The Environment:
Most people of this area are marginal farmers with an average land-holding of 0-2 acres. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood, but the single rain fed cereal crops are unable to feed most families for more than six months of the year. There is a small quantity of millet, pulse and sugarcane grown on marginal soils. There is no scientific agriculture undertaken in the area and there is no facility for irrigation of crops during the dry season.

The region is characterised by alluvial soil. The best soils range from fertile rice -growing soils of the plains to that on the gentle slopes used for the cultivation of millet. Loss of fertility is inherent in both these soil types. Annual recycling of biomass by deciduous plant species is helping to restore soil fertility to some extent. The quality of soils is deteriorating because of dwindling tree numbers and the increasing use of chemical fertilisers in an attempt to increase productivity.

Climate and Rainfall:
The climate of the region is characterised by three distinct seasons: Summer (March to June), Monsoon (July to Sept./Oct.), and Winter (November to February). The temperatures range from a maximum of 42 degrees during summer to a minimum of 6 degrees during winter. The average annual rainfall is 3100mm, but most of this water runs into the river. Soils retain insufficient water due to the absence of trees in the catchment area. There is no artificial source for irrigation.

ARD Environmental Initiatives:
Domestic Waste Management: The project emphasises environmental awareness, followed by the demonstration of proper management of domestic wastes, including the introduction of vermi-culture compost pits, to remedy those systems that are currently causing environmental degradation and pollution.
ARD has received a grant from the Australian High Commission in India to implement a 12 month long domestic waste management program.

World Environment Day: ARD is distributing fruit trees (mango, guava, amla) and medicinal trees to participants to strengthen community commitment to environmental awareness. This initiative is generating a hands-on interest and take-up of sustainable agricultural and environmental systems and help to address situations where farmers are questioning the merits of organic agriculture.
This programme was successfully presented in 2008 with help from the Cottonwood Foundation and is being facilitated in 2009 by ARD(Aust)Inc and Rainforest Information Centre.

These activities are being implemented by the local community through existing women's Self-Help Groups.