Oregon nonprofit provides fertilizers to poor farmers in Orissa, India, tripling their subsequent harvest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2011

Eugene, OR, October 4, 2011 – Since April 2011, India Partners has been supplying two types of fertilizers to poor rural farmers in six villages throughout Orissa, India in order to triple their harvest and generate increased income.

Since the initial distribution, the 54 participating farmers have harvested up to three times more rice paddy than previous years, supplying increased food and income for themselves and their families.

The overall aim is to train the farmers how to use the fertilizer in order to produce larger crops from one batch of seeds. With donated funds, given in part by Bill and Marilyn Rishel, India Partners has set up a microloan system with local village elders, allowing the farmers to take out small loans, with the expectation to repay their loans after the harvest, developing future sustainability for the project. As needed, loans will include funds for seeds in the future.

Raba, a farmer with a family of four, participated in the project. Raba has three acres of agriculture land, from which he was harvesting 15 bags of rice paddy – the sale of which did not provide enough money for his family to survive for a year.

Raba and his wife signed up to learn more about the fertilizer project. India Partners representatives taught them how to use the fertilizer, and they purchased two bags of fertilizer on loan. The following harvest, Raba collected approximately 35 bags of rice paddy.

India Partners is seeking more supporters to help poor farmers like Raba generate sustainable income by donating $70 to provide seeds and fertilzers for one acre of land.

Learn more, or make a donation at www.IndiaPartners.org or call toll-free 1-877-874-6342.

About India Partners:
India Partners works alongside a broad group of indigenous, faith-based grassroots agencies in India focused on alleviating poverty and injustice. India Partners believes in helping the people of India help themselves, regardless of caste, religion, gender or creed. We seek support from others who share our passion to empower change.

Press Contact Only: Brent Hample
Tel: 514.683.0696, toll-free 877-874-6342
Email Brent