Working in the direction of a better future.
A qualified engineer seek a better life for farmers. That’s Apoorva Oza, CEO, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP). And he works now for the last 16 years.
Oza has worked since 1988 in the districts of Surendranagar, Narmada, Junagadh and Kachchh. He believes that farmers should be motivated to work in groups, institutions and cooperatives, it would reduce their burden.
After the mechanical construction, Oza received a Post-Graduate Studies at the Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA).
“After the course, I had a job to AKRSP. Entschloss I am at work on village development and promotion of the use of modern irrigation systems.
“No institution can develop and grow without the support of many individuals and organization partner,” Oza said. “To help farmers, I am well trained and agriculture experts and engineers in these sectors, so they can guide farmers and assist them with technical know-how. It so happens that, for them, that my burden reduced. I do not believe, as part of my job. It is my interest and thanked him, I appreciate everything.
Oza is of the opinion that the lack of knowledge on modern techniques of irrigation contributes significantly farmers unfortunate economic conditions. “Due to frequent power outages, there is a lack of water approximately 40 per cent. Should we therefore have little time on new techniques that can be useful and make them less dependent on rain.”
One of the techniques that it intends to contribute to the promotion of drip irrigation - an effective, but costly. “Drop by drop compared to other techniques is one of the best ways to solve the problem of water scarcity that the quantity of water to take a less is quite. It is necessary to reach directly Part of the annex, “he says. But this system is relatively little used.
“This is because the structure of this system is quite complicated and, therefore, it is difficult for farmers to understand. Maintenance costs also seems quite high, since only a few engineers like rural areas and to repair machines. ”
Oza is of the opinion that awareness among farmers, a long way to go in promoting drip irrigation. “If a farmer, he is familiar with the system indicates that other, it is accepted within their community.”
Oza now plans to extend its work in these four districts and provides for work in Madhya Pradesh. He also worked in the affected areas, such as earthquakes Kachchh also went by long periods of drought in recent years. In these areas, the organization focused on the construction of structures harvest water entry and agriculture.
He hoped that his efforts will give better results in the fields. As he said: “Our motto is - more crop per drop”.