Land-owning farmers are benefiting from the digging of new wells which will be owned by the association and which will each serve six to ten farms.  These farmers are also benefiting from the establishment of a revolving loan fund.  Traditionally, farmers are forced to borrow seed money from local money lenders who charge exorbitant rates.  The village associations will manage the revolving loan funds so that farmers can borrow seed money at a one or two percent interest rate and then pay it back at harvest time. 

Those who do not own land are benefiting from educational programs on health and nutrition and from loans for purchase of livestock.  In India you do not have to own land to have a cow, a goat, or some chickens.  The livestock graze on common land.  For this program landless laborers are receiving cow "loans" which they pay back over a few years.  These villagers will have a cooperative dairy program.  One liter per day from each cow's milk will be put in a common pool which will be given to village children under five years old to improve their nutrition.  The rest of the milk will be sold to repay the loans.  Ultimately, when the loans are repaid, more of the milk may be kept for the villagers.  Over the next two to three years Global Ministries will be loaning 120 cows.  Each cow will cost $360. 

When the loans are repaid to the village association, the association will make decisions about how to reinvest the funds so that the village economy, health, and welfare can continue to improve.

Your purchase of a cow will help poor families improve their nutrition and increase their income so that they will be better able to keep their children healthy and in school. 

Thanks MOOOO-cho!

This project is being supported by Global Ministries, Week of Compassion, One Great Hour of Sharing and the Food Resource Bank (of which the Christian Church [Disciples of Christ] and the United Church of Christ are members).