Asha Meeting
07/07/2007
Attendees: Pankaj, Bharath, Ganesh, Gaurav, Arvind Viswanath, Sharanya, Sree,
Arvind Rao, Ashwini, Itisha, Mohit and Santhosh.
Agenda:
1. Literature review on Organic Farming by ArvindV
2. Asha Shikshan Sansthan Budget Review - (http://www.ashanet.org/projects/project-view.php?p=398) ArvindR
3. Show of Hope in Austin by Itisha
1. Literature review on Organic Farming by ArvindV
*Studies on Organic Vs Conventional farming techniques
*The review is more about collecting information rather than supporting any
particular viewpoint. It is not exhaustive but a sample of the different kinds
of studies out there.
*CASE1 - Study by Cornell - Crop : Corn and Soy, Yields were the same,
whereas the inputs in organic were far lesser.
(http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/July05/organic.farm.vs.other.ssl.html
)
*CASE2 - Study by IOWA state university - Was on effects of various crop
rotation schemes with conventional and organic farming.
(http://www.ag.iastate.edu/farms/02reports/ne/OrganicConvSystems.pdf
)
*CASE3 - Study by Washington state univ - Only apple trees were
researched. Tree growth was identical. Yields over long period of time
were statistically the same. But, initially organic farming gave lesser yields
and gave more later.
(http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/cm/symposium/organics/Reganold/
)
*CASE4 - Study by IOWA state university - Saw similar changes in yields
- initially lower and later more (4th year).
(http://lists.ifas.ufl.edu/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind0412&L=sanet-mg&P=8813)
*CASE5 - Study by ETC Organic Cotton Prog, India. Study was only for 1
year. It showed differences in inputs by a large margin. The study was
based of a single season of cotton crop only.
(http://www.bugwood.org/arthropod2005/vol1/6c.pdf
)
*CASE6 - Study by IOA and Swiss federation, Crops - potatoes, barley,
winter wheat, beet and grass clover
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/2017094.stm
)
* We discussed Anita's experiences, Bharathi trust site visit aspects as part
of a bigger discusson on Sustainable Organic Agriculture.
* We also discussed certain aspects of the IFOAM - International Federation of
Organic Agriculture Movements' training manual. We
discussed specific aspects of the economic viability of organic agriculture.
The document does mention the futility in generalizing a
conclusion. The comparision of farming techniques and economic viability
depends on various factors. It advocates trying to
understand the background and context of the region, situation and
socio-economic aspects of the farmer before coming to a conclusion.
* All these discussions were not to arrive at a decision that would conclude
that organic farming or conventional farming as the better of
the two. This was meant more for the learning of volunteers. This would help us
understand efforts of our project partners when they
pursue new efforts. It helps us assess and learn the situation better.
2. Asha Shikshan Sansthan Budget Review - (http://www.ashanet.org/projects/project-view.php?p=398)
ArvindR
* No. of children is 150.
* 1600 and 1200 were the salaries last year. This year the salaries have
increased.
* They are looking into replacing a teacher who wants to be involved with other
efforts.
* Vijay bhai (Co-ordinator for Asha Ballia) might fill in for the teacher.
* We might have Vijay bhai fill in for Om prakash bhai.
* In such a situation how will the pay for the co-ordinator, Om prakash bhai change
? - Action item
* Teacher's training - July 14/15 - all teachers will go for Eklavya's teacher
training program.
- Initially they would work on using Eklavya books.
- Teaching techniques is focussed on kids in nursery, 1st, 2nd etc. for
teaching the basics in a different way.
* Travelling expenses for Asha India conf - need to get more info on break down
- Action item
* When will the reorganization of co-ords/teachers occur ? What happens if the
funds remain ? - We are not sure about when the re-org
will occur. But, we can always adjust funding in next disbursal.
* Furniture and almirah - Need to understand how funds were used last year - if
it was not used for this , is it still left or was it spent
on something else ? - Action item
* Telephone + Stationary - Need to confirm on what it consists? - Action
item
* Miscellaneous - Need to confirm on what it consists? - Action item
* Health checkup and vaccination - - includes medicine and doctor fees.
* Variation due to exchange rate - Chapter might absorb it - but, there is no
need because of enough funds in the project specific pool.
* Tour of children - where did they go? - Action items.
Vote: Asha Austin approves $3700 for ASS's budget 07-08. The remaining
amount will be approved/disbursed after review.
3. Show of Hope in Austin by Itisha
* Main concern - Parents, Dance schools etc. said most of the kids/students
potential registrants are on summer vacation in India.
* How will it affect marathon program - It should not affect the efforts for
the marathon program because of the time range.
* September is the time range we are looking at. Need to zero in on exact dates
etc. in one week - Action item
* Sulekha advertising - for marathon and show of hope - Action item -
Gaurav, Sharanya, Itisha.
* Publicity co-ordination - We need a volunteer to co-ordinate all publicity
aspects - Pankaj will be doing it remotely if we don't find a volunteer.