Production- Economic Development

To create rural employment and income generating activities

Both solar, biogas and biomass programs of ADIRE have been able to generate local jobs in the villages. Biomass which is an agricultural residue are plentiful available and costs less than the grid electricity. It will provide jobs in rural enterprise that is now not possible in the absence of affordable and reliable power. Further, farmers can earn additional income through land rentals and sale of agriculture waste as fuel.

SPV based lighting and entertainment would create additional labor time during nights, encourage human resource development through learning and better health. Indian harsh summer weather is known to affect labor productivity. In summer solar energy is plentiful and can be captured through SPV panels in solar portable lanterns and radio for use in the night. The workers can relax during summer heat in their home with solar operated fans and work in the farm during the cooler night. The lights can be used for outdoor work, sewing, weaving and other income related work.

Loans are provided to villagers through microfinancing inorder to encourage entrepreneurship. Around 20 people from these JABAKA villages have taken microfinancing loan to start their own small businesses.

Some income generating work have been planned keeping the women of the village in consideration. Empowering women helping them building small businesses by microloans through SHAMA WELL program. This program started in July 2006 and now after one year around thirty women are currently benefitting from this program. An interest free loan ranging from Rs.3000/- to Rs.10000/- is given to the woman depending on the nature of her business. After she starts earning from her business the woman pays back the amount in monthly instalment. This money is again given back to the next woman in the waiting list for the loan. Some of the businesses the women have started are grocery shop, stationary shop, cows, biogas cooperative, stitching garments, embroidery, soft toys making, Badi & Pappad making, mushroom farming, agriculture, village cafeteria, candle making etc.

adi 'Kruti - Apparels & Home Furnishings

ADIRE has engaged a group of women adi 'Kruti in designing and stiching apparels and various homefurnishings. These products are sold in the local as well as outside market. These items can be custome made for the customers if they like.

Another group of girls form adi 'Shikha. They make candles and sell currently in the local market. These girls are trained in candle making in Sri Aurobindo Ashram located in a nearby village Gopinathpur around 7km from Jabaka. ADIRE has not yet started marketing these products aggressively. A team is being built to market these products both locally, nationally and internationally. The girls and women are also encouraged to take loans though microfinance and start their small cottage industry. Samples of the candles can be seen here.