PRADAN NSO and OLM: Rolling Out the SRI Programme

Engaging closely for the first time with the government to roll out the System of Rice Intensification programme in Odisha, despite some misgivings and apprehensions, has been very encouraging and valuable, both in terms of visible results in the field and in the learning process

Prologue

O ver the years, PRADAN has established its position as a pioneer in the field of rural development. Its direct grass-roots engagement has contributed significantly to the lives of hundreds of thousands of poor and vulnerable families in central India’s poverty pockets. However, many supporters and well-wishers of PRADAN often criticize its inward focus and limited policy-influencing role even though it has extensive ground experience. Many believe that PRADAN needs to pro-actively engage in shaping various government-run poverty alleviation programmes and extend support to other non-profit development players in the field of rural development. By doing so, it could contribute immensely to the efficiency and effectiveness of various development programmes and also reach a larger number of poor families. Responding to the feedback and taking into account the opportunities, PRADAN has initiated a few institutional and programme partnerships with some NGOs in the last few years.

In August 2013, a dedicated wing of PRADAN called NSO (NRLM Support Organization) was established to extend support to the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), a flagship programme of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. In this connection, PRADAN-NSO has been engaged with the Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) as a knowledge and capacity-building partner since 2014.