The problem of rural poverty

The shanty areas of Indian towns and cities are populated mostly by rural farming families whose few fields no longer sustain them.

A monsoon crop for a rural farmer will typically produce in financial terms only a quarter of what his family needs to survive.

To make up the difference, the family has to leave the farm to work as migrant labourers in one of the cities or towns.

When life gets too difficult they simply don't return to the fields, adding to the ever-increasing numbers in shanty areas.

Where There's a Well...

The truth is that a simple dug well can provide year-round water to a farmer's fields and breaks the cycle of poverty.

Browse through these pages to learn more about us, our projects and the farmers and families whose lives are changing for the better.