our story - our roots
 
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      Morarka Foundation
         
      A non- profit voluntary organization, The Morarka Foundation was set up by Mr. Kamal Morarka in 1993 in memory of his late father M.R. Morarka, and as a corporate social responsibility initiative by Gannon Dunkerley & Company Ltd. The Morarka Foundation has been engaged in the creation of wealth and knowledge for the nation through innovations in resource management and capacity building of the people.
         
      The Morarka Foundation:
        •  Believes in encouraging new initiatives.  
        •  Aspires to create wealth for the community  
        .  Encourages professionals to work for the voluntary sector.  
         
      From being a successful grass-root level implementing agency for the past 15 years, today it is recognized as a resource organization offering solutions for sustainable agriculture across the world.
       
      For further details visit www.morarkango.in

       
       
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      Origin & History
           
      Way back in 1994, Morarka Foundation entered into a contract with the State Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan, to take up an experiment for the privatization of agriculture extension services, supported by World Bank.

      The participatory planning process, involving over 10000 farm families, identified 'reduction in the cost of cultivation' as the core issue for interventions in the Nawalgarh block of Jhunjhunu district, a semi-arid region in India.

      In its efforts to find solutions, it innovated on-farm fertility management practices based on 'vermiculture technology'. Development and dissemination of this know-how to over 1,00,000 farmers in 3 years caused it to become the single largest producer of vermi-cast in the world. This technology was awarded for excellence in technology innovation by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India in the year 2001 and 2002.

      Introduction of on-farm fertility management practices led to compliance with organic standards and thus the Foundation started organizing farmers to take up one of the largest organic agriculture development programmes in India.

      Over the years, The Morarka Foundation has also evolved a pro-biotic approach to pest management.

      Since organic cultivation was intrinsically linked to certification, the Foundation innovated IT based group certification norms, in compliance with world organic standards.

      While on one hand, the Morarka Foundation promoted small entrepreneurial initiatives in organic agri-businesses, it also facilitated linkages between organic producers and traders. In the year 2006-07 it set up its marketing arm, Morarka Organic Foods Ltd., to facilitate direct linkage between the consumer and producers.
           
        In 1995-96, Morarka Organic began the agriculture extension programme covering 10,000 farm families in 60 villages from Nawalgarh, Rajasthan. This endeavour was supported by the Directorate of Agriculture, with assistance from World Bank. Being Morarka Organic's first initiative, this project continues to be a laboratory for all other initiatives. In 2003-04, around 100 farmers were certified by IITC, through SGS, for their certified organic production and international marketing, under the contract farming mode.
           
        In 1996-97, 2,500 farm families from 6 villages in the Jamwaramgarh district of Rajasthan were taken up for the integrated watershed development programme. This project was assisted by DRDA, Jaipur. The project area was treated for drought proofing through soil conservation measures. Subsequently organic methods of production were introduced and have been found sustainable in the long run
           
        In 1998-99, 2,000 farm families from 30 villages of Laxmangarh and Kathumar blocks of the Alwar district of Rajasthan were introduced to biological fertility management practices. This programme was assisted by the Department of Biotechnology in joint collaboration with IIRD of Jaipur. Majority of the farmers had set up their own organic input production facility. This enabled farmers to reduce cash outflow by 20-30%. Presently farmers use both biological and chemical inputs for fertility management.
           
        In 2000-01, 1,000 farm families in the earthquake affected region of Kutch, Gujarat were introduced to vermiculture technology.2,000 more were added in the 2nd phase of the project and an additional 2,000 farm families were added in the 3rd phase. This programme was assisted by the Department of Biotechnology and an international agency Care India. A sizeable proportion of farmers who assisted in setting up the vermiculture facilities have adopted organic management practices too. Formation of groups for organic certification has recently commenced. Many entrepreneurs have set up commercial facilities for organic inputs.
           
        During 1996-2004, Morarka Organic assisted over 10,000 farmers in 25 districts from Rajasthan. It initiated various developmental programmes to introduce vermiculture technology. These programmes have been supported by State and Central Government agencies. Beginning with vermiculture many farmers have adopted organic management practices as well.
           
        In 2002-03, similar initiatives were also undertaken in Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Gujarat to cover about 10,000 farm families. This programme was assisted by state government agencies with support from the private sector. The initiatives began with introduction of vermiculture followed by practices in organic management.
           
        In the year 2002-03, Morarka Organic introduced biological inputs in agriculture to about 10,000 farm families in the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. This programme was assisted by the Department of Biotechnology. Introduction of organic agriculture concepts followed subsequently by facilities for the production of organic inputs.
           
        In 2001-02, Morarka Organic introduced organic management practices in a few tea gardens in West Bengal, Kerala and the North-east. All programmes were implemented through professional service contract agreements. Farm management, as per international organic standards and facilities for on-farm input production, is being introduced as a combined package.
           
        In 2002-03, Morarka Organic initiated a programme for setting up 100 CFCsas organic agri business centres in Jaipur with an enrolment of 10,000 farm families. This programme is a joint initiative by Morarka Foundation and State government of Rajasthan. Ten CFCs on pilot basis have been set up. Beside organic practises, precision management is also being introduced.
           
      •.   In 2003-04, Morarka Organic initiated a programme under Rajasthan water restructuring project in Tonk district. This project is supported by the state government. Soil salinity-alkalinity problems are being solved through organic practices. Additionally micro irrigation is also tested.
       
       
       
        In addition to group-based programmes, the Morarka Foundation is also providing professional services to about 500 individual farms, in different parts of India to introduce organic agriculture.
           

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      Corporate Philosophy
           
      We are working to increase the share of consumer spend for the producer through innovations in technology, value chain management and ethical business practices. Morarka Organic is ushering in change from the grass-root level. It is reaching out to lakhs of small farmers, encouraging new initiatives and inspiring professionals to make a difference. Food and clothing have transformed into an extremely complex value chain management, incorporating practices hazardous to nature and harmful to man. Morarka Organic is attempting to bring people back to nature, to re-discover the lost art of clean and healthy living. In short, we are once again ‘sowing the seeds of harmony in life.’

           
           
       
         
       
       
 
 
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