Livelihoods

Environmental conservation and sustainability, respecting ecological integrity and limits

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The search for dignified, ecologically sustainable and meaningful livelihoods and jobs is featured in this section. This includes the continuation and enhancement of fulfilling traditional occupations that communities choose to continue, including in agriculture, pastoralism, forestry, fisheries, crafts, and others in the primary economy. It also includes sustainable, dignified jobs in manufacturing and service sectors where producers and service-providers are in control of their destinies and revenues are equitably distributed.

Weaving a revolution, one piece at a time

The malkha process explores an alternative to the present situation where both farmers and weavers are dependent on spinning mills, a way in which both farmers and weavers could benefit from each other, and in which spinning could also become a rural occupation. It is the missing link in a fully rural cotton textile industry using local raw material and local skills. Not only would it create more employment, the links between farming and local production would strengthen rural society both socially and politically.

Bhaskar Save, the Gandhi of Natural Farming

Veteran farmer Bhaskar Save's organic farm yields more than any farm using chemicals, going by any criteria including total quantity, nutritional quality, taste, biological diversity, ecological sustainability, water conservation, energy efficiency, and economic profitability.

Kerala Organic Farming Policy announced

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, on Monday, officially announced the Kerala State Organic Farming policy aimed at making farming sustainable and ensuring toxin-free food to public within 10 years.

The key to the handloom crisis

By placing all components of textile production in the hands of weavers and artisans, the Malkha intervention seeks to make them autonomous owners of their means of livelihood.

Ecocabs in Fazilka

Mutiple Ecocab call centres, strategically placed, ensure that an ecocab takes a caller from any of over 13,000 households to his destination (within 3 km) in 10 minutes.

Chandigarh Eco-cabs

The new Eco-cab phone-in system provides ready services to residents and an improved livelihood option for rickshaw-walas.

Torch bearers for millet seed security

While agriculture in other parts of the country was in doldrums, the sangham farmers were completely self-reliant re. food, seeds and farming.

Community-based Homestays: Innovation in Tourism

Rural homestays are becoming a valuable source of livelihoods and sustainable tourism in parts of the Himalayas. Here are some stories of such facilities.

Lure of the homestay

In the Himalayas and various other parts of India, a new model for low-impact tourism is needed to protect the fragile ecosystems that provide youthful adventurers the wild and exotic experiences they seek, and homestays are a sustainable tourism option in such surroundings.