Project Proposal for Model Villages:

1. Title of Project: Carbon Sequestration/ Food Security & Sustainable

Development.

2. Finance by: Establishment of Model Villages at District Level (ZTBL).

3. Duration: 3 years 1st December 2009,

1st December 2012.

4. Commencement: 1st December 2009.

5. Implementing Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan, Khidmat Foundation,

Agency: Pakistan and AJ&K.

6. BACKGROUND:
The Khidmat
Foundation is Registered
(Registration No. DSW
(Pb) 98-1819) under the
Voluntary Social Welfare
Agencies (Registration
and Control) Ordinance
1961 (XLVI of 1961) as a
National, Adaptive &
Applied, Research &
Development NGO
concerned with
Appropriate Technology
for Rural Development.
The NGO has been active
since the early 1990’s and
has carried out research in
rural locations from
Northern Sindh; Punjab;
Haripur, Abbottabad,
Mansehra and Kohat
Districts of NWFP and
Muzaffarabad District of
AJ&K. Highly qualified
technical experts in
related fields as well as
skilled and experienced
technical workers are
available. A permanent
Research and
 Dissemination Station has
been established in
Nankana District, Punjab
since 1992. The NGO has
gathered much
appropriate technology
that has been tried and
tested in the field over the
last decade. It is the aim
of the Khidmat
Foundation to make
available and demonstrate
viable, low-cost alternate
and appropriate
technology for
environment protection;
poverty alleviation;
nutrition enhancement;
female enablement and
rural uplift.

JUSTIFICATION:

A. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION:
i. Atmospheric Pollution: Carbon Dioxide (CO2); Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and
Methane (CH4) are the principal, natural greenhouse gasses contributing to Global
Warming. Without these gasses the World would be too cold to support human life.
However, too much of these gasses are contributing to overheating and resultant
disturbance of the Earth’s climate. This is due to the fact that humans are responsible for
increased production of these as well as Industrial Gasses that combine to overload the
atmosphere. Nitrous oxide is emitted through the use of nitrogen fertilizers, from burning
fossil fuels, and from some industrial and waste management processes. Methane is a
powerful Greenhouse gas and is produced both naturally and as a result of human/ animal
activity. In pre-industrial times its concentration was 750 parts per billion (ppb) and is
currently around 1750 ppb.1 The main human-made sources arise from losses occurring
during oil, coal and gas extraction, from ruminant livestock and waste treatment, from
landfill sites, rice cultivation and biomass burning. Appended below is a graphic
illustration of total greenhouse gasses emissions and their breakup by category. Some of
the divisions overlap each other. Carbon dioxide is the most significant whereas Methane
and Nitrous Oxide follow. The question is what we can do to reduce these emissions?
Obviously the developed world contributes the most in production of these gasses.
However, every bit of reduction that we can bring about will lead to heightened
responsibility on our part and contribution to the greater good. Secondly, there are many
other associated benefits that can and will accrue as a result of our efforts and these will
be elaborated in due course.

1
http://www.eoearth.org/article/Methane
 2

ii. Surface Pollution: Solid & Liquid Waste is grossly polluting the environment.
This is causing increasing incidence of diseases, proliferation of disease vectors and
indirectly contributing to decreased economic activity due to degradation of environment.
Invisible costs in terms of loss of man-hours and increased pressure upon medical
facilities are of great concern.
iii. Water Pollution: Infiltration of excessive liquid waste into the sub-surface
aquifers is reaching an alarming level. The natural filtering properties of the soil are
overloaded and as a result bacterial coliform and nitrate pollution of sub soil water
reserves is proceeding apace. The practice of using un-remediated liquid affluent to
irrigate vegetable crops in periurban areas is also contributing to this as well as
transferring harmful elements to the very food that we eat.
The next factor that needs examining is the carbon footprint or amount of Carbon
dioxide or its equivalent in the shape of other Greenhouse gasses that we emit as
individuals, families, communities and Nations. Carbon footprint is a measure of the
impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates
to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives. The carbon footprint
is a measurement of all greenhouse gases we individually produce and has units of tonnes
(or kgs.) of carbon dioxide equivalent.3
B. REMEDIATION MEASURES:
i. Organic Matter: Organics are high-energy-level compounds that have arisen due
to energy input (usually from the sun) to low-energy-level inorganic elements and or
compounds. Thus low-energy-level inorganic materials arise to constitute the parts of
high-energy-level organic compounds and entities of progressively higher life forms that,

2
World Resources Institute: Navigating the Numbers: Greenhouse Gas Data and International Climate Policy, 2005
3
An estimate of a poor rural Household GHG emission is about 2 tons CO2 Equivalent per annum.
in turn are subject to reversion to low-energy-level inorganic materials on decomposition
and/ or death4. We need to be concerned about the safety of the introduction by humans
of man-made materials into the environment. In case they are not safe then safer
materials need to be developed and unsafe materials need to be banned immediately or
whenever such safe materials are available. Organic matter in the soil acts as a biological
buffer ensuring that a balanced supply of nutrients is available to the plant roots. Soils
that are poor in organic matter loose this buffering capacity and their fertilizer efficiency
will decrease in N & P Fertilizers.
BENEFITS:
• Serves as the principal storehouse for anions such as nitrates, sulfates, borates,
molybdates and chlorides that are essential for plant growth.
• Increases CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity) of soil by a factor of 5 to 10 times that of
clay.
• Acts as a buffer against rapid changes caused by acidity; alkalinity; salinity;
pesticides and toxic heavy metals.
• Supplies food for beneficial soil organisms like earthworms, symbiotic Nitrogen
fixing bacteria and mycorrihize (beneficial fungus).
• Serves as recycling sink for organic waste and green manures (animal manure, crop
residues, household refuse and leguminous plants collected within and outside the
farm) and thus keeps environment clean and hygienic.
• Softens the soil by introducing fibrous matter.
• Increases soil water retention capacity.
• Makes plants more resistant to pests and disease through improved nutrient
availability and uptake, resulting in healthier plants with strong immune systems.
• Prevents soil acidification.

In short organic matter greatly enhances nutrient availability, improves the biological
functioning of the soil and the efficiency of chemical fertilizers (with increased efficiency
less is required, thus reducing input costs).
Organic residues added to soils are an important source of food for plants, friendly
insects and microbes. They do not decompose as a whole. Their chemical constituents are
decomposed separately from each other to form Humus.
Acidification is a process in which the H+ concentration of a soil system increases,
resulting in a decrease in the observed pH. Intensive cropping, high-yielding varieties and
market production increases the demand for soil nutrients. Organic fertilizers and green
manures cannot meet this demand because recycling organic wastes is only possible to a
limited extent and green manures often compete with crop production.
Only organic matter inculcation or introduction of beneficial microorganisms will not
suffice. Firstly the judicious use of safe and stable agro-chemicals should be adopted.
Stringent controls and careful monitoring is required. Secondly, only those agro-
chemicals be sold that are manufactured locally through joint ventures with technology
holding Corporations. Secondly, monoculture should be discouraged and crop rotation
should be adopted. Better understanding of soil mechanics should be used for
mechanized soil management and reduced tillage and even no till should be encouraged,
with increased organic matter in the soil. Soil conservation measures and good cultural
4
Environment Systems Engineering, Linvil G. Rich. Mcgraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07-052250-2
practices should be encouraged. Conservation Irrigation like low cost drip; sprinkle and
sub-soil irrigation should be used. Greater understanding of the plants needs should be
promoted and nutrient mapping and flows should be monitored. Use of safe and natural
rooting and fruiting hormones should be encouraged to change the genetic expression of
the plant and strengthen its immune system. Certified and viable seed must be ensured
with strict penalties for mal-practices. Crop insurance should be introduced with increase
in skills. Vocational training in Horticultural practices; soil conservation and environment
protection along with technical knowledge and skills should be imparted widely. Short
term crop financing should be carried out through Community Based Organizations
especially for Growing For Export. Produce processing, storage, preservation and
addition in value should be given primary importance.
ii. Compost: Compost is a soil amendment made from a variety of organic
materials, which have fermented or decomposed in a compost pile. The reason for
making a compost pile is to make good use of all garbage, manures, vegetable waste and
ashes, returning them to the soil to enrich it, and to help plants grow better.
Overall, Environment Protection Agency (EPA) of the USA estimates that centralized
composting of organics results in net Greenhouse Gas storage of 0.05 Metric Ton Carbon
Equivalent (MTCE)/ wet ton of organic inputs composted and applied to agricultural soil.
This leaves the question of methane emission from composting under anaerobic (in the
absence of air) conditions. This is best stated from the website of the EPA. “The
researchers EPA contacted stated that well-managed compost operations usually do not
generate CH4 because they typically maintain an alternating aerobic/ anaerobic
environment with proper moisture content to encourage aerobic and anaerobic
decomposition of the materials. The researchers also noted that even if CH4 is generated
in anaerobic pockets in the center of the compost pile, the CH4 is most likely oxidized
when it reaches the oxygen-rich surface of the pile, where it is converted to CO2. Several
of the researchers commented that anaerobic pockets are most apt to develop when too
much water is added to the compost pile. They noted that this problem rarely occurs
because compost piles are much more likely to be watered too little rather than too much.
EPA concluded from the available information that CH4 generation from centralized
compost piles is essentially zero.”5
“(1) Many soils have been depleted in organic matter through cultivation and other
practices. Adding compost can raise soil carbon levels by increasing organic matter
inputs. Soils degraded by intensive crop production and other activities lose organic
matter when decomposition rates and removals of carbon in harvests exceed the rate of
new inputs of organic materials. Adding compost shifts the balance so that soil organic
carbon levels are restored to higher levels. Some of the compost carbon is retained by the
system.
(2) Nitrogen in compost can stimulate higher productivity, thus generating more crop
residues. This “fertilization effect” would increase soil carbon due to the larger volume of
crop residues, which serve as organic matter inputs.
(3) The composting process leads to increased formation of stable carbon compounds
(e.g., humic substances, aggregates) that then can be stored in the soil for long (>50

5
Solid Waste Management and Greenhouse Gases: A Life-Cycle Assessment of Emissions and Sinks.
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/waste/SWMGHGreport.html
years) periods of time. Humic substances make up 60–80 percent of soil organic matter
and are made up of complex compounds that render them resistant to microbial attack.6 In
addition to humic substances, soil organic carbon may be held in aggregates (i.e., stable
organo-mineral complexes in which carbon is bonded with clay colloids and metallic
elements) and protected against microbial attack.7
(4) The application of compost produces a multiplier effect by qualitatively changing
the dynamics of the carbon cycling system and increasing the retention of carbon from
non-compost sources. Some studies of other compost feed-stocks (e.g., farmyard manure,
legumes) have indicated that the addition of organic matter to soil plots can increase the
potential for storage of soil organic carbon. The carbon increase apparently comes not
only from the organic matter directly, but also from retention of a higher proportion of
carbon from residues of crops grown on the soil. This multiplier effect could enable
compost to increase carbon storage by more than its own direct contribution to carbon
mass accumulation.”8
“EPA assumes 2.1 tons of yard trimmings are required to generate 1 ton of composted
yard trimmings. Thus, to convert MTCE per wet ton yard trimmings to MTCE per wet
ton of compost, multiply by 2.1. To convert to MTCE per dry ton compost, multiply
values by 4.2 (assuming 50 percent moisture content).
Addressing the possible GHG emission reductions and other environmental benefits
achievable by applying compost instead of chemical fertilizers, fungicides, and pesticides
was beyond the scope of this report. Manufacturing those agricultural products requires
energy. To the extent that compost may replace or reduce the need for these substances,
composting may result in reduced energy-related GHG emissions. Although EPA
understands that compost is generally applied for its soil amendment properties rather
than for pest control, compost has been effective in reducing the need for harmful or toxic
pesticides and fungicides.9
In addition to the carbon storage benefits of adding compost to agricultural soils,
composting can lead to improved soil quality, improved productivity, and cost savings.
As discussed earlier, nutrients in compost tend to foster soil fertility.10 In fact, composts
have been used to establish plant growth on land previously unable to support vegetation.
In addition to these biological improvements, compost also may lead to cost savings
associated with avoided waste disposal, particularly for feed-stocks such as sewage
sludge and animal manure.”
“Animal waste stored outdoors to decompose can emit unpleasant odors, harmful air
pollutants and greenhouse gases. The air pollutants emitted from manure include
ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and particulate matter, many of which can cause health
problems in humans11. Besides polluting the air, ammonia emissions from manure
can contaminate ground water and lead to eutrophication of the soil.12

6
N. Brady and R. Weil. 1999. The Nature and Properties of Soils (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall).
7
R. Lal et al. 1998. The Potential of U.S. Cropland to Sequester Carbon and Mitigate the Greenhouse Effect (Ann Arbor, MI:
Sleeping Bear Press, Inc).
8
Solid Waste Management and Greenhouse Gases: A Life-Cycle Assessment of Emissions and Sinks, Chapter 4 “Composting.”
9
For example, the use of compost may reduce or eliminate the need for soil fumigation with methyl bromide (an ozone-depleting
substance) to kill plant pests and pathogens.
10
N. Brady and R. Weil. 1999.
11
National Research Council 2003 Ad hoc committee on air emissions from animal feeding, O Air Emissions from Animal
Feeding Operations: Current Knowledge, Future Needs vol xxi (Washington, DC: National Academies Press) p 263
12
Doorn M R J, Natschke D F and Meeuwissen P C 2002 Review of Emission Factors and Methodologies to Estimate
Ammonia Emissions from Animal Waste Handling US Environmental Protection Agency.
Manure also emits methane and nitrous oxide, two potent greenhouse
gases.13 Using standards developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC), methane has 21 times the global warming
potential of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide has 310 times the
warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 100 year timespan.”14
“Tillage of the soil over the decades released more carbon than was added by crop
residue and thereby reduced soil organic matter. However, equilibrium has been reached
in most soils where the amount of carbon sequestration approximately equals the amount
of carbon released. In individual situations, however, excessive tillage continues to
release carbon and no-till practices sequester carbon.
No-till farming practices provide a great potential for the future sequestration of
atmospheric carbon and building soil organic matter while also minimizing soil erosion
and reducing production costs. Carbon sequestration programs created by organizations
such as the Iowa Farm Bureau provide the opportunity for farmers to transform the
sequestered carbon into “carbon credits” that can be sold.15 These programs provide a
way for farmers to generate revenue while also reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide
levels.”16
Similarly, Pakistan can adopt such practices to provide incentives to farmers,
especially the poor, to adopt environment friendly regimes in their day to day life and
lead onto reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

BIOAUGMENTATION:
The addition of non-toxic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, species of live
bacteria suspended in a liquid medium that is non-offensive to humans, animals, plants
and all types of aquaculture. Bioaugmentation is used for the treatment of industrial,
agricultural and residential, organically contaminated waste.
Organisms that are already found in the environment yet are sometimes insufficient in
population to fully process the contaminants in waste. The bacteria produce the
necessary enzymes to successfully and safely breakdown organic contaminants typically
found in waste. Essentially Bioaugmentation turbo-charges nature and allows it to
process and recycle waste at higher levels and safely discharges to the environment.
Controls different odors typical of polluted waste by reducing the concentration of
hydrogen sulfide, which is poisonous gas associated with untreated waste in dumps,
lagoons and septic tanks. When added to a contaminated area, the bacteria immediately
revive themselves and begin to feed, reproduce and attack that organic waste in the water.
Bioaugmentation is effective in treatment of phenolic wastes with large concentrations
of oils and fats and extremely offensive odors. One specialized function is to reduce
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), which
cause the odors to emanate from waste treatment systems, open air dumps, septic tanks,
lagoons and pits. Breaks down solids including fecal material, fats and proteins and treats
phenolic waters, sewage, biodegradable hydrogen sulfide and other contaminants.

13
The US Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks,2006.
14
Cow power: the energy and emissions benefits of converting manure to biogas Amanda D Cuéllar et al 2008.
15
AgDM Newsletter, Aug. 2007
16
Climate Change - Agriculture's Impact on Greenhouse Gas Emissions. AgMRC Renewable Energy Newsletter
August 2008
Hydrogen sulfide is the most common indication of contamination, producing harsh
odors. Because Bioaugmentation is so easy to use, it is an ideal application in Countries
that do not have unlimited resources available to treat their waste. Since live bacterium,
grows very quickly and can therefore be used in small quantities. Requirements for
successful treatment are also minimal and include a tank or lagoon system to provide
minimal retention time (min 3 hours), adequate pH between 4 & 9, and adequate
temperature level of between 5oC and 40oC. Also provides huge savings in their waste
processing by reducing the production of sludge, which is very costly to handle and
dispose. Another extremely interesting use is Aquaculture
Bioaugmentation assists in efficiency of covered dumps, lagoons, septic tanks, grease
traps, activated sludge systems and other treatment facilities. It also significantly reduces
contamination so as to minimize expensive cleaning and pumping procedures, and reduce
weekly costs significantly. One organism will reproduce into over 16 million organisms
in a 24-hour period and is ideal for application in almost all waste coming from all
sources and industries, so long as the waste is principally organic in its content. Over
99% of all wastewater is suitable for treatment
Biological treatment is the most economical of waste treatments available today.
Most of the world’s public water has become undrinkable due to sewage infiltration into
groundwater, and unless something is done now to restore the environment and curb
pollution, the future will be very challenged in terms of meeting the world’s water
demands.
Bacteria multiply faster in warmer waters, so application in tropical and sub tropical
climates are ideal. The adequate temperature range will be 5 oC to 40oC. If the temperature
limit of 40oC is exceeded, say 45oC, some bacteria will die in the short term, but will be
regenerated very quickly It is a perfect water treatment product in a lagoon system, which
has a high retention time. Odors and insects will be either reduced drastically or
eliminated in the treated area.
Most applications consist of a primary, secondary and tertiary treatment. The primary
treatment being mostly physical like filtration, settling, etc. The secondary is typically a
biological treatment to organics. The tertiary treatment is a final, polishing and
clarification treatment. This treatment is usually good in most applications for discharge
to surface waters.
In biological systems, the dynamics are biochemical as opposed to chemical, and the
active agents are living entities. Where one would have to increase the quantity of
chemical proportionally to deal with a higher load of reactant, in a biological system the
biological additive can grow to help compensate for increased loadings. While small
increases in dosage may be required with increased loading, proportional increases are
not required. The organisms grow in response to higher loads, so that the benefit is
multiplied which makes biological additives much more cost effective than chemical
additives. It also makes for dosage programs that do not seem to properly compensate for
loading changes; bioaugmentation has in inherent ability to adjust to loading changes.
The septic system is a biological process. Like any living thing, it has certain nutritional
requirements to function properly and functions best in a suitable environment. There is
a scientific basis for many of the additives, although some require vigilant monitoring
and addition. However, the best first step in optimizing the performance of a septic
system is to have a complete ecosystem of the organisms required for the most complete
breakdown of the waste. Only a few products on the market do this.
When there are more substrates at the top of the tank for the bacteria to concentrate
on degrading, then there will be more outflows of bacteria as well. Therefore,
maintenance dosage in this case is definitely required. The ideal retention time for
Bioaugmentation is 7 days minimum, and depending on the nature and quantity of
substrates.
Successful bioaugmentation requires total system management. If the microbiological
population can be viewed as a workforce, then the consultant or system manager is
responsible for keeping the workforce productive.
The system manager must provide an acceptable work environment by controlling the
key system managers such as pH, temperature and oxygen levels. He must compensate
them with nutrients to ensure good growth and a healthy population. He has to know
when to lay off workers through wasting to keep the population young and vital. Finally,
the successful system manager knows when to hire new workers to provide special skills
not found in his workforce. Bioaugmentation is the mechanism to provide these skills
workers.
A critical part of the success of a bioaugmentation program is proper application.
Because every system is unique, it is essential that products are properly applied.
Bioaugmentation programs should be implemented with the help of qualified consultants
capable of surveying the total system, assessing the best solution to the problem, and
documenting the impact of the program. Simply dumping a product into the influent is
not bioaugmentation.
MAKING COMPOST:
Compost is made by harnessing the natural decomposition process carried out by
certain species of microorganisms. These microorganisms, primarily bacteria and fungi,
live in intimate association with their food supply—on the surface of dead plants, in soil,
or on or in animal waste. By breaking down these materials with their digestive enzymes,
the tiny creatures release and absorb the nutrients within. For home gardeners, making
compost is simply a matter of collecting food for microorganisms in one place and letting
them go to work.
A broad range of organic matter, including manure from plant-eating animals, grass
clippings, and dead leaves or garden plants, provides a veritable feast for
microorganisms. For optimal decomposition, the combined starting materials should have
an appropriate carbon to nitrogen ratio, preferably 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen.
Leaves, straw, and paper, called brown materials, have a high carbon to nitrogen ratio,
about 300 to 1, while grass clippings, kitchen scraps, and manure, called green materials,
have a low carbon to nitrogen ratio, about 15 to 1. For the best mix, green materials
should be added in abundance; brown materials should be used more sparingly. Materials
that should not be used to make compost include manure from meat-eating animals,
because it may contain disease-causing organisms that can harm humans who eat plants
grown in the compost. Meat should be avoided since it may attract rodents. Fatty foods
such as cheese also should not be added to the compost pile, as they are hard for most
microorganisms to digest.
MANAGING COMPOST:
 A variety of techniques may be used to increase the rate of compost decomposition.
One technique is to cut the starting materials into 10- to 15-cm (4- to 6-in) pieces to
increase the surface area on which the microorganisms act. Increased surface area
accelerates decomposition; much like a large ice chunk melts faster if broken up into
small pieces. The microorganisms in the compost pile also thrive when oxygen and
moisture are present. Fluffing the compost pile every week or so with a pitchfork or other
tool introduces oxygen into the pile, and sprinkling water on the pile when it dries out
provides the necessary moisture.
In a well-managed compost pile, the microorganisms eat and reproduce rapidly, and
heat is released as a byproduct of their intense biochemical activity. The heat in the pile
kills most plant diseases and weed seeds that may have been present on the starting
materials. The increased heat may also kill the microorganisms doing the decomposing as
well, especially those at the center of the pile where temperatures may climb to 90° C
(200° F). Mixing the materials well about once a week prevents lethal temperature
increases by distributing the heat evenly throughout the pile.
The time it takes microorganisms to decompose the starting materials in compost
varies. Factors include the size of the pile, the techniques used to manage the pile, and the
nature of the starting materials—green materials decompose readily, while brown
materials take longer to break down. In an actively managed compost pile,
microorganisms use up their food supply and become less active after about six weeks.
Then the pile slowly cools, signaling the near-final stages of decomposition. If the
materials in a compost pile are relatively large, if the pile is not kept moist, and if oxygen
is not introduced, microorganism activity is slow and the pile does not heat up.
Depending upon the climate, it may take months for decomposition to occur.
No matter how long decomposition takes, when in its final stage, the compost pile is
about half its original size and resembles dark soil. The material in the pile is now called
humus—although the terms humus and compost sometimes are used interchangeably.
Humus is the highly beneficial material that is added to the garden soil. Once in or on the
soil, it continues to decompose at a very slow rate, releasing ammonia, carbon dioxide,
and salts of calcium, phosphorus, and other elements that are beneficial for plant growth.
Humus can be added to the soil at any time of year. It can be worked into the soil,
where its benefits take effect most rapidly, or it can be left on the soil surface. Humus can
be used year after year, and there is never danger of adding too much, since this
remarkable substance only enhances soil and encourages plants to thrive.
Humification:
Second only to clay in importance as a soil constituent is organic matter, which
contributes significantly to soil absorbing capacity. Roots die continuously, vegetation
and crop residues fall on the soil surface and decay, and the organic leaching products
enter the soil. Part of these residues is mixed with soil by organisms living in the soil or
by tillage operations; some algae produce organic matter that also is added to soil. All
these residues are transformed by microorganisms into a mixture of organic substances
called humus. Two kinds of humus may be distinguished:
(1) Mild humus is dark in color, well saturated with bases, especially calcium, rich in
humic acids (of high molecular weight), and serves to stabilize clay;
(2) Raw humus is more red in color, less basic, rich in fulvic acids (of low molecular
weight), and favors dispersion of clay. Soil also contains organic matter that has
not yet been humified.

There are five conditions for composting. These are:

Mixture of Plant and Animal Material: The animal material supplies
the Nitrogen, which is needed by bacteria. The Carbon component is supplied mostly
from plant residue. The Carbon: Nitrogen ratio should be 20:1 for satisfactory
decomposition. This balance can be struck by a rule of thumb of 1:30 ratio between
manure to other organic materials.
Size of Material: The smaller the particles the faster the decomposition process as it
yields greater surface area for bacteria. This is achieved by chopping and shredding.
Aerobic/ Anaerobic: This means in the presence of Oxygen and in its absence.
Anaerobic decomposition kills pathogens; Insect eggs and seeds. It prevents creation
of odor. Open air composting is quite the opposite.
Water: The decomposing materials should be wet like a sponge yet not dripping.
This is achieved by 50 % of the solid volume being supplied as water.
Temperature: At first the temperature of the material should rise to 55-60 C, within
a few days and then subsequently drop. This process results from correct mixing and
is used as an indicator.
The following material can be used for compost.
Grass other clippings.
Vegetable; Fruit; Kitchen waste.
Paper.
Raw Sewage.
Animal Manure/ Urine.
Municipal wastes (no plastic; metal; rags or glass).
Fine silt.
Ashes.
Dolomite.
Crushed Limestone.
Compost activator Herbs (Comfrey; Yarrow).
Bacteria.
All are recommended in order to produce high quality humus in the shortest period of
time and occupy least amount of space.

ii. Sewage Treatment: "Water in the environment is like blood in the body: and ours is
sick. The arteries and veins of our countryside, its rivers and wetlands, are suffering from
the equivalent of low blood pressure and blood poisoning. The condition has developed
over many years and treatment is now urgent." 17
A small community of 1,000 people can produce 25,000 gallons of wastewater per
day. This is equivalent to 1 acre-inch of sewage effluent per day.
.Introduction
The use of wetlands to treat effluent is not a new idea. Thousands of years ago,
natural wetlands were used by the Chinese and by the Egyptians to clarify liquid effluent.
17
Sir David Attenborough.
 However, the first “constructed” wetland was not used until 1904 (in Australia). Even
after that the use of such wetlands was slow to catch on. The first botanical treatment of
waste was not reported in Europe until the 1950s; America’s research into the field did
not begin until the 1970s. Nevertheless, it is now recognized that constructed wetlands
are an economic way of treating liquid effluent (and even raw sewage -Constructed
Wetlands reduce concentrations of suspended solids, biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD5), nitrogen, phosphorus, and coliform bacteria (often by up to 98%). Their
simplicity and scalability make them effective for treatment of waste from small
communities. If constructed on suitable topography, they require little energy input,
which makes them suitable for both under-developed and rural sites. However despite the
suitability of climate in developing countries, the spread of wetlands in such areas has
been described as "depressingly slow" (P.Denny et al., 'Constructed wetlands in
developing countries', Water Sci and Tech. 35 (5) pp167-174 1997).
How Constructed Wetlands treat Waste
The treatment of waste by constructed wetlands is achieved by a large number of
chemical and biological processes, many of the latter microbially-mediated. –

Performance of New Generation Reed Bed Systems (conc. in mg/l)

Total COD d COD BOD5 TSS TP P-PO4 TKN

Raw Sewage 495 190 215 225 8.5 6.4 42.8
Filter A outflow 92 70 0 18 5.8 5.3 19.6
Final Outflow 58 40 16 12 5.6 5.1 10.1
Removal (%) 87.5 80 92.5 94.5 40 28 76

Performance of Swiss System after 10 years use (Conc in mg/l)

Total COD BOD5 TP NO3-N NH4-N Min-N

Gray water 311 129.5 8.5 3 89.8 92.6
Sand filter out 31 0 3.1 50.7 1.9 62.2
Final Outfall 26.7 5.4 0.8 12.7 6.3 18.5
Removal (%) 91.4 95.8 90.6 -323.0 93.0 80.0
• Constructed wetlands are an effective, environmentally friendly means of treating
waste (liquid and solid).
• Wetlands are effective at reducing loads of BOD/COD, nitrogen, phosphorus, and
suspended solids. Reduction can be up by 98%.
• Constructed wetlands require little maintenance, and remain effective after more
than 10 years of use.
• Use of constructed wetlands in developing countries can provide real economic
benefits by providing biomass and supporting aquaculture.
Botanical bed schemes have proven themselves to be an effective, sustainable,
reliable and economical method of treatment. Cost effective and aesthetically pleasing are
two good reasons for choosing botanical beds, a third and more important reason is that
they are the most environmental friendly form of sewage treatment available at this time.
 The annual production of papyrus in tropical conditions can be in excess of 100
tonnes/ ha/ year. The foliage can be sustainably cropped, while the papyrus stems can be
used for matting and thatching roofs. Water that has passed through the wetland can be
used to irrigate crops and/or introduced to a fishpond. In this final stage, remaining
nitrates and phosphates stimulate the growth of phytoplankton - the favorite food of fish.
Thus due to start of operations at the advent of winter and also to ensure maximum
operating period for the interventions, two innovative, low-cost and highly effective
structures are being introduced. These are an Environment Protected Green/ Shade House
Structure built as a Geodesic Dome and rectangular Green/ Shade covers for Botanical
Beds.
Botanical/ Reed Beds: Artificial Wetlands; Constructed wetlands or Botanical/ Reed
Beds are designed to mimic the sediment and nutrient removal processes occurring in
natural wetlands. General design principles are based on holding or slowing the passage
of water through the wetland where a range of physical, chemical and biological
processes can operate to store, transform or remove various pollutants. These processes
can be optimized through the control and manipulation of the hydraulic regime, including
retention time. Constructed wetlands are configured into different zones, with each zone
performing different functions.
Technical Details:
The wetland is divided into three zones: sedimentation, wetlands (botanical bed) and
open water zone.
 The Sedimentation Zone improves water quality by trapping sediments, litter
and contaminants. As flow enters this zone it slows down resulting in sediment
deposition. The sediments act as a sink for phosphorus and other pollutants like heavy
metals and pesticides. Litter becomes tapped by vegetation located on the edges of this
zone.
 The Wetland (Botanical Bed) Zone improves water quality by removing
nutrients and other pollutants. This zone effectively:
• Slows the flow of water, thereby increasing sedimentation and contact time
with the water (effluent);
• Filters pollutants and precipitates them from the water;
• Transfers oxygen to the root zones thereby preventing a build up of toxins
under saturated conditions;
• Assimilates, processes and stores nutrients;
• Supports microbial growth to enhance nutrient transformations.
 The Deep Open Water Zone polishes water, allowing time for finer particles to
settle and for sunlight to kill pathogens. The littoral vegetation surrounding the open
water zone contributes to pollutant removal through the processes described above.
In simple terms, a botanical bed can be seen as a low loaded fixed film filter with in-
built sedimentation, a primary tank is required to retain the organic material, the effluent
then gravitates or is pumped to the botanical bed, membrane lined and filled with
appropriate gravel and stone and planted with appropriate plants. Dimensions, shape and
number of beds vary with type of application, flow rate and organic loading, and quality
of treated effluent required.

iii. Earthworm Farms:

 The earthworms required for multiplication are the variety called "Red Wigglers"
(Eisenia foetida). Earthworms will at least double their population every 3 months. First
of all their bedding must be kept moist but not soggy at all times as dry bedding will kill
them. Earthworms breathe through their sides, and their skin must be moist in order to
take in oxygen. Next, ensure that their bins do not become acid; this can revealed by the
smell. A healthy worm bed should smell like fresh turned earth, whereas, an acid worm
bed will smell very sharp and sour. Turning the bedding in the piles once a week helps to
keep it aerated, and also makes it possible to check on the conditions and their population
growth. A protected spot out of summer sun and winter wind should be used.
• Keep the pile moist but not soggy. Too much water can encourage fermenting of
the food waste, especially in the heat, and most especially if you are using an enclosed
container.
• Make sure there's a constant supply of food. Red Wigglers will stay where there's
food and will wander off and die if there's not.
• Red worms love corn meal. It also has nutrients that seem to fatten the worms up
and make them hard-skinned, something desirable. In addition, corn meal, encourages red
worms to reproduce prolifically.
• Too much food will kill them as much as too much water, because the food will
ferment and make the pile acid, so feed conservatively until you see how much they will
eat over time.
• If you smell a sharp, acrid smell, stop feeding the worms immediately! Add
additional bedding to dilute the food-to-bedding ratio. Turn the contents of the or pile
every day for about 2 weeks to let the air help oxidize excess food and to let the
ammonia/ alcohol escape.
Recovering from disaster: Once in a while, it happens - you've overfed for way too
long, and your entire bin is acid, or, you've forgotten to water for weeks, the and bedding
is all dried out, and nearly all the worms have died. Remember that the worms have left
many cocoons behind, and after you've corrected the problem, they will hatch, and you
can repopulate.
You can expect to harvest your first castings between 1 – 3 months. Harnessing of
earthworm will be one of the major factors in the enrichment of the soil as it can produce
several times as much as the present average. Thei casts of earthworms contain eight
times as many micro-organisms as their feed! And these are the micro-organisms that
best favor healthy plant growth. The casts don't contain any disease pathogens --
pathogenic bacteria are reliably killed in the worms' gut. This is one of the great benefits
of vermicomposting. Worm casts also contain five times more nitrogen, seven times more
phosphorus, and 11 times more potassium than ordinary soil, the main minerals needed
for plant growth, but the large numbers of beneficial soil micro-organisms in worm casts
have at least as much to do with it. The casts are also rich in humic acids, which
condition the soil, have a perfect pH balance, and contain plant growth factors similar to
those found in seaweed. There's nothing better to put in your garden! Worm populations
double each month. In ideal conditions they can reproduce much faster than that: 1 lb of
worms can increase to 1,000 lbs (one million worms) in a year, but in working conditions
1 lb will produce a surplus of 35 lbs in a year, because hatchlings and capsules (cocoons
or eggs) are usually lost when the vermicompost is harvested.
 Earthworms take waste products and turn it into a useful product - compost.
Earthworm castings (basically their excretions) are some of the best and environmentally
friendly fertilizers you get. Castings consist of 30% humus the end product of compost
and are considered to be five times richer than good topsoil. It is a known fact that
earthworms neutralize up to 99% of germs in less than 2 hours.
The conditions for food security in the rural areas are not sustainable. Environment and Predator Protection
for self-reliant local food security is very much needed as nutrient mining/ leaching and absence of organic
material/ biota as well as soil erosion are severely restricting yields and aggravating pest and disease
susceptibility. Climate change is bringing greater stress upon production due to increased heat in summers
and increased cold in winters. Secondly, torrential rains and hail storms along with frost are causing
damage to plants growing in the open. Domestic animals/ poultry and rodents are also detrimental to food
production without physical protection. In order to ensure Kitchen Garden Food Self-Sufficiency at the
very minimum and provide a basis for safe, more quantity and quality produce the problem needs to be
addressed immediately. Plant protection through complete plant nutrition is very much achievable and
desirable as introduction of toxic materials in the name of plant protection is extremely detrimental to the
food chain.
The conditions of the Barani (Rain-fed) areas are reaching a critical point. With the advent of
Climate Change a greater change will have to be introduced in these areas in order to ensure survivability.
At present a total of 27,262 hectares out of which 26,930 hectares is unirrigated is being used for growing
of groundnut crop on a subsistence basis. Production is 11,042 tons or 765 kgs/ ha that is equivalent to 306
Kgs/ acre
Sustainable development is not possible without sustainable agriculture/ food production.
Environmental pollution of soil, water and air; resource depletion and nature degradation as well as socio-
economic problems, are seriously impacting the carrying capacity of the land. As such there is an urgent
requirement for farming systems to be redesigned and transformed into more sustainable ones. Agriculture
is a multifunctional and multiple objective activity which has to supply food in sufficient quantity and
quality and the supply itself must be stable, sustainable and accessible. Agriculture must provide
employment and generate basic income and profit at farm, regional and national levels; strictly avoid and
minimize land degradation and destabilization; pollution of natural resources, protect the great cycles of
nature; as well as ensure the overall health and well-being of humans, animals, birds, insects and microbes.

One percent increase in agricultural growth increases employment by 1.5% while farm sector
employment rises by 0.6% and that of non-farm sector by 0.9%. A 1% increase in employment reduces
poverty by 4.35% while 1% increase in agricultural growth reduces poverty by 6.52%. 18 It has been noted
that the aggregate impact of NGOs using their method of intervention is negligible and only a few NGOs in
Pakistan are addressing the underlying social inequalities 19 or the perceived gap of taking innovative
technologies to the doorsteps of the poor.
A quote from an authentic INGO/ Pak Government Area Development Project is very apt to the
proposed Project. “A considerable amount of improved technology is already available in Pakistan.
However, these production technologies are not quite specific to the socio-economic and agro-ecological
conditions of certain production systems. Technologies need to be adjusted or redesigned to make them
compatible with the needs and circumstances of the farming community.”20
The report further goes on to state, “Soil erosion and moisture stress are the two major problems in
the Barani tract. For these problems the following interventions have been identified:
1. Water Harvesting.
2. Watershed Management.
3. Supplementary Irrigation.
4. Moisture Conservation.

18
Shah (1967).
19
Mustapha et al (2001).
20
Barani Village Development Project/ ABAD – ICARDA Applied Research Component – Annual Report 2000-2001
(Introduction – page 1).
 5. Biological Erosion Control Measures.21
Further elaborating the report goes on to say: The applied research component of BVDP aims to
overcome the production constraints including:
1. Limited water resources.
2. Degraded range lands.
3. Low yield potential.
4. Stressful environment.
5. Poor soil fertility.
6. Marginal Lands.
7. Inadequate and inefficient use of fertilizer and quality seed.22
“Slow transfer/ adoption of agricultural technology are a growing concern among development
planners, research managers and policy makers.
The growth so far has been achieved in the Rainfed agriculture is mainly due to enhanced use of
traditional inputs (seed and fertilizer) on wheat crop only. Rest of the agriculture activities has remained
stagnant and has greater potential for improvements.”23
The importance of agriculture/ horticulture in attaining Food Security and local self-reliance
cannot be over emphasized! “Like in South Asia, Poverty in Pakistan is largely a rural phenomena and
agriculture has to play a critical role in the fight against poverty in the country. Nearly one quarter of the
Nation’s GDP is contributed by agriculture which employs 44% of the work force and 67.5 % of the rural
population is directly or indirectly linked to it.”24
“The strategy for poverty alleviation calls for significant increases in crop and livestock
productivity through substantial enhancement of output per unit of land, animal and labor.
Improving agricultural production and conservation of natural resources in the project area relies
greatly on the availability and adoption of appropriate technology by the resource poor farmers.”25
Identification of the primary target group is of vital importance. Though the project will prove of
advantage to all sections of society, the primary target is the landless tenant, marginal farmers and poor
females. The landless tenant or sharecropper is one of the most oppressed members of our rural society.
Many surveys have revealed that being at the mercy of the landowner and unable to bargain for his rights,
the sharecropper is threatened with crisis of immediate survival if he does not bow down to illegal demands
of the land owner. Many peasants report that they have to provide 100% of inputs and yet surrender 50% of
the produce to the land owner. This results in his gaining only 25% of the net produce. Low financial power
and zero savings with no access to subsidized fertilizers, machinery and agricultural loans due to the fact
that they do not themselves own land, serve to further marginalize this section of society. As they mostly
have to provide 100% of the inputs they are forced to take recourse to the ‘Aarthi’ (Wholesaler) for
products on credit at higher rate along with the stipulation that they have to sell their produce to ‘Aarthi’ at
his rates. High dependency burdens, low health and nutritional standards, absence of equitable credit, low
literacy, food inflation and death of livestock place the peasant in the high risk category. Under such
conditions how is it possible to expect the peasants to use latest technologies such as laser levelers, tractors,
threshers, conservation irrigation, water harvesting and latest seed as well as ecologically safe inputs?
This is the main reason why our agriculture is in such a sorry state. The peasant does not have the
capacity to practice modern and rational agriculture and the owner does no have the interest to improve his
land. Thus, if there is to be any amelioration in the state of the poverty stricken farm labor and tenants,
marginal farmers and females of the oppressed classes have to be targeted.
Thus this project has been conceptualized to establish appropriate technology, adapt it to local
conditions and disseminate it to the local populace. The main thrust will be on training and extension that
would be pursued separately from the Project. The project is required to show case appropriate
technologies and provide an interface for scientists and marginalized population groups to interact.
Selection of the site for Applied Research, proving, demonstration of appropriate, low-cost
technology is of prime importance. Guidance for this aspect has also been obtained from the cited report.
“Integrated Research Site (IRS).
Criteria used in selection of representative research in the rainfed area:
21
Above page 4 Overview of the major results and achievements. Barani Soil and Water Management and Conservation.
22
Barani Village Development Project/ ABAD – Applied Research Component – Annual Report 2000-2001 page 4
23
Above page 79 Economics of resources use differential among dam – water users and non – user farms.
24
Economic Survey of Pakistan (2001 – 02).
25
Barani Village Development Project/ ABAD – Applied Research Component – Annual Report 2000-2001.
 1. Presence of large number of small farmers.
2. Willing to cooperate.
3. Accessibility.
4. Mixed crop – livestock farming system.
5. Populated by community most in need of improved standard of living.26

Viable Alternative!
Introduce Alternate Management Systems in Horticulture, including the following:
• Complete Plant Nutrition.
• Correct & Innovative Cultural Practices.
• Conservation Irrigation.
Collective Micro Enterprise.
Vital Issues:
• Poverty Mitigation/ Prosperity;
• Ecologically Safe/ Sustainable Food Production;
• Micro Enterprise.
Poverty Eradication:
In order to fight hunger and combat poverty and deprivation we must release and tap the enormous
potential of the people who can develop their own skills and local resources. At the very least expenditure
relief in the shape of self-reliant food production and economy generation through profitable micro
enterprise that is innovative in approach must be emplaced.
Untapped Potential:
• Semi-Arid & Temperate Produce.
• 50 % Harvest Potential Loss due to Poor Trees/ Seed; Poor Cultural Practices; Poor Plant
Nutrition:
• 30 – 35 % Loss due to Poor Quality.
• 35 – 40 % Pre/ Post Harvest Loss.
• Poor Market Conditions.
Adopt intermediate and/or transitional technologies contributing to:
• Generating Economy.
• Creating Basic Production.
• Improving Employment Opportunities.
• Ensuring Adequate Living Standards.
• Bringing about gradual changes from extensive systems with low productivity to intensive
ones with higher productivity.
• Reducing pressure from Natural Resources.
• Producing an adequate Benefit/Cost Ratio.
• Ushering in Prosperity.
8. Issues to be researched: Due to poor soil and crop management the soils in the Barani (Rain-
Fed) Areas have been greatly depleted of nutrients and organic material. Secondly, Climate change in the
shape of increased heat in summers and increased cold in winters with unpredictable rainfall, inducing
storms and hail stones is amply proved. This has resulted in curtailed yields and increase in diseases.
Subsistence small farmers of the area are eking out a miserable existence. Adult populations are forced to
seek employment outside the area since time immemorial. Latest soft technology, innovative and flexible
approach and hands-on, on-ground demonstration; proving cum training and transfer will greatly impact
poverty alleviation through Household Food Security. The issues that need to be addressed are:

• Soil management.
• Water Management.
• Low-cost structures for off season vegetable production for kitchen gardens and commercial
production.

26
Barani Village Development Project/ ABAD – Applied Research Component – Annual Report 2000-2001. Page 15,
Need for Situation Analysis at Project Site.
 • Profitable organic farming.
• Nutrient cycling.
• Improved design Cattle/ Sheep Sheds/ Folds for winter/ summer protection.
• Low-cost Cottage Industry.
• Processing and value addition of Cash Crop.
9. Scope: The scope of the proposed project is to formally and scientifically deploy various interventions
that have been researched and tried out in various sites in rural locations of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.
Since these interventions have been tried and tested in various combinations and some on stand alone basis
there is a need to integrate them and prove effectiveness in order to establish best practices for replication.
The project will employ various combinations using different technologies. Each combination will be
examined for optimum returns keeping in mind financial constraints and ease of replicability. A complete
and integrated food security support base will emerge based on agro ecological conditions and skills of
local producers. The entire proposed project is aimed at poor rural females and marginalized farmers. Due
attention will be paid to the landless and ways and means will be identified to build up food security for
them as well. It should be kept in mind that all our interventions are targeted to the small and marginal
farmers and may not be conducive to the requirements of medium and large farmers.
• Soil management through Bioaugmented Rapid Composting of Bio-Degradable Solid Waste
using EM Technology and other Bacteria.
Construction of permanent Rapid Composting Pits (2 nos.) and demonstrated rapid cycle
of bioaugmented composting to protect the environment from biodegradable solid waste and
enrich the soil’s organic content with compost in place of raw or even well rotted farmyard
manure. The intervention has been successfully demonstrated in various locations of Qadirnagar,
Nankana Sahib, Punjab; Zarda Mela, Kohat, NWFP; Mung and Mirpur Kahlaan, Haripur, NWFP,
Urban and Rural Abbottabad including PMA Academy Kakul, NWFP 5 locations; SOS Village
Dhodial, 2 villages in Kaghan and at Khalli Gatti plus one village and one urban site in Mansehra
District NWFP as well as Kumi Kot, and 3 villages in Muzaffarabad District, AJ&K. These
interventions were sponsored by PHP SDC-IC; UNDP; IRC; SRSP; Sungi; IDEALS and SPADE
NGO/ INGOs. All outcomes were positive. However due to non-availability of specialized
Bacteria the efforts were not sustained at Micro level mainly due to lack of uptake at Macro
District/ Province and National levels. This intervention is very much suited to the proposed
Demonstration area as vegetables are grown locally and large urban centers are situated in close
proximity for supply of Green Biodegradable Waste apart from that present on-farm. The
enrichment of the soil as well as prevention of breeding of disease vectors makes the intervention
vital.
• Water Management through Waste Water Gardens for Remediation of Liquid Waste for
recycling to Agriculture/ Horticulture Irrigation.
Liquid waste pollution of surface and sub surface water has assumed alarming
proportions. As such one village will be selected for installation of waste water garden. The site
will be used for training purposes and will be advocated for uptake on universal basis throughout
the Tehsil of Hassanabdal including the Urban Centers. The intervention is demonstrated in
NARC, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad. Preliminary trials with various plants and Bacteria were
undertaken in P&V Farms, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad by the PI. The intervention needs further
practice and proving and will prove to be a major intervention for the entire Country provided it is
properly applied. Internationally many advanced Countries have started this kind of Intervention
with excellent results. The same benefit as composting of biodegradable waste exists along with
disposal of effluent to irrigate field and horticultural crops in a hygienic manner.
• Conservation Irrigation in the light of Global Warming and Reduced Water Availability.
Concerns regarding rapidly increasing populations resulting in increased consumption
requirements alongside curtailed productivity are of vital significance to planners and governance.
Reduced availability of water means that we must utilize our water resources in the most efficient
manner. Conservation irrigation means using water for irrigation in a manner that makes the most
efficient use and avoids waste. Many technologies exist for conservation irrigation such as drip;
sprinkle; misting; bubbler and sub-soil (reticulation). We have used all of the above in various
locations especially in our ‘Plasticulture’ interventions, where further recycling of water is
ensured, in P&V Farms, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad; Mirpur Kahalaan and Mung in District
 Haripur, NWFP. The requirement is to produce conservation irrigation packages locally at least
possible cost. We have utilized second hand plastic pipe buried at the root zone for horticulture
sub-soil irrigation in Mung, District Haripur, NWFP with amazing results. Secondly, the process
of delivering liquid fertilizers directly to the root zone through irrigation water (fertigation) has
resulted in great savings of fertilizer as well as produced increased yields. ICIMOD in Nepal has
produced low-cost shift-able drip and sprinkler systems. It is urgently required that similar efforts
are launched in Pakistan specifically aimed at marginal farmers. This can only happen if a
demonstration cum proving intervention be tried out and tested on-ground to determine the best
and most cost effective intervention.
• Surface and Roof-Top Water Harvesting.
Run-off from rain water should normally be allowed to filter through the earth to be
deposited in aquifers that are present below the surface. However, due to a number of reasons this
run-off is presently only serving to erode valuable top-soil and is joining highly polluted surface
water streams and drainage to escape into the sea. Practical interventions by the Khidmat
Foundation in National Center for Rural development (NCRD), Chak Shahzad, Islamabad; Mirpur
kahlaan, District Haripur, NWFP; Karimpura, Abbottabad, NWFP and Khalli Ghatti, District
Mansehra, NWFP have proved the efficacy of Roof-top and Surface Water Harvesting. This water
can be used during lean water periods to irrigate vegetable crops in Kitchen Gardens. As the area
is subject to extended periods of rainfall scarcity as well as occasional drought years this
intervention is very much required. The Khidmat Foundation has adapted pre-fabricated well
lining rings for this purpose. This results in a rapidly constructed and low-cost water tank that
avoids the problems of possible cancer spread by using PVC Tanks. Secondly, water remains cool
in these tanks during summers as opposed to PVC and Fiber Glass water tanks. We have also
designed unique, modular fiber glass form works to construct Earth quake proof RCC water tanks
in remote areas and difficult terrain.
• Use of Improved Design, Modular and Low-cost Structures for Off-Season Vegetable
Production for Kitchen Gardens and Commercial Production.
Use of Tunnel Technology is fast becoming popular in Pakistan. Increasing heat and cold
as well as problems of predators is making it a very suitable intervention. Those sections of
society who are most in need of such interventions are unable to afford them. The Khidmat
Foundation has adapted the Geodesic Dome from the Australian concept of ‘Permaculture’ to
arrive at an extremely cost-effective intervention especially for Kitchen Gardens. This structure
can be fabricated and erected on site within 4 hours with proper training and raw materials that are
almost universally available. The Khidmat Foundation has developed a step by step, graphically
illustrated guide in urdu for training and dissemination. Other small innovations have been tried on
low, medium and high tunnels to attain optimum efficiency. These need to be show cased along
with expert input and guidance from the PARC. These interventions have been made along with
those of Rapid Composting at the locations elaborated under the section of Composting.
• Use of Alternate Energy for Photo-period Control.
A measure that is sorely lacking in our ‘Plasticulture’ interventions in the up-country
areas of Pakistan is photo-period control. It has been found that growing out of season vegetables
in Islamabad and rest of the Northern parts of Pakistan is not as efficient as that taking place in
Gujranwala and further South. This is primarily due to less photo-period availability during
winters in the former areas because of difference in latitude. It is proposed to utilize alternate
energy to power extra light during the evenings in order to encourage vegetable crops, especially
tomatoes, to produce more profusely and participate in the harvest related better prices during off-
season. An effort in this regard was initiated in Lahore over 15 years ago during successful trials
of circuit printing; etching; component mounting soldering and operation of small electronic
devices without using line electricity, made by uneducated contact youths of Bucheke, then
District Sheikhupura (now in District Nankana Sahib) where a small trial farm is operated and
owned (Waqf) by the Khidmat Foundation. The effort needs to be revived.
• Profitable Organic Farming.
There is no question of doubting organic farming as a healthy method of growing food.
Increasing awareness and indeed import restrictions are casting serious concerns regarding the use
of conventional chemical fertilizers and pesticides/ weedicides. The poor and marginal groups of
 society are most in need of healthy and fresh food items to balance their diets and make up for
years of nutrition deficiency. The Khidmat Foundation has informally practiced and advocated
Organic farming in many locations from Northern Sindh to Muzaffarabad in AJ&K. The most
notable interventions were in Daharki, District Ghothki, Sindh and P&V Farms, Scheme II, Chak
Shahzad, Islamabad. In the latter a three year classical trial of converting 2 acres of land to 100%
Organic Status was carried out successfully. Today the farm (11-B, St.4) is operating successfully
on the residual organic content and increased fertility of the land and producing very good results
though organic farming has been abandoned.
• Nutrient Cycling and Plant Protection through Complete Plant Nutrition.
After many years of advocacy regarding the efficacy of using micronutrients to increase
our present dismal yields as compared to international standards, it is with satisfaction that the
sponsors of Khidmat Foundation are witnessing increased acceptance of this intervention. We are
fully in agreement with the concept of low external input but are constrained to point out that after
many years of nutrient mining without concomitant replenishment of the soil and absence of
organic soil management we have reached a stage wherein our yields are not only restricted but
many problems have also arisen. The Khidmat Foundation has increased yields by 50 to 100% in
many crops in many rural locations from Northern Sindh (District Ghotki) to Muzaffarabad
District of AJ&K. Plant problems such as salinity in Daharki, District Ghothki, Sindh; early death
of transplanted citrus trees in Kohat (Zarda Mela) NWFP; Gumosis and total absence of fruiting in
7-year old Plum trees in Mirpur Kahalaan, District Haripur, NWFP; and Tip Die Back of Citrus
Trees in Paswal, Sungjani, D-17, Federal Capital Territory have all been successfully resolved by
the application of correct micronutrients. A proposal to eliminate Sudden Decline of Mango Trees
is ready for trial and implementation provided financial support is provided. The Khidmat
Foundation is convinced that many of our agriculture related problems can be resolved by the use
of Micronutrients. Von Liebig’s Law states that the “Yield of a Crop is restricted by the Nutrient
in least Supply.” Secondly, many diseases and pest attacks can be cured/ controlled by the use of
complete plant nutrition. The question is how to rebuild and reinculcate these secondary and trace
elements into our soils in an ecologically safe manner. The Khidmat Foundation has sourced pure
divalent mineral nutrients and safe naturally extracted compounds that can be directly applied
through fertigation; through foliar application or inclusion in compost for inculcalation into the
soil.
• Small, Alternate Energy Incubator and Improved Geodesic Domed Chicken Coops for
Backyard Poultry Production based on Rhode Island Red (RIR) Breed Introduction.
A 220 eggs capacity Incubator was fabricated in the Khidmat Foundation’s workshop
facilities that existed in Lahore during the 1990s. The profuse hatching of various breeds of
Poultry, Grouse and Quail ensured sustainability and proved that this particular intervention is
most efficacious. This intervention has presently been tried out in Nathiagalli area of Abbottabad,
District by an NGO affiliated with Khidmat Foundation through IDEALS a registered 20 small
NGOs Cluster operating in Hazara and Malakand Divisions. However the quality of incubators is
highly questionable. Moreover lack of alternate energy heating source is bound to adversely affect
the intervention during the winters due to excessive load shedding of line electricity. It is proposed
that incubators be developed that utilize alternate energy for heating and solar panel rechargeable,
battery operated low voltage electronic circuit control to indicate manual turning in the absence of
line electricity. This dual energy source incubator will prove to be a valuable intervention for
sustainability of landless and poor.
• Improved Design Cattle/ Sheep Sheds/ Folds for Winter/ Summer Protection.
One of the major reasons for restricted milk yield of buffaloes in up country locations,
apart from lack of fresh fodder and supplementary diet, is that they are not able to withstand cold
during winters. With climate change very much evident, the concept of global warming has to be
enlarged to include the phenomena of increased cold in winters as an equal and opposite reaction.
The Khidmat Foundation has fabricated a Geodesic Dome based Cattle Pen in its technology
proving farm at Qadirnagar, near villages Khoonie and Katoo ka Thatta, District Nankana Sahib,
Punjab. This pen provides shelter to animals during heat or cold as well as during rain. It is low-
cost and easily fabricated. However, it needs to be tested in the area for which it is intended as
well as developed further in order to make it more efficient as well as affordable. The intervention
 is needed as a complete and integrated package is being offered to marginal farmers and landless
to ensure Poverty Alleviation in place of the existing “Band Aid” concept of intervention for
Poverty Alleviation.
• Mushroom Growing in Specialized, Protected and Low-cost Structures for Year Round
Production specifically for the Landless.
Nutrition enhancement that is affordable and ensures Food Security is very much
required by many sections of Pakistan’s population. Khidmat Foundation’s target group as well as
expecting and lactating mothers and young children are all in dire need of nutrition
supplementation. The Khidmat Foundation has developed a Soya Bean Flour and Dried
Mushroom Powder Biscuit and Herbal Mix as nutrition supplements that are health foods and
tremendous energy boosters. These products are grown in ecologically friendly manner and utilize
natural inputs for flavor/ color/ preservation. The most vital ingredient of mushrooms needs to be
developed in order to make them available. It is not intended to target mushroom growing as a
cash crop but initially rather as a nutrition supplement. To overcome the food habit barrier the
product has been developed as a biscuit that is culturally quite acceptable to our populace. For this
purpose a dedicated structure called “Khumbi Kulla” has been developed for year round
production. It is pointed out that compost, casing, spore and humidity along with suitable growing
space is all that is required for mushroom production while ensuring that the environment is
disease and virus free. The dedicated structure provides just such an environment. The
intervention was developed in Qadirnagar but was discontinued due to lack of availability of
mushroom spore. With the support of PARC and Punjab Agriculture Department this glaring
omission will be rectified and the intervention will be show cased and disseminated to those who
need it the most. It may be pointed out that this valuable source of nutrition and protein is quite
capable of growing even in case of, Allah Forbid, climate crash or even Nuclear winter. As such
the Khidmat Foundation considers this to be a strategic intervention for Food Security and Local
Self-Reliance and expects all forward looking managers of Pakistan’s economy to fully support
the intervention.

Justification: Field trials have proved the efficacy of the various interventions that are proposed for
applied research. There is a great need to study them scientifically and for consensus to be developed
amongst the agricultural institutions and scientists based on on-ground results. Rapid population increase
and concomitant increased pressure upon already depleted natural resources demands that new and
innovative steps be deployed in order to ensure food security for those living below the poverty line.
Nutritional enhancement is crucial amongst females and young children. This project is primarily aimed at
solving the issue of food security amongst poor, vulnerable and marginalized sections of the populace.
Secondly, fields of intervention wherein these population groups can themselves provide input and effort
will be identified.
11. Overall Objectives/ Goals:
Broad Goals
• Food Security & Nutrition enhancement.
• Female Empowerment.
• Local Self-Reliance.
• Environment Protection.
12. Specific Project Objectives:
• Demonstrated Household Food Security in Barani Areas within 16 months.
• Demonstrated Community Mobilization/ Female Empowerment for food production/
processing training for local self-reliance within 2 years.
• Clear ‘Way Ahead’ for increased Self-Employment/ Poverty Alleviation
within 3 years.
• Demonstrated Environment Protection within 1 year.
13. Plan of Work:
a) Overall Methodology:
 It is proposed to introduce an Appropriate, Integrated and Sustainable Approach to Rural
Development, keeping in view latest trends that are producing “Results”. This is due to the fact
that present mechanisms and Approaches have failed to ‘Deliver’. A short analysis is given below:
i. Innovative “Breakthrough” Management:
As opposed to Implementation Management this method of management is supported by
the highly successful Japanese Management Specialists. The Japanese have demonstrated
tremendous strides forward in managing their economy while we, in Pakistan, are practicing an
outmoded and failed method. In order to achieve results and attain our targets we have to change
our tactics, approaches and methods to proven models that “Deliver”. “If cash flow is the blood of
the global economy and spending and investment are its main arteries, then innovation is the heart
that does the pumping. Over the long term, innovation is what drives cost reduction, higher
employment, spending, health care, investment and ultimately, better living standards.”27

C. RURAL DEVELOPMENT:

It is desirable to reverse the Rural to Urban migration that is taking place. This is
caused by the lack of economic opportunities in the rural areas. This sorry state of affairs
can be remedied by an aggressive policy of Rural Development, in keeping with
International practices and theories. Economy Generation, by provision of Inputs;
Technical Training and Supervision is the most desirable method of leading towards Self-
Reliance and Sustainable Development. Careful structuring and demonstrable results can
serve to achieve these targets. Financial assistance and close monitoring, with subsequent
collective marketing will ensure success. Real term benefits will serve to provide the
necessary motivation to keep the Project on course. With the achievement of minimum
skills and proven ability, increasingly challenging tasks can be taken in hand. The
essential mix of training; provision of inputs; supervision and marketing assistance will
ensure success of the enterprise. The very skills that are required for horticultural
production and enhanced yields will automatically serve as a conduit for Effective Rural
Development. The Concept is based upon the Australian method of Permaculture. This
concept has been adapted to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, based upon the Bio-
Tec Revolution. Secondly, the focus has been towards revolving around Community
Participation and Self-Reliance, through Sustainable Economy Development.

D. ECONOMY GENERATION THROUGH HOME BASED

ENHANCEMENT OF HORTICULTURAL SKILLS:

The past 62 years have seen considerable investment in infrastructure development.

The next step should have been Basic Economy Generation. This makes use of the entire
infrastructure that is in place. Without Economy Generation, it is pointless to continue
investing in infrastructure. We need to efficiently utilize what is already in place. The
existing stagflation affecting Pakistan's economy can be overcome by increasing yields
and becoming self sufficient in Food Production. Valuable Foreign Exchange, thus
relieved of the burden of Food Imports, can be utilized in Capital Intensive Projects.
Secondly, exports of Food and Horticultural Items can boost Foreign Exchange earnings.
The main thrust, in keeping with "Training for Agriculture and Rural Development,"28 is
27
The Washington Post.
28
FAO/UNESCO/ILO Joint Publication.
 to "Upgrade Skills of existing producers so that an extended; diversified; improved range
of commodities; foodstuffs; goods and services is readily available". We should
concentrate upon:

• Increasing Agricultural/ Horticultural Production.

• Increasing employment.
• Developing Institutions in Rural Areas.
• Female participation in economic activities.
• Raising income of Rural Poor.
• Enhancing Health and Nutrition standards.
• Ensuring self sustained Rural Development.

E. ENHANCEMENT OF HORTICULTURAL YIELDS:

Pakistan's Agricultural Sector is badly in need of overhauling. The Green Revolution

heralded by Field Marshal Ayub Khan's Government is badly in need of a Fresh, Grass
Roots, and Yields Enhancement Revolution. At present, the technology that is being used
for Horticulture is 15 to 20 years out of date. Secondly, it is harmful to the environment.
Rational practices using modern, Hi-Tec inputs that are cost effective, registered with the
Environment Protection Agency (EPA) of the U.S.A. and proven in the field, can boost
yields in an Eco-friendly manner. Such efforts have been carried out in various parts of
the Country, over twenty years, on different crops and have shown remarkable results.

F. FEMALE ENABLEMENT:

The participation rate for females in Agriculture, and particularly in Horticulture and
Floriculture, is readily acceptable to even the most conservative of Societies. Rather than
encouraging practices alien to the ideology of the participants, it makes greater economic
sense to tailor them to suit the particular social makeup of the Society that is involved. It
even makes more practical sense, as the resultant benefits that accrue through a program
that is participated in vigorously and those that are merely planned and cannot be
implemented or at least face great resentment and mounting hostility, is fairly obvious.
The practice of horticultural skills at a convenient home based location will go a long
way in enabling women to feed their families and also look after their health needs
(medicinal herbs). Secondly, left over produce can be treated as a marketable surplus.
This is especially true as the envisaged Environment Protected, Vegetables and Herbs
Kitchen Garden will be producing “Out of Season” produce that commands good prices
in the market. Collective Community based Marketing can overcome the problems of
competing in the open market.

8. OBJECTIVES: “Caring for the Earth: A Strategy for Sustainable Living”29

enunciated nine principles for sustainable development:

1. Respect and care for the community of life.

29
IUCN/ UNEP/WWF 1991
2. Improve the quality of human life.
3. Conserve the earth's vitality and diversity.
4. Minimize the depletion of non-renewable resources.
5. Keep within the earth's carrying capacity.
6. Change personal attitudes and practices.
7. Enable communities to care for their own environments.
8. Provide a national framework for integration, development, and
conservation.
9. Create a global alliance.

The present Proposal covers the first four principles adequately. Whereas, the fifth
relating to the earth’s carrying capacity is covered by remediating the presently degraded
carrying capacity back to its original and greatly expanded capacity. Moreover, this
enhanced capacity is preserved and indeed increased for the coming generations. Points 6
and 7 are similarly adequately addressed and points 8 and 9 are available to be taken up
by higher tiers of Government. Thus through Bioenvironmental Management30 in Soil
and Water Conservation/ Protection as well as recycling we will be able to showcase
Sustainable Development in an replicable and low-cost manner.
9. STRATEGY: The Project will be operationalized in four parts:
Part one: Mobilization for Survey of Sites for establishing Rapid Composting Pits;
Waste Water Gardens and Earthworm Farms.
Part two: Establishment of above through approved phased program.
Part three: Follow up and back up with technical/ input support.
Part four: Reports & Returns, Monitoring & Evaluation by Khidmat Foundation and
ZTBL respectively.
10. Study Instrument: An Impact Analysis of Productivity and Environment
Impact will be carried out during the Reports & Returns (Part four) phase of the Project.
11. Expected Outputs:
1. Composting for Sustainable Development and Biodegradable Solid Waste
Management.
2. Establishment of Earthworm Farms for Soil Fertility31.
3. Liquid Waste Remediation and Recycling.
4. Provision of base and demonstration of Organic Farming for wide scale adoption.
5. Nutrition & Income Enhancement.
6. Skills Enhancement.

ii. “Asset-Based” Development:

Reorients development from currently in vogue “needs-based” approach. Needs-based
models seek to identify weaknesses in a local community and then implement strategies to
overcome those weaknesses

30
Bioenvironment:
• Encompasses the Inorganic Biosphere that we inhabit; the inter-dependent Organic Life Forms and the Life Supporting
Ecological Systems that have evolved to work in harmony in order to sustain Life.
• The attempt to minimize the impact on the environment of Natural Resource exploitation can be termed as
Bioenvironmental Management.
31
This is defined as the quality that enables a soil to provide the proper compounds, in the proper amounts, and in the proper
balance, for the growth of specified plants when temperature and other factors are favorable.
 This method of mobilizing citizens focuses on negative characteristics of a community and
demoralizes local residents, thus limiting proactive action at the local level.
Focusing on local assets, instead of needs and deficits, allows residents to identify
possibilities for change that they can control, and energizes residents to take action.
While the needs-based approach focuses on garnering external resources to solve
problems, the alternative asset based approach looks for residents’ personal skills and dreams
and links them to action through a public articulation of these local assets.
ii. Economic Gardening:
Using local resources to grow their own jobs through entrepreneurial activity—
Economic gardening—instead of recruiting them from outside the community, or Economic
Hunting. The idea evolved from work by Dr. David Birch at MIT who argued that a majority of all
new jobs in any local economy were produced by small local businesses. However, as local
communities are unaware of potential soft technologies for increasing livelihoods and improving
standards of living, it is essential that innovative technology packages be tried on ground and
presented to them for capacity building. This will enable them to make informed choices and
‘Own’ the interventions. To date there are many instances of ‘Band-Aid’ Development as
standalone interventions which fail to take root as firstly, enabling atmosphere is absent and
secondly, Integrated and cross supporting interventions have not been emplaced.
Core Elements of Economic Gardening
1) Providing information, infrastructure and connections for local growth entrepreneurs;
2) Providing connections between livelihoods and scientists;
3) Focusing on quality of life and amenities.
Objectives Wise Activities & Methodology:
Objectives-
1. Demonstrated Environment Protection within 1 year.
Activities:
1.1 Rapid Composting through bioaugmentation.
1.2 Waste Water Gardens for Remediation of Liquid Waste for use in irrigation
Methodology Proposed:
1.1 Demonstration:
2. Demonstrated Household Food Security in Barani Areas within 16 months.
A. Improvement in designs and structures of tunnels, use of Geodesic
Domes for Barani (Rainfed) areas, production management for off-
season vegetables for small landholders.
Activities:
1 Erection of:
a. Geodesic Dome Structures from Australian Permaculture with micro
irrigation {Sub-Soil (Reticulation), Drip and Sprinkler} based on Roof-
Top and Surface Water Harvesting for conservation of water resource.
b. Low/ Medium and High tunnels.
1.1 Construction of Water Harvesting Structures.
1.2 Layout Micro Irrigation.
1.3 Preparation of organic beds for growing.
1.4 Provision of Nutrients:
a. Pure and stable mineral elements in foliar compounds.
b. Total Organic (Compost).
c. Conventional Fertilizers (Control).
Methodology Proposed:
1.1 Multifunctional Crop Rotation model (MCR).
To maintain quality production without synthetic pesticides and avoiding use of
heavy machinery. No till permanent beds will be employed.
1.2 Ecological Nutrient Management (ENM).
To provide crops with pure and stable mineral nutrients in an
economically and ecologically acceptable way without single directly available
Fertilizers. As nutrients have leached from the soils, in order to rebuild fertility
 levels there is a need for augmenting compost with secondary and
micronutrients in the short term and rebuilding nutrient cycling based upon
minimum external inputs in the long term.
B. Protected Mushroom Production for landless.
Activities:
1.1 Construction of “Khumbi Kulla” Environment/ Predator/ Disease Protected
Mushroom Growing dedicated structure.
a. Prefabricated/ Earthquake Proof/ Fire Proof/ Super Insulation.
b. Cast in Place RCC structure/ Earthquake Proof/ Fire Proof.
c. Soil – Cement Structure/ Earthquake Proof/ Fire Proof.
1.2 Composting.
1.3 Growing.
1.4 Processing.
Methodology Proposed:

Structure of a Human Activity System (Engeström 1987)

1.1 Collective Activity System Used In Developmental Work Research.
In the model, the subject refers to the individual or sub-group whose agency is
chosen as the point of view in the analysis. The object refers to the 'raw material' or
'problem space' at which the activity is directed and which is molded or transformed into
outcomes with the help of physical and symbolic, external and internal tools (mediating
instruments and signs). The community comprises multiple individuals and/or sub-groups
who share the same general object. The division of labor refers to both the horizontal
division of tasks between the members of the community and to the vertical division of
power and status. Finally, the rules refer to the explicit and implicit regulations, norms
and conventions that constrain actions and interactions within the activity system.
(Engeström, 1990). Activity systems are also in interaction with other activity systems. In
farming activity, this means for instance farmer colleagues, administrative and marketing
systems.
1.2 Contradiction: The concept of contradiction is an important tool in the
methodology of developmental work research. Internal contradictions of an activity
system can be a driving force for its change and development. They manifest themselves
within a component or between components of the activity system. The activity is studied
in its historical and cultural context and historical analysis is necessary in revealing the
contradictions. The change and development of an activity system proceed in cycles
through many phases.
The methodology of developmental work research has been used in multiple
studies in work activities in the field of health care, industry and teaching, for instance.
This study applies the methodology in agricultural research following pioneering work in
the field.
Being contextual and systemic, the methodology of developmental work
research gives an opportunity to study the relations of phenomena beyond the confines of
traditional, natural and social scientific disciplines. It also gives tools to develop the
activity from the point of view of the farmers and not only describes and analyses it.
C. Improved Design Cattle/ Sheep Sheds/ Pens for Winter/ Summer protection.
Activities:
1.1 Fabrication of Sheds/ Pens/ Earthquake Proof/ Fire Proof/ Super Insulated.
1.2 Training/ Dissemination.
Methodology Proposed:
1.1 Design:
 This is not a typical research methodology. In fact it is a process very different
from classical research. Classical research investigates a particular problem,
phenomena or a set of problems, in order to understand the mechanisms
involved. Design, however, involves another process entirely. In design one
synthesizes the knowledge into the larger units through which the "whole"
functions in reality. In other words, in research one "discovers something",
while in designing one "creates something" out of its vision and synthesized
knowledge. Agro-designing methodology involves several steps (Vereijken,
1995). It starts with an inventory of the needs and objectives of the stakeholders
concerned. Objectives are then ordered hierarchically and rated. The most
important of these are then transformed into a suitable set of parameters. In other
words, in order to quantify selected objectives, a set of measurable key
parameters should be developed. The next step is to establish appropriate
agricultural methods and techniques serving more than one objective, for
example, intensive fertilization in general serves the objective of high yield and
is detrimental to other objectives such as the environment and capable of
bridging gaps between conflicting objectives. Finally, the set of multi-objective
parameters and methods is linked in a general theoretical prototype based on
agronomic, agro-ecological and economic considerations. Theoretical prototypes
are then tested in practice and their shortcomings are used as the learning points
for the next phase, (re)designing of the same or another farming system.
Sustainability is both site-specific and determined by macro
institutional and economic settings. The overall sustainability of a farming
system can best be expressed by the index (degree) of sustainability reached.
This index can be derived from farm balances such as nutrients, soil organic
matter, energy, labor, economic return, resource use and biodiversity value and
from other relevant farm data (Znaor, 1996).
Design is a problem-prevention methodology and is suitable for multi-
and interdisciplinary research teams with the vision of how to improve
agricultural sustainability.
3. Demonstrated Community Mobilization/ Female Empowerment for food
production/ processing training for local self-reliance within 2 years.
A. Small, Alternate Energy Incubator and Improved Geodesic Domed Chicken
Coops for Backyard Poultry production based on Rhode Island Red (RIR) breed
introduction Intervention for Landless.
Activities:
1.1 Fabrication.
a. Incubator.
b. Geodesic Dome Coop/ Earthquake Proof/ Fire Proof/ Super Insulated.
1.2 Production.
1.3 Management.
Methodology Proposed:
1.1 Statistical Analysis:
Conducted on data to identify the important household level variables
influencing health, welfare status and practices. Based on the results of the
implementing (Phase 1) and statistical (Phase 2) analyses, the survey households
will be classified by type and health and welfare characteristics. Case-studies
will be implemented on key households, for each of the characterized farm
types, in order to explore in more detail specific influential factors and
constraints. It is envisaged that case studies will involve informal (PRA, etc.)
and formal (closed questions) methods.
B. Groundnut Growing; Crop Improvement/ Technology Package,
Processing; Packaging and Marketing.
Activities:
1.1 Import of Small, Manual Expellers, 15 Kgs input.
1.2 Demonstration of appropriate groundnut variety through organic growing.
1.3 Appropriate Cultural Practices.
1.4 Conservation Irrigation.
1.5 Harvesting.
1.6 Processing.
1.7 Packing.
1.8 Marketing.
1.9 Preparation of Technology Package/ Dissemination of results.
Methodology Proposed:
1.1 Testing With Pilot Farms.
Prototyping research takes place in interaction with a group of ten pilot
farms, to:
• Ensure input of experience and knowledge of leading farmers;
• Test the design at variable soil and management conditions.
Results for quantity and quality of products, environment and nature of
the farms are evaluated annually using a set of parameters with
quantified innovative norms. Shortcomings are analyzed systematically
with the pilot farmers in order to improve farming methods and
management:
A. Is it ready for use?
B. Is it manageable for the farmers?
C. Is it acceptable to the farmers?
D. Is it effective?

4. Clear ‘Way Ahead’ for increased Self-Employment/ Poverty

Alleviation within 3 years.
Activities:
As a result of the three before mentioned Objectives and their on-
ground adaptation followed by Training and Dissemination
through well document, hands-on demonstrations.
Methodology Proposed:
1.1 Show & Tell.
Year Wise Schedule:

Yr Objective Months
Activities 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
1 Objective: Demonstrated Household Food Security in Barani Areas within 16 months:
Nov Site Selection/ Mapping/ Stakeholder Dialogue:
(2009) Activities:
to Oct
(2010) Composting/ Waste Water Gardens:
Activities:
Dome/ Tunnel Erection with Fittings and Growing:
Activities:
Mushroom Kulla Construction/ Growing:
Activities:
Groundnut Growing:
Activities:

Groundnut Processing & Marketing:

Activities:
Incubator Fabrication and Operation:
Activities:
Improved Design Cattle/ Sheep Sheds/ Pens for Winter/ Summer Protection:
Activities:
Objective: Demonstrated Community mobilization and Female Empowerment for food production/
processing training for local self-reliance within 2 years.
Community Mobilization
Activities:

2 On-Going Operations:
Nov
(2010)
Stakeholder Dialogue & Trainings (Training Material & Lesson Plans prepared):
To
Activities:
Oct
(2011) Analysis & Peer Review/ Adjustment:
Activities:
Training:
Activities:
Replication/ Extension:
Activities:
3 On-Going Operations:
Nov Activities:
(2011) Stakeholder Dialogue & Trainings (Training Material & Lesson Plans prepared):
To Activities:
Oct
(2012) Analysis & Peer Review/ Adjustment:
Activities:
Training:
Activities:

Replication/ Extension:
Activities:

14. Logical Framework Matrix (LFM):

 FOOD SECURITY:
Narrative Objectively Means/Source of Risks/ Assumptions
Summary Verifiable verification(MOV)
Goal/ Overall Indicators(OVIs)
Objective:
Demonstrated Meeting minimum WHO Standards Political/Economic
Household Food daily food intake Stability
Security in standards
Barani Areas
within 16
months.
Project Purpose
Increase Quantities/ Calories Replicability/ Acceptability/ Motivation/Technolog
availability of and nutrient analysis beneficiary survey. y Transfer in user
food items/ of produce. friendly manner.
Enhance
Nutrition of
target group.
Increase income
through sale of
marketable
surplus
Outputs/ Results • Village Council
• Market analysis.
1. More effective 1. Appropriate out • Village Council
food security in of season supervision of field data • Budget
eco-friendly production against collection. support.
manner for target market availability • Production/Replicabilit
groups. and demand. y record.
• Quarterly/Six • Appropriate
2. Establish 2. Marketable Monthly/Annual Progress input by
Calendars for surplus. Reports. implementing staff.
various • Field visits to monitor • Political
combinations of 3. Field Trials. implementation of project. stability.
produce growing. • Different Combination
results against Control.
3. Income
• Numbers produced.
Enhancement.

4. Increase
capacity of Staff
for outreach
activities.
Activities Inputs
1. Successful • Bacteria. • Budget disbursed
rapid • GI Bars. as planned.
composting. • Plastic. • Staff available for
2. Structures • Micro Irrigation Aids. research
erected. • Water Harvesting Structures. • Inputs availability.
3. Vegetable/
• Liquid Nutrients. • Availability of
Herb/ Spice/
Mushroom • Skilled Manpower. Raw Material/
• Equipment. Input.
Growing.
4. Fertigation. • Planting Material/ Spores.
5. Video Films/ • Training Material.
Documentaries
prepared
6. Production
Packages
prepared.
7. Training
material
Produced.

FEMALE EMPOWERMENT:
Narrative Summary Objectively Means/Source of Risks/ Assumptions
Goal/ Overall Verifiable verification(MOV)
Objective: Indicators(OVIs
Demonstrated )
Community
Mobilization/ Village Village Council Political/Economic Stability
Female Organization
Empowerment for Formed
food production/
processing training
for local self-
reliance within 2
years.

Project Purpose
Increase participation Quantities of On-ground verification Motivation/Technology
of females in value produce. Transfer in user friendly
added activities in manner.
order to increase
income through sale
of marketable surplus
Outputs/ Results • Market analysis.
1. Increase in income 1. Appropriate • Supervision of data
of disadvantaged out of season collection.
females. production • Production/Replicabilit • Budget support.
2. Establish operating against market y record.
procedures for availability and • Quarterly/Six
processing/ value demand. Monthly/Annual Progress • Appropriate input
addition and 2. Goods Reports. by implementing staff.
packaging. Marketed. • Field visits to monitor • Political stability.
3. Income 3. On-ground implementation of project.
Enhancement. verification. • Numbers produced.
4. Establish marketing
channels.
Activities Inputs
1. Structures erected. • Incubators • Budget disbursed as
2. Successful • Eggs. planned.
hatching. • Compost. • Staff available for
3. Vegetable/ Herb/ • Spore. research
Spice/ Mushroom • Skilled Labor. • Inputs availability.
Growing.
• Equipment. • Availability of Raw
4. Video Films/
Documentaries • Material. Material/ Input.
• Training Material.
prepared
5. Production
Packages prepared.
6. Training
material Produced.

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION:
Narrative Summary Objectively Verifiable Means/Source of Risks/ Assumptions
Goal/ Overall Indicators(OVIs) verification(MOV)
Objective:
Demonstrated Solid & Liquid waste On-ground Political/Economic
Environment remediated Stability
Protection within 1
year.
Project Purpose
Promote composting of Amount of Compost Laboratory analysis. Motivation/Technolog
biodegradable solid produced and volume y Transfer in user
waste and remediation of waste water friendly manner.
of liquid waste. remediated.

Outputs/ Results • Laboratory

1. Solid Waste analysis.
Composted 1. Solid Waste
anaerobically. removed. • Budget
2. Liquid Waste support.
Remediated. 2. Liquid Waste
3. Disease Vectors remediated.
controlled. • Appropriate
4. Hygienic water 3. Spot Checks. input by
available for reuse in implementing staff.
agriculture.
• Political
stability.

Activities Inputs
1. Rapid composting. • Bacteria. • Budget disbursed
2. Structures erected. • GI Bars. as planned.
3. Successful Liquid • Plastic. • Staff available for
Waste remediation. • Skilled Manpower. research
4. Irrigation. • Equipment. • Inputs availability.
5. Video Films/
• Planting Material. • Availability of
Documentaries
prepared • Training Material. Raw Material/
Input.
6. Training
material Produced.
15. Area of Linkages & Coordination with Overseas Cooperating Organization: NA

16. State if the scheme has been submitted to some other aid giving agency for financial support. If
so, with what results?
NA

17. Budget Summary: (Rs. millions)

Abstract:
# OBJECT YEAR-1 YEAR-2 YEAR-3 TOTAL
1 Establishment Expenses (only honorarium,) 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.36
2 Operating Expenses 4.17 4.38 5.19 15.150
3 Capital Expenses 1.56 0.05 0.08 1.785
TOTAL 5.85 4.55 5.39 17.295

12. TARGETS:
# ACTIVITIES TARGETS
A. Primary Targets.
1. Number of Villages (Indirect beneficiaries). 26
2. Number of Households (Direct beneficiaries). 1,300 (50 per site)
3. Number of Individuals (Average 7 per HH) 9,100

13. BUDGET:
# Description Unit Rate Qty/Nos Amount
.
1. Mobilization.
a. Vehicle Hire (50 % Months 40,000.00 6 months 240,000.00
b. Survey & advance) 2 Days 2,000.00 26 104,000.00
Financial
Plan:
2. Construction of Compost Structures 5,000.00 1,300 6,500,000.00
Pits & Earthworm Farms
(Complete with winter
cover).
3. Construction of Waste Structures 100,000.0 26 2,600,000.00
Water Gardens (Complete 0
with winter cover). (Rough
estimate actual as per Site).
4. Inputs (Bacteria). Compost/ Liters: 100.00 2,600 260,000.00
Waste Water
5. Transportation Days As per Site
6. Daily Allowance Persons / 100.00 3 / 180 162,000.00
Days
7. Stationery Items Misc. ------ 10,000.00
8. Report Writing. Reports 2,000.00 4 8,000.00
9. Photographic Record. Albums 1,000.00 26 26,000.00
10 Training Film (Video). Film 50,000.00 2 100,000.00
.
 TOTAL (Less Cost of POL) 10,010,000.00

14. WORKPLAN:
# Activity Months
Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr
1. Meeting with Villagers X X
2. Site Selection/ Estimates. X X
3. Training/ Compost Pits & Earthworm X X X
Farm Construction.
4. Provision of Inputs. X X X
5. Construction of Waste Water Gardens. X X
6. Supervision/ Training. X X X X X
7. Follow up. X X X
8. Reports & Returns. X X X

Annexure-I BUDGET DETAILS (Rs. In millions)

# OBJECT YEAR-1 YEAR-2 YEAR-3 TOTAL
ESTABLISHMENT EXPENSE
1 Officer (Honorarium) 0.120 0.120 0.120 0.360
OPERATING EXPENSES
1 Transportation
1.1 Running Cost of Vehicles 0.180 0.200 0.220 0.600
1.2 Transportation of Goods 0.100 0.050 0.080 0.230
1.3 Hiring Charge of Vehicle 0.480 0.500 0.520 1.500
2 Establishment
2.1 Telephone & Trunk Calls, Internet 0.060 0.072 0.084 0.216
3 Utilities/ Office Supp./ Rent
3.1 Utilities 0.120 0.150 0.180 0.450
3.2 Stationery 0.060 0.080 0.100 0.240
3.3 Printing & Publication 0.100 0.200 0.300 0.600
3.4 Rent of Land/ Office Building 0.600 0.660 0.720 1.980
3.5 Consultancy Services/ Training Visits 0.200 0.200 0.200 0.600
4 Operating Cost of Works
4.1 Green Houses 0.185 0.220 0.250 0.655
4.2 Micro Irrigation 0.080 0.100 0.120 0.300
4.3 Compost 0.025 0.040 0.050 0.115
4.4 Waste Water 0.212 0.230 0.250 0.692
4.5 Nutrients/ Seeds/ Inputs 0.200 0.250 0.300 0.750
4.6 Incubator 0.025 0.035 0.050 0.110
4.7 Groundnuts 0.130 0.150 0.200 0.480
4.8 Mushrooms 0.050 0.055 0.060 0.165
4.9 Labor 0.360 0.400 0.440 1.200
5 Other Services
Publicity/ Media/ Documentary/ Brochures/
5.1 Training Material 0.300 0.350 0.400 1.050
5.2 Seminars/ Workshops 0.100 0.150 0.200 0.450
5.3 Consumable Stores 0.060 0.080 0.100 0.240
5.4 Social Mobilization 0.080 0.100 0.120 0.300
5.5 Community Trainings 0.180 0.200 0.220 0.600
5.6 Other Miscellaneous 0.030 0.030 0.190 0.250
 Support to Implementing Institute Overhead
5.7 Charges (10% of Total Operating Cost) 0.392 0.450 0.535 1.377
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 4.309 4.952 5.889 15.150
CAPITAL EXPENSES
1 Green Houses 0.390 0.390
2 Micro Irrigation 0.380 0.380
3 Compost 0.030 0.030
4 Waste Water 0.090 0.090
5 Groundnut Equipment/ Packages 0.210 0.210
6 Water Harvesting Structures 0.260 0.260
7 Incubator 0.180 0.180
8 Food Processing 0.020 0.020
9 Livestock Shelter 0.100 0.100
Repair & Maintenance Structures/
10 Equipment 0.000 0.050 0.075 0.125
TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENSES 1.660 0.050 0.075 1.785
GRAND TOTAL (Establishment+
Operational+ Capital Costs) 6.089 5.122 6.084 17.295

Improvement in Designs and Structures of Tunnels and Production Management for Off-Season
Vegetables. Annex II
# Description Nos. Unit Cost Cost in Rs.
1 Wah Garden Geodesic Permanent Structure: 20’ dia Dome 2 50,000.00 100,000.00
2 Wah Garden Geodesic Temporary Structure: 20’ dia Dome 2 25,000.00 50,000.00
3 Low Tunnel 3’ x 220’ x 1.5’ (Steel Rod 3mm) 1 25,000.00 25,000.00
4 Medium Tunnel 4’ x 50’ x 4’ (GI Pipe) 4 15,000.00 60,000.00
5 High Tunnel 20’ x 40’ x 8’ (GI Pipe) 2 80,000.00 160,000.00
6 Seed LS 5,000.00 5,000.00
7 Plastic LS 80,000.00 80,000.00
8 Green Shade Material LS 100,000.00 100,000.00
TOTAL COST: 580,000.00

Conservation/ Micro Irrigation Annex III.

# Description Nos. Unit Cost Cost in Rs.
1 Rain Guns 2 20,000.00 40,000.00
2 Sub-soil/ Reticulation LS 50,000.00 50,000.00
3 Drip LS 100,000.00 100,000.00
4 Misting/ Shower LS 50,000.00 50,000.00
5 Pump/ Diesel Engine Set 1 80,000.00 80,000.00
6 Genset 1 60,000.00 60,000.00
7 Diesel LS 80,000.00 80,000.00
TOTAL COST: 460,000.00

Bioaugmented Rapid Composting of Bio-degradable Solid Waste Annex IV

# Description Nos. Unit Cost Cost in Rs.
1 Covered Pits 2 15,000.00 30,000.00
2 Bio-degradable Waste Collection (Local + LS 10,000.00 10,000.00
Mundies)
3 Bioaugmentation Bacteria (3 sources including LS 15,000.00 15,000.00
imported)
TOTAL COST 55,000.00

Waste Water Gardens for Liquid Waste Remediation for Irrigation. Annex V
Description Nos. Unit Cost Cost in Rs.
Geodesic Dome Covered Settling Pool 1 25,000.00 25,000.00
Lined Waste Water Channel with Gravel Bed estimated 1 7,500.00 8,000.00
100 rft. 2’ x 2’
Geodesic Dome Covered Finishing Pool 1 25,000.00 25,000.00
Polishing Pond 1 10,000.00 10,000.00
Bacteria LS 200,000.00 200,000.00
Plants LS 10,000.00 10,000.00
Lined Delivery Channel estimated 100 rft x 2’ x 2’ 1 5,000.00 5,000.00
TOTAL COST 283,000.00

Complete Plant Nutrition, Rebuilding Soil Fertility through Nutrient Cycling.

Annex VI
# Description Nos. Unit Cost Cost in Rs.
1 Plant Nutrients Foliar (Local Production) LS 25,000.00 25,000.00
2 Plant Nutrients & Compounds (Technical Grade/ LS 125,000.00 125,000.00
Imported)
3 Nutrients PARC LS 50,000.00 50,000.00
TOTAL COST 200,000.00

Water Harvesting Structures (Earth Quake Proof). Annex VII

# Description Nos. Unit Cost Cost in Rs.
1 Fiber Glass Modular Shuttering 1 100,000.00 100,000.00
2 Cast On-Site RCC Tanks 5’ dia. X 9’ height 2 80,000.00 160,000.00
TOTAL COST 260,000.00

Small Incubator and Geodesic Chicken Coop for Backyard Poultry Production. Annex. VIII
# Description Nos. Unit Cost Cost in Rs.
1 Incubator 24 eggs 2 40,000.00 80,000.00
Geodesic Coop 18’ dia (Insulated) 2 40,000.00 80,000.00
Parent Flock 2+20 20,000.00 20,000.00
Feed LS 10,000.00 10,000.00
Medicines LS 5,000.00 5,000.00
Energy Costs LS 10,000.00 10,000.00
205,000.00

Improved Design Cattle/ Sheep Sheds/ Pens for winter/ summer protection. Annex IX
# Description Nos. Unit Cost Cost in Rs.
1 Insulated Geodesic Dome for Animal Shelter 1 80,000.00 80,000.00
Internal Fittings LS 20,000.00 20,000.00
TOTAL COST 100,000.00

Environment Protected Dedicated Mushroom Growing. Annex X

# Description Nos. Unit Cost Cost in Rs.
1 Dedicated Structure: 5’ x 5’ x 7’ 2 20,000.00 40,000.00
2 Trays & Equipment LS 10,000.00 10,000.00
3 Spore (Cycled) LS 5,000.00 5,000.00
TOTAL COST 55,000.00

Groundnut Crop Improvement, Organic Growing, Processing, Packaging and Marketing-10 Sample
Plots Annex XI
# Description Nos. Unit Cost Cost in Rs.
1 Improved Seed LS 20,000.00 20,000.00
2 Tools & Equipment LS 10,000.00 10,000.00
3 Small Manual Expeller (15 Kg. input) 2 150,000.00 150,000.00
4 Processing Equipment LS 50,000.00 50,000.00
5 Nutrients/ Inputs Package 100,000.00 100,00.00
6 Packing Material LS 10,000.00 10,000.00
TOTAL COST 340,000.00

Synopsis Item Expense (Operational + Capital Costs). Annex XII

# Description Nos. Cost in Rs.
1 Green Houses 11 580,000.00
2 Micro Irrigation 2+1+1 460,000.00
3 Compost 2 55,000.00
4 Waste Water Remediation 2+2+1 283,000.00
5 Nutrients LS 200,000.00
6 Water Harvesting 2+1 260,000.00
7 Incubators, Coop & Breeding Rhode Island Red 2+2+2+20 205,000.00
8 Improved Design Cattle/ Sheep Sheds/ Pens for winter/ 1 100,000.00
summer protection.
9 Dedicated Mushroom Growing 2 55,000.00
10 Groundnut Crop Improvement, Processing & Marketing 2+10 340,000.00
TOTAL COST 2,215,000.00
Synopsis Total Cost. Annex XII
# Description Cost in Rs.
1 Capital Works 1,785,000.00
2 Operating Cost Works 4,467,000.00
3 Transportation 2,330,000.00
4 Establishment 216,000.00
5 Utilities/ Office Supp./ Rent 3,870,000.00
6 Other Services 4,267,000.00
7 Officer Honorarium 360,000.00
TOTAL COST 17,295,000.00
 TERMS OF REFERENCE:
TITLE:

1. Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan, Chairman Khidmat Foundation (Pakistan & AJK)

will be the Project Coordinator (PC). The PC will be responsible for
implementation of the Project and will be responsible for physical progress,
handling of Project Funds as per contract signed by him and will coordinate
activities with other partners i.e. ZTBL, PARC/ G&SDD, CMP/ MINFA and
Provincial Agri Extension. The PC will execute the following activities.

# Activity
1 Meeting with Villagers
2 Site Selection.
3 Training/ Compost Pits/
Earthworm Farms.
4 Construction of Waste Water
Gardens.
5 Provision of inputs.
6 Supervision/ Training.
7 Follow up.
8 Reports & Returns.

2. He will get support (on need basis) from ZTBL, PARC/ G&SDD, CMP and
Provincial Agri Extension Departments.
3. He will be directly responsible to ZTBL and submit Reports & Returns. The
SEVP ZTBL I/C Project will evaluate his progress and upon satisfaction will
release installments. As the overall responsible Person he will have to
complete the project in the given time frame. He will submit completion
report in addition to monthly progress reports
4. The SEVP ZTBL I/C Project will review his progress as per Project Proposal
at the end of each month.

Signed:
SEVP ZTBL I/C Project Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan.
Chairman, Khidmat Foundation.
1, Gulistan Colony, College Road,
Abbottabad.