Indian Institute of Natural Resources Management Creating markets and securing resources for the rural poor. The Indian Institute of Natural Resources Management (IINREM), a non-government organization, was formed in 1991 to provide support to the rural poor who are being further impoverished by changes in land use and their environment in a rapidly developing economy. The organization's goals are to build and maintain traditional skills, provide education for children and develop market skills for adults in rural, natural resource dependent areas. Alternative income generation approaches are promoted to reduce their dependency on forest resources and improve the efficient use of land and water resources. Equipping them with market skills is an essential component of this process. IINREM is registered with the Government of India. It has a board of governors and office bearers who work on a purely voluntary basis. IINREM's projects have been supported by the Government of India, the State Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Government of the United Kingdom. In addition, the Government of Japan has extended financial assistance for infrastructure. The Integrated Development of Alternative Farming Practices in Ranikhet, and the Training Program for Women Weavers in Surajpur are major on-going projects. PROJECTS (1999-present) Training program for women in stitching and marketing of products. Sponsor: Greater NOIDA, U.P. Government, FabIndia (PVT) (1999-present) Infrastructure development for Surajpur training centre. Sponsor: Japanese Government. (1998-2000) Integrated Development in Alternative Farming Practices in Rural Areas of Ranikhet, Uttar Pradesh, India. Sponsor: British Partnership Scheme, Government of the United Kingdom (1997-98) Training Program for 30 Women Weavers in Surajpur. Sponsor: Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas, joint venture of Government of India and State Government of Uttar Pradesh. (1997-1998) Rural Curriculum Development in Primary Schools in Ranikhet, Uttar Pradesh, India. Pilot project to improve and enhance reading, writing and creative skills for 200 children in rural northern India. Sponsor: UNICEF (1995-96) Terracotta and Ceramic Jewelry Training Project for Women in Surajpur, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Sponsor: Ministry of Human Resource Development and Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Government of India. (1995) Training Program for Promoting Driftwood Handicrafts ("Arborics") in Ranikhet, Uttar Pradesh, India. Sponsor: Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Government of India. (1994-1995) Promotion of Floriculture Using Greenhouse Technology in Ranikhet, Uttar Pradesh, India. Sponsor: Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART), Government of India. (1992-1993) Training in weaving and terracotta jewellery making. Sponsor : NORAD through Ministry of Human Resources Development, Govt. of India. SURAJPUR WOMEN WEAVERS COOPERATIVE India Together profile of the cooperative. This was one of IINREM's first projects, started in 1992. The cooperative has 50 members. The women have learned not only to produce high quality handloom rugs and fabric to commercial establishments, but have also been encouraged to take on additional responsibilities such as advertising and marketing. IINREM is seeking financial and practical assistance to help the Surajpur women gain greater access to other women in similar organizations to enhance their learning and confidence. THE BEAD MAKERS OF SURAJPUR Some fifty women have been trained by the cooperative to redirect their familiar skills in terracotta work to producing beads, buttons and other small artifacts which do not require the use of a wheel. These beads are made into costume jewellery designed for the Indian market. As part of a training project initiated by IINREM and funded by the Norwegian aid agency NORAD (through the Government of India), a gas-fired kiln was built. MODERNIZATION OF FARMING TECHNIQUES This project was initiated in 1995 and later funded by the Government of the United Kingdom. It aims to modernize agricultural practices in the delicate Himalayan ecosystem, while simultaneously reducing dependence on depleting forest wealth by helping farmers to increase their incomes. Activities under this project include the use of rain-water harvesting tanks, drip irrigation techniques and poly-houses for horticulture and floriculture. The scheme currently covers 50 families in Almora district, with women as primary owners. The beneficiaries use these alternative farming techniques to grow off-season vegetables and flowers, and sell their produce in local markets. Last year the scheme was expanded to 25 more families. THE NGO INTERFACE IINREM hopes to extend its training experience to other areas and other voluntary organizations. With a view to improving the conditions of the present cooperative and strengthening its work, IINREM hopes to establish accessible health facilities for the women and their families. At the same time, a marketing association for the greenhouse owners in Almora district has been initiated. To continue its work, make these projects sustainable and to expand its reach, IINREM currently needs both financial and technical assistance for capacity building in the following areas: Project management Maintenance of finance and accounts General building of infrastructure to improve training facilities Health improvement and nutrition support for women and children HOW CAN YOU HELP? Support a weaver and her family : the goal of the cooperative is to provide a minimum wage of $40 a month and $5 worth of food and nutrition for a weaver and her family. By supporting the Surajpur Women Weavers Cooperative financially you can help the cooperative move closer towards self-sufficiency. Help us provide a meal a day for poor village women and children : at present, meals and nutritional supplements are provided on an ad-hoc and voluntary basis. To regularize this effort, financial support of $1 a day per participant is needed. Support IINREM's efforts to modernize farming techniques and provide market support to hill communities : assist these communities transport their produce from the hills to urban centres in order to increase their income. If you can donate a van or provide financial support towards achieving these market linkages please write to us. Visit us!! Help the weavers and bead makers become self-sufficient by buying their beautiful hand made products. They make durries, floor coverings, throws, table linen, cushion covers, bed covers, terracotta jewellery and screens, coasters, tiles and many decorative items. Spend a day at the centre and learn from the women who make these products. We are presently trying to set up a system to meet orders from outside of India - if you are able to assist with this please contact us. Contact Information To contact IINREM by mail please write or send your contributions to: IINREM, 308b Sector 15 A, NOIDA 201301, INDIA Email : IINREM@yahoo.com or sodi@doe.ernet.in Feedback: Tell us what you think of this article.