Support for Dry land Horticulture:

Support for Dry land Horticulture:

Climate change amplifies threats to food security, hunger and malnutrition. It is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as floods and droughts, as well as heat waves that disrupt livelihoods. Custard Apple, a native crop of our region could be our potential hope to overcome the effects of climate change and improve the lives of small and marginal farmers in the region. Custard apple, a dry land crop, tolerates a variety of conditions, from saline soils to droughts and does not need much maintenance. Its irrigation needs are minimal, and the plant is very less susceptible to pest attacks. The tree bearing the fruit is fast-growing and responds well to mulching, organic fertilizers and frequent irrigation if there is dry weather during the growing period. The thick, creamy-white pulp that is somewhat granular is rich in phosphorus, calcium, Vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. Beed's custard apple has issued GI certificates by the Agricultural Geographical Indications in 2016. MANAVLOK has provided financial support for purchasing the custard apple Saplings with a drip irrigation system (with participatory contribution) to each farmer & we have implemented this project in Saygaon, Radi & Dhavdi villages from Ambajogai block and Bodhegaon, Kavlechivadi, from Parli Block and also Palaskheda from Kaij Block of Beed district where 109 acres farm land and 109 farmers (one acre/farmer) are being benefited. This will benefit our farmers to get climate resilience and income security amid global warming and climate change. This project is being run with the support of FANKIND India, Young volunteers organisation (YVO) and Roopmanek Bhanshali Charitable Trust, Give India etc.