NEW DELHI YMCA

Rural Centre Hodal

“Committed towards Sustainable Rural Development”

 The New Delhi YMCA, to further its commitment of the holistic development of the human potential in the rural areas, in the year 1972, started a Rural Centre on the 18 acres of land in Village Bhulwana, Hodal Block, District, Haryana, around 90 kms.  from Delhi, situated on Delhi – Agra highway.

OBJECTIVES

o         To impart Technical  know - how of the modern farming techniques

o         To develop an Eco-Village Concept

o         To promote Organic Farming

o         To improve the health status of community

o         To promote non-formal and adult education

o         To promote employment through vocational training

o         To promote and upgrade live stock resources

o         To promote and rural youth potential through games and physical education

o         To develop Renewable Energy Resource Technologies (RET)

o         To celebrate specific days to create awareness in the community

1.         AGRICULTURE EXTENSION SERVICES

The main activities revolve around Social, Forestry, Plantation and Irrigation Development programmes.  All these programme are carried out through the rural community.  These efforts are meant to lead to income enhancement through increase crop productivity. We have found that this does not happen automatically – as farmers lack awareness and access.  Since YMCA RCH has its own 14 acres of demonstration farm, the main features are:-

o     Demonstration Plots on Nursery Raising, Fodder Cultivation, Fruit Plantation and   sowing of new varieties of crops and vegetables with advanced technology.

o     Farmer’s hire custom services, especially tractor with its implements for  ploughing, sowing. Threshing etc.

o         Farmers training on advanced agriculture technology is also provided.

      a)  Organic Farming

Organic Farming is a holistic way of farming, which has been introduced at its demonstration farm.  Besides production of high quality crops, an important aim is the natural resources, fertile soils, clean water, and rich Bio Diversity.

The Centre organizes training on Organic Farming for Farmers interested in Organic Agriculture.  The training consists of Lectures, group discussion, video films etc.

 b)  Vermiculture

The vermi-compost is one of the best forms of compost which contains approximately ten times nitrogen than compost prepared in the traditional method.  This helps in reconditioning of the soil eco system.  RCH initiated a project to produce good quality compost through Vermi-culture using the worm “Isonia Fetida”.

 2.         COMMUNITY HEALTH

The Rural Community Health Programme was launched in 1977 with well qualified medical practioner and fully equipped clinic in its own building.  After the period of time the community Health Programme extended to remote Rural areas under its Extension Programme in 15 villages.

      a)  Health Awareness Medical Camps

Regular Medical Health Camps are organized at RCH and in the villages.  Session on Health Awareness on Common Diseases and their prevention is also organized.  Besides RCH also organizes Baby Shows & Pediatric Camps, General Medical Camps, Maternal Medical Camps, and Geriatric Medical Camps.  More than 20000 patients have been identified, diagnosed and treated.

b)  Eye Camps

The Rural Centre was the pioneer to organize Eye Camps at RCH in 1980 in association with the District Ophthalmic programme.  Till date the RCH has conducted 26 Eye Camps. 

 3.         LITERACY PROGRAMME

RCH priority has always been focused on Literacy programme especially women’s Adult Education as a means of empowering women from grass root to marginal level.  The programme was started in 1984 as part of the Non- formal & Adult Education Programmes, has till now covered more than 5500 girls and women.

 4.         VOCATIONAL TRAINING

The Rural Centre Hodal has undertaken Tailoring, Embroidery and Handicraft under its Vocational Training Programme at its training centers especially for women in different villages, since 1987. Around 1250 women and girls have been trained and benefited under income generation programme.

5.         LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT

A programme of cattle improvement is undertaken specially for cows and buffaloes with a view to increase the milk production and generate through its natural service programmes.

 6.         RURAL SPORTS PROMOTION

Special coaching camps are organized for various games and sporting discipline.  Annual Sports for girls and boys are conducted which in turn helps to bring the community together.

 7.         RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES – ReTs

Rural areas are facing serious problems with respect to the quality of power supply.  Mainly due to low voltage and fluctuating loads, power supplies are very much affected.  Renewable Energy sources not only provide energy at local levels but they have a direct relevance to a forestation, drought control, improvement in the environment energy conservation, women’s welfare, water for drinking and agriculture & bio – fertilizer production. 

 a)  Bio-Gas

The main aim of Biogas programme is to provide smoke free kitchen environment and reducing the drudgery of women in collecting firewood, cooking time and providing organic fertilizer for better farming.  To overcome the problem of the dung under feeding, smaller sized plants are introduced.  Since its inception a total of 1800 plants have been constructed.  (80% = 1440 in operation).  As conservation, it is estimated that 80% plants (2cum.) are in operation annually, it conserves 4,17, 600 liters kerosene oil ( @ 290 ltrs.. Yearly) amounting to Rs. 8352000.00 and produce 2448 ton bio gas slurry (@Rs. 3000/- per ton) worth of Rs. 7344000.00

 b)  Solar Energy

Demonstration and preventive maintenance of Parabolic Solar Cookers, Solar Lanterns etc. are undertaken at Village Centers for grass root village people.  Under its future project programme its introduction, education, training and involvement of women folk are the main thrust areas.

 8.         SPECIAL DAYS CELEBRATION

 o         Literacy Day

To create awareness on Literacy, to improve their knowledge and their appreciation of world they live in, the RCH celebrates International Literacy Day on September 8 in its Community Centers every year.

 o         Women’s Day

Women’s day is also celebrated each year on March 8, creating awareness among the women about their rights and empowerment.

RCH also celebrates World Health Day (April 7), World Environment Day (June 5) and World Population Day (July 11) each year.

 9.         ECO /FARM TOURISM

Package Tours for Rural / Farm Tourism are conducted, which includes – visit to villages on bullock cart / tractor to have a first hand experience to the rural way of life, village, culture / handcraft, introduction to farming practices, indigenous energy sources, bio-gas plants, animal husbandry and local Melas (fair).

 10.       RETREAT CENTRE

Retreat Centre is well equipped and available for workshops, Seminars Mediations, Conferences etc.  Forty (40) persons can be accommodated.

 11.       JUBILEE HALL

The Jubilee Hall is a gift to the Rural Population for special gathering cultural events etc. It can accommodate around 600 people.

 For details, please contact:

Secretary

Rural Centre Hodal

New Delhi YMCA, Jai Singh Road, New Delhi – 110 001.

Ph: 2334 3379, 2336 1915 Extn. 145

E mail: ymcand@del3.vsnl.net.in

Project Coordinator

YMCA Rural Centre Hodal, Village Bhulwana

Distt. Faridabad Haryana)

Ph: 951275 – 235292 (Local call from Delhi)

01275 – 235292

E mail: ymcarch@rediffmail.com