Opportunities at Adarsh Seuj Prakalpa An Organic Demonstration Garden and Training Centre in Digboi, AssamAdarsh Seuj Prakalpa is a project that was initiated in Assam in 2006 by Fertile Ground: East/West Sustainability Network, an NGO based in western Canada. The project is located on two acres of land in the town of Digboi, on an abandoned plot of land that had previously housed living quarters for workers from the local oil refinery. In a little more than two years, two full-time gardeners and a host of volunteers from the local neighbourhood and from Canada have transformed an unsightly site littered with garbage and building materials to a model organic garden and resource centre. The site is regularly visited by farmers, small tea growers, educators, agricultural extension staff and students, and has attracted guests from as far away as Australia, Nigeria, Germany and the U.S. Project partners include the landowner (Indian Oil Corporation), members of the Rotary Club of Digboi and Fertile Ground. Now entering its third year, Adarsh Seuj Prakalpa is an attractive, well-equipped training centre, with four enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff members. With the recent departure of the project manager, we are actively searching for one or two highly motivated and capable individuals to join our team and work with the project partners to develop the capacity and sustainability of the centre. Here’s what we have already established:
an acre of fenced land with a large area under organic cultivation
another acre of adjacent land currently not under cultivation
a resource centre with an attached outside classroom area and 24-hour/day electrical supply
fully equipped, secure office area (12’ x 18’), desks, computer work station, display units, storage area, high-speed internet connection
a well-equipped library of books, videos and resource materials in English and Assamese
desktop & laptop computers, LCD projector, 6’ projection screen
covered classroom space that will seat 35
portable power generator that enables use of a/v equipment in village areas
12’ x 12’ godown and covered storage area
kitchen area with 2 burner stove, able to provide food service for 6, tea service for 40
Tent and mattresses that will sleep 8
on-site sanitary latrine
12’ X 16’ production unit for compost teas and plant-based formulas, electric/manual grinders, work surface, storage containers
chopper for preparing material for compost (can be used manually or with electric motor)
connection to pressurized water supply, with water lines to garden beds,
fenced compound for storage of materials for compost production
12’ X 36’ covered and fenced vermicompost production area
a 4’ X 12’ cement vermicompost unit
informative signs located throughout garden area
MOU with local Rotary Club, Fertile Ground and Indian Oil Corporation for ongoing use of the land To reach its potential, the Adarsh Seuj Prakalpa project needs: 1. one or two staff highly skilled senior staff members who can help our staff reach a greater number of farmers, small tea growers and self-help groups seeking information about effective, low-cost organic and traditional agricultural practices 2. ongoing training, skills development and support for our staff:
Pompy’s needs include
Iqbal, Babu and Soumen’s needs include
3. stronger links with credible organizations, both here in India and internationally, that may be able to provide guidance or mentorship to our staff and project partners so that we can continue attracting high caliber volunteers and workers. To date, 13 Canadians have traveled to Assam to volunteer at the Adarsh Seuj Prakalpa project, including 4 students from Camosun College whose support helped them earn credits towards completion of a degree in Environmental Technology 4. assistance in identifying and accessing assistance from a broader range of sources – for training and financial support to cover a portion of our operating costs and some special projects (including creation of an Assamese soundtrack for a number of videos on organic farming practices) To date, individuals and organizations that have actively supported and encouraged Fertile Ground and the Adarsh Seuj Prakalpa project include:
If you have questions or are interested in learning more about how you might be able to participate with us in Assam, please contact: Peggy Carswell, Coordinator Pompy Ghosh, Outreach Worker |
