Livelihoods & Women Income activities

Promotion of Horticulture Crops

ARLES recognizes the critical role of vegetable cultivation in enhancing both income generation and food security in rural communities. Through its Vegetable Cluster Farming program, ARLES works with 100 farmers in Mamada, Nirmal Rural, and Sarangapur mandals to promote low-cost cultivation techniques and improved pest management strategies. By training farmers in organic manures, composting, and integrated pest management (IPM), ARLES helps reduce input costs while increasing productivity. In collaboration with the District Horticulture Department, the program empowers farmers to adopt sustainable, cost-effective practices, boosting yields, profits, and ultimately, livelihoods.

Dairy Cluster Management

ARLES acknowledges the vital role of dairy farming in rural livelihoods. Through its Dairy Cluster Development program, ARLES enhances dairy productivity by training farmers on improved practices, such as breeding, animal nutrition, fodder cultivation, and disease management. Currently working with 50 farmers across Khanapur, Pembi, and Kadam mandals, the program increases milk production and fat content. Convergence training sessions bring farmers together with experts and government representatives, providing comprehensive support. In partnership with the District Veterinary Department, ARLES ensures timely livestock healthcare, enhancing both animal well-being and farmer income, ultimately contributing to long-term sustainable livelihoods.

Recognizing the potential of aquaculture to improve rural livelihoods, ARLES has partnered with Uday Aqua Culture Company to promote biofloc fish farming in Kaddam and Mudhole mandals. This sustainable approach has benefitted 10 farmers and led to the establishment of new ponds. Biofloc technology enhances fish production, reduces water usage, and lowers feed costs, making it a more efficient and eco-friendly farming method. Through hands-on training, ARLES empowers local fishermen to manage biofloc systems effectively, resulting in a 40% increase in income. This collaboration strengthens productivity, profitability, and food security for the local fishing communities.

Modern Fishery Cluster Development

Promotion of Goatery/Sheep cluster development

ARLES, in collaboration with a livestock consultancy company and the veterinary department, has promoted goat and sheep clusters in Nirmal District. To date, over 250 farmers have been supported in disease management, feed management, shed management, and leveraging subsidy schemes across 6 mandals and 25 villages in the district.

Farm Livelihood

Sewing and Embroidery Program

ARLES has successfully implemented a Sewing and Embroidery Training Program for 180 women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across 35 villages in Nirmal District, Telangana. The program offers specialized training in sewing, garment-making, and textile design, empowering women to create sustainable livelihoods. Training includes cutting, stitching, embroidery, and fabric designing, as well as entrepreneurial skills such as business planning, marketing, and financial management. 60% of participants have secured micro-loans through the Indira Kranthi Patham (IKP) initiative, launching small-scale businesses. This program significantly enhances women’s financial inclusion, enabling them to become micro-entrepreneurs, thereby boosting their families' income and social status

Tribal PVTGs Handi crafts and Basket Making Program

Non-Farm Livelihood

ARLES launched a two-day pilot Handicraft Training Program in Devunigudem and Kolamguda villages, training 10 tribal women in traditional craft skills. The program focused on handmade crafts and basket weaving using locally sourced materials like bamboo and palm leaves. Participants learned modern design techniques and entrepreneurial skills, including pricing, branding, marketing, and financial management. The training emphasized creating eco-friendly products for local and online markets, enhancing both craftsmanship and business acumen. The initiative sparked strong interest, and ARLES plans to expand the program, forming women-led cooperatives and establishing market linkages, empowering women toward financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.