made all the necessary arrangements for the exposure visit.
