Association for India's Development, Bloomington Chapter

Chanard is a registered Non-profit and Non-Government Organisation, working for the welfare of the rural poor, deserved and downtrodden people in Dindigul and Theni Districts, Tamilnadu State, India, since 1996. As a part of thier development activities, Chanard had organised 115 women self-help groups with 1720 active members. Chanard has imparted many training programs for capacity building, skill development and vocational trainings. Chanard has experienced in conducting many environment related projects involving wasteland development, watershed management and environment conservation.

Project Goals

Fertile lands became infertile due to the use of chemical manures and pesticides. This project aims to imparting organic farming training to farmers in 15 villages. The core aspect of this project was holding workshops that teach vermi-composting – using of (organic) fertilizers generated by worms feeding on organic waste – instead of chemical fertilizers. The project also aims to provide employment opportunities in their lands and socio – economic development of the rural poor especially Women Self Help Groups through community participation.