IIRD

In 1987, Dr. Alexander Daniel began his search for alternatives in farming methods that can improve the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers in dry land regions. His keen observations and constant dialogue with the farmers led to his conviction that organic farming is the key to sustainable rural livelihoods. This same conviction was shared by traditional farmers who enjoyed the benefits of healthy foods, fertile soils, and less agro-climatic risks albeit in small fragments of lands. What started as an organic farming movement in 6 villages of Paithan block of Aurangabad district in 1987 has spread to 94 villages in the district and also to other 5 districts of Marathwada region. Dr. Alexander Daniel started the organization (IIRD) to further promote organic farming and allied livelihoods. The aim of the organization is to build the capacities of particularly the women farmers in their knowledge, farming practices and entrepreneurial skills.

Institute for Integrated Rural Development (IIRD) Green College and established with the same ideals. IIRD Green College has been working for the Skill based training to the farmers, village youth for promotion of sustainable livelihoods through organic farming and has enabled thousands of small farmers in the region to transform to organic farming practices and increased their income by at least more than 20%.

IIRD is the recipient of the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) Award, which is an international award that was presented in the Philippines for those organizations around the world that have done exemplary work in the improvement of the livelihoods of small farmers with the conservation of the environment.

IIRD is also the recipient of the KrishiBushan award by the Government of Maharashtra for notable work with regard to promotion of organic agriculture among small and marginal farmers in the state.
IIRD is selected as the apex organization by NABARD for the Village Development Programme (VDP), Farmers club, JLG, RIPF programme.
IIRD is implementing the CSR programmes/ activity in the village level in Water conservation programme, Health & sanitation, School sanitation and Environment Education progrmame in the schools.
IIRD is one of the Project Implementation Agencies (PIA) of the Integrated Water Management Project (IWMP) – VasundharaProgramme – of the Government of Maharashtra.