CSR CAMPAIGN - "TINNA KA SAMRIDDH KISAN"
Agriculture is the primary occupation of the larger part of Indian population. 65-70 % of Indian population is dependent on agriculture for their living. Rural population is in majority here and accounts for about 12 % of world population. Agricultural exports as a percentage of agricultural GDP have increased from 9.1 % in 2008-2009 to 14.1% in 2013-14. During the same period, agricultural imports as a percentage of GDP also increased from 4 % to 5.5%.
Bihar, the state located in the eastern part of India, is endowed with the best of natural resources for agriculture. It is privileged of having abundant rainwater, sunshine and labor. On the contrary, it is food deficit and houses the largest number of undernourished and poor people (>40%) in the country due to exceptionally low agricultural productivity. The paradox is that the state receives bountiful rainfall ranging between 1000-1500 mm but only half of the area is irrigated, leading to low agricultural productivity and high risk. The annual growth of agriculture and allied sector was about 2.2 percent during 2000-01/2009-10, while the overall economy was growing more than 8 per cent.
In a state like Bihar, a farmer faces many issues like: literacy, banking, insurance, sustainable farming practices, marketing, storage and warehousing, alternate source of income, size of land, health related issues because of continuously working in fields etc.
While some of the problems mentioned above need a policy change, there are some problems which can be addressed at the community level. Tinna Trade Limited, having recognized these problems has decided to address issues like education, banking, sustainable farming practices and other health related issues faced by farmers of Bihar.
TTL has been- working directly with the farmers of Samastipur, Purnea, Araria and Madhepura, Bihar by way of organizing medical camps. Netra Jaanch Shivirs (Eye Consultation Camps) in villages of Bihar for benefit of villagers/farmers. Objective of the Medical camp is to arrange Health & Eye Check-up/Screening in rural Bihar through a qualified team of medical practioneers. These Medical camps intend to provide:
- Free Eye Check-up for children/Adults/Senior Citizens of Bihar
- Create awareness about different eye diseases like Diabetic Retinopathy, Cataract, Glaucoma & Refractive Error
- Educate about prevention of Occupational Eye hazards
- Free Spectacle as suggested by the doctor
During these camps, TTL made special tie-ups with HDFC Bank, to provide zero account facility to these farmers. Benefits of banking were discussed with the people and more and more farmers were encouraged to open bank accounts.
Various camps were organized over a span of 3 months in villages of Samastipur, Purnea, Araria and Madhepura. TTL reached more than 2000 farmers in 5 villages and was able to provide direct benefit to them.