Donation

Donor ..................Amount .......Use of Fund
Chintan .....................3,000 ................ Soil Testing Kit
Ingenero ...................15,000 .............Shade Net & InstructorSalary

Sanjay Balgaonkar ......21,000 ..........To be use for Renewable energy

SWOT

Strength (support project)
Project for vocational training
Use of free time of Vivekasharm students
Contribution from young enthusiastic team of learned personals
Project aim to reduce migrations to city
Project based on proven concept (Vidyannasharm)
Project planed by VK for Pimpalad
Project base on the local basic needs
High enthusiastic Contributions from students
Scientific approach
Good infrastructure (Land, Building & students)
Support from VK Nashik
Very good start: Soil testing, & vegetable farming
Real time training on basic ruler technology
Community can get served by center
Vigyan Ashram is ready to guide and help

Weakness (which will slow down)
Low participation from VK Nashik in implementation
Slow implementation due to lack of man power
Lack of instruments and experts
Lack Advisory committee
Lack of communication in VK team
Lack of clear definition of role responsibility and authority
Lack of funds
Less participation & communication with local people (Trambak/ Pimpalad)
Lack of plan of implementation
Core team members time availability


Threats (which can stop project)
Non consistency in project implementation
Conflict on basic ideas between SBEC & VK
Lack of communication & trust between SBEC & VK
Withdrawal either by SBEC &/or VK
Lack of interest from local community
No firm decision
Slow decision from both SBEC & VK
Non consistent approach to basic ideas by as well as implementation by VK
Diversion of project staff for other activity

Opportunities (Future)
Pilot project for other VK school
Pilot project for other organizations
To develop Agriculture related technology and science
To develop Self sufficient village
Effective technology transfer in ruler area
Support center for small scale business development
A Center for Non conventional energy work
Pimplad out come Role model

Report of October 2008

Report of Shantanu’s work
Duration: 5th to 19th Oct.2008 at Vivekananda Kendra, Pimplad.

Get an instructor in place and start training him:
As per plan we have fixed up 7th Oct is a date for an interviews, Sujata Tai and Amit Tillu were suppose to find and call candidates who are interested. But on the day of interview no one arrived only Mr. Vasant Patil whom we have interviewed previously was appeared. He is good & is meeting all the objectives; but salary demand was quite high (Rs.4000/- per month). 7th Oct. ended with no instructor in hand.
In next two day with some more efforts, we received two names, Hemant Mahale from Ganeshgaon and Suresh Rawat from Pagulghar. After interviewing both we selected Suresh and asked him to join immediately. Suresh joined us on 15th Oct.
Suresh has completed a course in I.T.I. with Mechanical Fitter tread. He is also graduated in Arts with subject Political science. He has technical work experience where he worked on arc welding and leth machine. He use to organize Sanskar Varga in village with the philosophy of Shri. Panduranga-Shsastri Athavle.

Meeting with Abhilash Gorhe –
Abhilash is a Agricultural businessman who work in Nashik, Dhule, Aurangabad, Jalgaon and Nandurbar. We got his reference from Mr. Dinesh Kulkarni, Arun’s friend who works for Bhartiya Kisaan Snagha.
Abhilash runs one NGO called Samruddhi foundation and a company Samruddhi Agro farming Pvt. Ltd. Rohit kokil from our group first met Abhilash around 3 months back. During first meet only he shown an interest to know more and work for project.
Abhilash provided a design for Nursery and also immediately connected with shed net dealer. He also gave tips on how to make beds inside nursery.
He visited Pimplad on 18th while Arun was there. He recommended few suggestions on nursery project and future water treatment and storage project. It really added values in it. Abhilash now planned next visit after Diwali. Before that our nursery is expected to be functional. Abhilash also suggested starting a Varmi compost production unit; this will fulfill our requirement of vermi compost and varmi wash.
He also suggested starting making Jeevamrut, We have done it in past, need to start again. Our instructor Suresh also carries experience in making Jeevamrut and Vermi compost. We have to start both ASAP.
Looks like Abhilash’s consultancy will be quite useful for us. We need to follow his instructions.

Meeting with Mrs. Vandana Atrey:
Mrs. Atrey was ex. Co-editor of Gavkari and now free. She was active Karyakarti of VK few years back. She shown interest in our project, we need to see where and how she can help us. Mighty be helpful to us in publishing and fund raising activities.

Shed net Project.
It was one of the goal that during my stay shednet structure should be ready and get working. I suppose to start working on it from day one, but as we didn’t have instructor during first half of my stay, that delayed it. We took in on high priority as Suresh joined and taken a charge. We got design from Abhilash, as per design we estimated necessary things with the help of Sanju, Valu and Waghmare.

On 15th of Oct our instructor took his charge on 15’th and 16th onwards started working on shed net design n learn more details. On 18th we started constructing shed net which suppose to be complete on 22nd.
We have planned a shed net of size 13mtrs * 6mtrs with max height of 7ft. It will have four bed inside with approx. size of 11.ft. * 2.5ft each. We have planned to prepare saplings of Chilly, Bringal, Karela, Dodka etc. We are also planning to shift on fruit crops saplings during summer season.

Soil Testing Kit
Nothing happened on Soil testing kit. There was huge rainfall in first half which kept soil wet for longer time.

Irrigation – (expected a base work)
I was to meet Mr. Sagun patil who happens to be in Nashik and working for
IDL-India. This meet didn’t happen. But during a visit to Agri Exhibition at Nashik, we got one more low cost option of drip irrigation. Later Abhilash also recommended same. We have to study and compare both the technologies; probably we can invite both the representatives and get the information. This action are part of rohits action plan for 14-20th Nov 2008.

Water Storage Tanks and filtration:
Fero-Cement tank technology and design to get from Vigyan Ashram, I had word with Yogesh Kulkarni and he suggested sending Instructor to Instructors training program in first week of November. There our instructor will get trained on making of water tanks along with all other training. Let’s see if we can send him.
With the discussions with Amit and Abhilash, we found its better to do two filters at the backside of two bathrooms and reuse that water for agriculture purpose. It will not add much cost but will serve our agri- training and production purpose, also saves water and energy.

Computers and Internet Connectivity:
Computers at Pimplad center are not working. We found SMPS were get damaged due to un-stabilized power supply. We have sent SMPS to repair. Its with VK’s karyakarta Parag Ghamandi. Rohit has to follow it.
We should have good stabilizers which can stabilize an input power to computers. Along with good stabilizers we should have one person who can look after the maintenance of the PCs.
Computer Hardware Training (CTP- Vigyan Ashram): Vigyan Ashram has developed a Multimedia based Computer Training program, we have to get CDs from Vigyan Ashram. Instructor Suresh has got interest and ready to learn computer. We have to keep it mandatory for him. He has to learn CTP (Computer Hardware) and MS Office in 3 months probation period.
Internet Connectivity:
Dial up through GPRS connectivity is good solution. Need to purchase a BSNL Card with a GPRS enabled handset which can act as a modem. BSNL had put up a line till Pimplad but during road construction work it got damaged and now not working. If it would have worked we would have got broadband connectivity at Pimplad. BSNL prefers and promotes to use WLL (Wireless in Local Loop) connectivity. WLL has limitations on internet speed. Its always better to get GPRS connectivity than WLL.

Vyavasaya Prashikshan Kendra – Detailed planning.
Yes we have done it and attached separately

Report November 08

Summary of VK Activity by Arun, Rohit & Shantanufrom 10th To 23rd November 2008

Arun has gone for ARTI training to Phaltan from 10-14th November 2008. Shantanu joined same training on 13th & 14th November 2008.
10th Nov 08: The first day of training was on Kandi Kolsa, Sarai cooker and general introduction to ARTI techniques Biogas.
Kandi Kolsa: The light biomass in collected together and subjected to partial combustion in steel drum. The carbon powder obtained from this is mixed with cooked wheat paste and put in mold of appropriate size. This is then dried under sun to get fuel; which can be used for cooking food in an efficient sarai cooker.
The basic biomass is available at VK Pimplad need the infrastructure and basic training.
Sujata tai and Amit are in process of making the unit. We can call ARTI person for training or Arun can train Suresh and student during his visit to Pimpald.
Sarie Cookers are the cooker designed to cook food at lower temperature. The main advantage of this cooker are they are highly fuel efficient as there is minimum loss of water vapors. Food is cooked at lower temperature as compare to normal heating and pressure cooker this can lead to better food value. ARTI does not support there claim of better food value with any data. One cooker is with Sujata Tai at Pimplad. Need to use it on regular basis. We can purchase jumbo cookers if we get our own kandi lolsa
Bio-gas: Bio gas is useful technique and should be active at VK pimplad. Bio gas will work very well during summer. But can work reasonably well during winter season. We have to modify our working style for effective utilization of bio gas we have. In this process methane is generated form carbohydrate rich biomass. It can be waste food or waste wheat floor form floor mill. Used tea powder, umbrachi fale, kardaliche kanda. Need to feed only 1.5 kg of crushed biomass with 1 12-15 lit water as slurry. Overdoes hampers the process. We have all infrastructure ready needs proper training and mangment.
11th Nov 08: Bamboo treatment, solar dryer, smock less wood stove and wormy bed was covered on second day.
Bamboo Treatment: Bamboo can be used for various purposes like the structure for climbers; furniture e.g. chairs, cots, racks; solar dryers; bamboo water storage tanks; wormy beds etc. Bamboo life can be improved if bamboo is treated with some chemicals. Bamboo immediately after cutting should be treated with sodium chromate, boric acid and copper sulfate solution. These treated bamboos can be used for 10years.
The other treatment is less effective and should be done on the dry Bamboos. We at VK Pimpalad should aim at bamboo plantation and treatment as long term project and use of treated bamboos as short term option.
Solar Dryer: Solar dryer is a pyramid of bamboo and back plastic. This can be used for drying vegetables and fruits. When vegetable are cheap in market they can be purchase and can be used when not available or very costly. We can either arrange training for making solar dryer or Arun can train students and Suresh during his visit.
Smoke less Chulas These are based on two important factors a) Wood is burned on a MS gauze so that it has much better supply of air this leads to low smoke. b) the construction is made in such a way that the energy losses are minimized. Different chulas are available. Chulas can be made from concrete or soil. Mode for these chulas are available with ARTI for 1000/- .
NARI Visit: Arun also visited NARI on this day. NARI has a verity of sheep which can give about 2lit of milk in a day. This can be good option to cow. Need further study and discussion. They have a glass called Dasharth ghas which can survive in very low water availability. This is good food for cow and ships. A packet of seed has been purchased for VK pimplad.
12th & 13th Nov 08 Shantanu joined for ARTI training. Next two days training was on nursery technique & raise beds; high humidity chamber; hardening chamber.
Raised bed is technique developed by ARTI for seasonal plants preparation and making use of soil which has problem. This is base on high aeration of roots, appropriate amount of required fertilizers either organic or chemical. This can yield in high production.
High humidity chambers are useful for asexual propagation of plants. This technique leads to low mortality of cuttings. The plants can not be shifted from high humidity chamber directly to normal atmosphere hence need slow and controlled exposure to normal conditions this is done by hardening chamber. Arun and Shantanu can train students for this.
14th Nov 08 Arun, Rohit & Shantanu had discussion at Pune.
Pabal Visit Arun and Shantanu visited Pabal to meet Arjun & Kalu Mahale. This meeting was quite satisfactory. Both VK students are doing well at Pabal. and completed one course each. Both are well aware of the expectations from VK Pimpald. Arjun has some ideas about water storage tank and wants to implement it at Pimpald. Kalu said Sujata tai has told him to concentrate on motor winding so that we can start similar course at VK Pimpald next year. Both seems to be agreeing with spending there time with VK for their individual and society betterment. We asked them to make their plan for 3 years. The plan should take care of
Family needs and expectations
Society & VK needs and expectation
Efforts to build their own business
Individuals liking
We will have the next round of discussion with them after completion of their course and counseling by VA authorities. Shantanu will be in touch with VA on this issue. Sujata tai should send formal request to VA after Shantanu’s initial approach.
We also visited Agricultural exhibition at Agriculture College ground Pune. Few interesting things are: Pump on swing; grinder on cycle. We purchase banana saplings and seeds of Dudhi, Karla, Ghosali, Dodki Diary of Dapoli Krishi Vidyapeet etc. Rohit and Arun traveled to Nashik on same day.
15th November 08: Rohit and Arun visited Pimpald on 15th and 16th November 2008. Purpose of this visit was to update link Rohit’s work plan with Shantanu’s work. Arun was with Shantanu for his last two days at Pimpald. 15th morning Rohit & Arun visited Mr. Joshi in Nashik to explore the possibility of his involvement in VK Pimplad project. This was attempted because Amit has limited time available and we need a local support for VK project.
Then we visited Pimpald. We had good discussion with Suresh. Arun had explained Rohit how to take further what Shantanu has started. Shade net needs completion. Plot which is ready need plantation. Drip system work need to go further; Sugam Patil needs to be tapped for the same. Raised bed need to be build. Trays for vegetables with coco pit. Wormy bed, Jeevamrut, dryer initial purchases are the main things on Rohit’s list. Very important expectation form Rohits stay is student’s involvement in project. Suresh to be establish as trainer and farm manager. Rohit has limited time and will not get in to waste water recycle project. This project was initially was main part of Rohit’s work. But after taking account of situation this was dropped form Rohit’s list.
This evening we had meeting with Jayant dada and explained him the plan. Jayant dada also discussed about the fencing issue. We agreed to make plant for our own plantation. 1) fencing plants 2) karanja. He also discussed about the planning for next year course. Group has to decide and make a thorough proposal for the same. Late evening we had meeting with Rohin (Arun’s Cousin) & Vivek Achawal both of them have shown interest in VK project and promised support. Arun, Rohit and Shantanu need to take further action to keep in touch & involve them in positive way.
16th November 08: Rohit and Arun visited the Borha nursery. This was quite a useful visit. Mr. Borha promised to purchase any plant from us except Nilgiri, Akesha & subhabhul. He has low cost vermin wash technique. He suggested to collect seeds form forest in our area and made sapling form it. He suggested Boganvela for the compounding. Following this visit we went to buy Flower & vangi saplings. This afternoon we had a group meeting Rohit, Arun, Jayanydada, Sujata Tai and Chitra tai were present in the meeting. We had agreed on
Suresh will have one holiday per week. 8 festival holidays and no leave for first 6 months. He can get compensatory off or can adjust leave by compensation.
We will pursue Bhora nursery plan. We will make vegetable sapling for our consumption and sell. We will also make sapling of boganvela and karnja for our own consumption
Solar dryer is a good option and should be taken on priority.
Nursery need to be functional. Raise bed and tray with cocopit should be pursued.
We need another cow sakwar should be contacted.
Drip is agreed in principle. Initial estimate is Rs. 500/- Pravin Vetal will visit VK and give the final estimate.
Jeevamrut is another priority item
Wormy culture is next item with out which we can not go further. All worm is our present culture are dead.
From 19th Nov 2008 Rohit was at Pimplad the accomplishments during his stay are as follows:
Vegetable Farming : Plot were made ready for plantation. Actual plantation of Flower and vangi was done. Bananas were planted.
Drip Irrigation Priveen Vetal visited VK gave list of the requirement for drip which we have to arrange. Rohit with help of students and Suresh got the necessary infra structure. Pravin promised that he will involve students and install drip system. There won’t be installation charges. He estimated total cost to be about Rs. 1400/- The drip cost will be about 600 and rest is supporting material which his company do not sell.
Students Involvement Rohit, Sujata Tai, Nikhil and Suresh made a good time table of students where they work in field batch wise. Rohit found that enthusiasm of students is quite high.
Plant Protection Crabs were another serious problem and Rohit and Suresh got the required remedy for the same. Students with help of Suresh did the needful.
Nursery Rohit with arranged to get a trolley load of sand. This came as complementary gift from Mr. Rajesh Dixit. With help of sand and available recourses model raise bed was made in nursery which will be tried for sapling preparation of cabbage and Karnja. Coco pit and trays was purchased mixed with wormy manure sample trays were made ready. Can be used for sapling preparation of Dudhi, Karla etc.
Jevamrut : Necessary material for Jeevamrut was purchased and first model batch was done in Rohit’s present. Fortunately Kishorji’s also guided students in this event.
Shade net: Net construction was complete in all respect before Rohit left Pimpald.
Sarai Cooker: Rohit demos rated the way to use Sarai cooker.
Pending Jobs: Solar dryer, wormy beds, Bio gas
Post Rohit’s visit drip system was installed and it came as complementary gift to VK project.

Annual Report 2008

Annual Report 2008



12thJan.-31st January 08

· Meeting 12th Jan 08 (Vivekanad Jayanti) at Vivekananda Kendra (VK) Nashik
· Participants: Shantanu Inamdar, Sujata Dalvi, Amit Tillu, Solapure, Jayant Dixit, Arun Dixit, Usha Dixit, Shalini .
· This is the first formal meeting hold at Vivekanand Kendra (VK) Nashik. The topics discussed during this meeting were as follows:
· The high lights of visit of Sujata Dalvi; Shantanu Imamdar, Arun Dixit to Vigyan Ashram (VA) Pabal were shared with group. Arun also shared the high light of his meeting with Yogesh Kulkani on 31st Dec 07
· Director of VA Mr. Yogesh Kulkarni has promised necessary support and has given some suggestion which are :
o Two to four students from VK should come to VA for formal training of one year.
o VK Pimplad should start with some services i.e. paid services by which Kendra and students will be able to earn money and learn new techniques.
o VK Pimplad should not give out any contract for it’s own need. Students should do all necessary jobs. Experts and technical support should be hired from out side e.g. if we want a bio-gas we should make it our own.
· As the first need of VK we decided to go ahead with vegetable farming.
· Amit Tillu has accepted the responsibility as a guide for vegetable farming. Amit and Sujata Dalvi will be authority for decision.
· Other point which got discussed was sharing of profit generated during with VK students as incentive.
· During this month Amit made a list of students and their skills. They also measured available land for cultivation and checked soil profile. Made the plan for seeding and plantation.


February 08
· Meeting 17th Feb 08: Participants: Shantanu Inamdar, Sujata Dalvi, Amit Tillu, Rohit Kokil, Arun Dixit
o Decided go ahead with implementation of 12 Jan meeting, i.e.Vegetable farming.
o Purchase of vegetable saplings and soil testing kit was agreed. Amit to take responsibility of both jobs
· 18Feb 08: Seeds and sapling of Doodhi Bhopla, Brinjal, Green Chili, Papaya, Tomato, Cabbage and Colby flower were purchased.
· 19 Feb: Swati Pandit visit. Objections on incentives.
· 21 Feb: Yogesh Kulkani handed over the kit for soil testing.
· Vegetable plantation was done.

March 08

· Under the guidance of Amit Tillu, & Sujata Dalvi vegetables cultivated: results were quite good, as compare to previous practices.
· Sending students to Vigyan Ashram (VA) Pabal for 1 year DBRT course :
Kalu Mahale. Arun and Sujata Dalvi visited his house. He is ready to go for one year training, parents also ready. ( Almost Fixed)
Sanjay Mundhe: Need to convince parents ( Sujata Dalvi will visit)
Devidas Bodke: Need to talk to him.
Arjun: Arjun have already visited Pabal
· Appointing one person as Instructor at Pimplad: We can offer him a housing facility and food at Vivekanand Kendra with salary. First 9 month’s i.e. full salary for 6 months and 50 % salary for next 6 months will be sponsored by Group. He will be in charge of Agriculture and Dairy project. He will instruct students in their projects not only in agriculture but also in other disciplines which he knows
· Dairy Project: Arun visited Pabal to see the feasibility of dairy project and understand kitchen management system.
· Amit made an effort to put soil testing kit in practice. Students learnt how soil testing technology works.

April 08

· Month of April Arun and Rohit had meeting with Kishor Tokekar Head, VK Maharastra & made him aware of the ideas and efforts.
· Shantanu, Rohit and Arun presented the concept and efforts in VK Pune meeting. The idea was accepted in principle.
· No major activity at Pimplad as students were on summer vacations.

May 08

· 1st May08: Amit, Rohit & Arun visited Sakwar to study the project for possible leveraging of ideas
o Sakwar project has good funding from TATA
o It is not multi stream project but a course like ITI
o Results in to skill with which students can get job in TATA motor’s work shops or Tata Indicom
· 2nd May 08: Amit, Rohit & Arun had a telephone conference with Shantanu and made the budget proposal ready. It was also decided that the first year project should not spend money more than 75,000/- and we should build trust and working system at Pimplad
· Arun & Amit presented an idea and action plan with budget requirements to VK working committee meeting at Pimplad. No clear sanction or objection ware registered by VK.
· 19th May 08: Amit had meeting with Bhanudasji (General Secretary VK) and presented an idea & action plan. Got his approval for the project to go ahead.

June 08

· 6th June 08: Amit, Arun, Rohit & Shantanu had 1& half days meeting at Khodala
· Strength, weakness, Opportunities & Threats analysis (SWOT) of the project was done and SWOT draft was made.
· Every one presented individual picture of project and collectively evolved the picture and Project Goal (3 Years).
· Amit, Arun, Rohit & Shantanu made individuals contribution clear to self and group.
· SWOT & Project Goal were shared with Bhanudasji, (General Secretary VK) Kishorji (Head, VK Maharstra) and VK Nashik team.

July 08
· July 15th a memorandum of understanding was discussed and signed.
· The Significant features were as follows:
o Team of four Amit Tillu, Arun Dixit, Rohit Kokil, Shantanu Inamdar (SBEC Group) will work with VK team to implement the concept of Vigyan Ashram at Pimplad Nashik.
o Team of four Chitra Deshpande, Jayant Dixit, Swati Pandit and Sujata Dalvi are the key stake holders of this project on behalf of VK.
o Hiring required man power will be done by SBEC group.
o Required funding will be paid by VK if required SBEC team members will join hands with VK to raise funds
o Money generated during the project activity will be used for building capital for other activity related to project and part will be shared with students as an incentive.
· The major activity during this month was efforts to get instructor from Pabal or otherwise
· Two students were sponsored by VK and sent to VA Pabal for DBRT course.
· Chitra Deshpande & Usha Dixit from VK Pimplad visited VA Pabal.
· This month as a parallel initiative rice cultivation was initiated

August 08

· August 3rd- 4th Arun & Rohit visited Pimplad. They had a good discussion with hostel students and convinced them to keep cleanliness of their bath rooms and toilets. For story click here.
· Efforts for instructor: We gave advertisement in local news paper and interviewed one candidate. But being higher monitory demands we could not hire
· Rohit had a meeting with Abhilash Gorhe (Samridhi Agrochem) on 6th Aug 08. Abhilash promised to help the project.
· August 14th Sujata Dalvi visited VA Pabal
· Meeting with Nivedita Bhide (vice president of Vivekananada Kendra) at Pune (15th August 08) to explained her project concept and details
· August 16-17th 08 Arun and Rohit visited Pimplad.
· 17th August In the meeting with Team leaders of hostel student’s, project was formally launched by Sujata Dalvi, Arun Dixit & Rohit Kokil. Incidentally this is third the Sunday of Shravan. A year back on the third Sunday of Shrawan Arun & Shantanu got introduced to each other during Bramhagiri Pradakshina.
· A group of students visited nursery at Nashik and purchased saplings. New plantation of bringle, tomato, Pumpkin and Karela was done.
· In the afternoon session Rohit explained students how to make Ganesh murti and Ox statues using clay.
· Popat came for instructor's interview. Arun found him ok asked to join from 1St September.

September 08

· September was the most negative month for the project.
· Arun & Shantanu visited Pimplad on 27th & 28th September 08 and found following:
· No instructor: Due to some unknown reasons Sujata Dalvi postponed joining of Popat or any instructor.
· Vegetables like bringle, tomato, Pumpkin, Karle have lost life due to heavy rains
· Paddy cultivation had a heavy set back as our own cow has eaten most of the paddy.
· Half the academic year passed with no success.
· Shantanu Inamdar has offered 10-15 days for project if VK is serious about it.
· We had a round of discussions with Sujata Dalvi, Chitra Deshpande, Bhanudasji (GS VK) and Nivedita Bhide (post to be added).
· The only positive out come of this month was decision of Shantanu Inamdar to stay at Pimplad in October.

October 08

· 5th to 19th Oct.2008 Shantanu stayed at Pimplad. Arun visited Pimplad on 17-18th October 08.
· 6 & 7th October Shantanu made big efforts with help of Sujata Dalvi and selected Suresh Rawat as instructor.
· Shantanu with help from Abhilash Gorhe got plan for shade net and nursery
· 15th October Suresh joined as instructor
· Shade net and nursery work took a good grip & got completed.
· The project in red got new life due to October work and Suresh's joining team.
· Detail report


November 08

· Arun (10-14th Nov 08) & Shantanu (13-14th Nov 08) attended the ARTI training. Arun has learnt energy technique and both of them learnt nursery technique together.
· Arun, Rohit and Shantanu had a meeting at Pune to discuss the future action plan.
· Arun & Shantanu visited VA Pabal to see Arjun & Kalu Mahale. During the visit it was decided that some body from VA team will attain the counseling session of both these students & Shantanu will keep in touch with Anad Gosavi (Manager VA) in this regard.
· Arun, Rohit & Shantanu also visited Agricultural Exhibition at Pune and found few interesting concepts
o Grinder with cycle
o Water pump with swing ( Amit mentioned in past)
· Rohit and Arun then visited Nashik & Pimplad.
· Visited Mr. Joshi to check the possibility to get local support as Amit is not able to give time required for project. Same day meeting with Rohini Achwal was promising for required local support.
· Visited Bhora nursery contact given by Moreshwar Rathod to find outlet for our nursery saplings. Bhora was quite helpful and promised necessary support.
· Meeting with Sujata Dalvi, Jayant Dixit, Chitra Deshapade, Arun Dixit, Rohit Kokil
· Rohit stayed at Pimplad from 16th to 22nd November 08. The most important job by Rohit was establishing Suresh as farm manger & instructor for students.
· Rohit established contact with Sugam Patil & Praveen Vetal of IDE and did necessary back ground work for drip irrigation system. Praveen Vetal with Suresh did a good job for VK and made drip functional.
· Rohit during his stay made and demonstrated raised bed technique. Stared nursery with cabbage sapling preparation.
Detail report of November can be seen here.

1st December 08- 11th January 09

· December we have some issue of decease on Bringle and Cabbage. These issues were discussed with Abhilash Gohre and Amit Tillu for possible solution. Advices from http://www.aaqua.org/ website were proved to be the best and useful.
· Gulmohor seeds were planned in raised sand bed.
· Ready saplings of cabbage were replanted in the field.
· Drip has some minor problems like leakages and improper punching were sorted out.
· Arun visited Pimplad in the first week of January and made a plan with Suresh for Jungle tree sapling including Karanja.
· High humidity chamber technique was conveyed to Suresh and one chamber made.
· Karanja cuttings were tried in raised sand bed & high humidity chamber.
· Arun & Shantanu visited Pimplad to take one year stock of situation on 11th January 09.
· It was decided to make a year report of project activity. This is as above….

? aAQUA Qustions ?

Pimplad images

http://picasaweb.google.com/arun.dxit/VKPimplad02#