Organic farming

Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous area where people are highly dependent on agriculture to complement their living in addition to their daily work. However, due to shortage of water and small terraces on sloppy land the agriculture is unsustainable and farm output is not sufficient keeping in mind economic value it gets. Also due to steep terrain and small terraces automated machines have limited usage here. As a result we fear food security in the future as many people are or about to leave agriculture. RUCHI campus is spread over an area of 3 hectares and has good fertile soil. We at present are using our campus for exploring options of pesticide free scientific farming using natural materials. We have successfully demonstrated, Wormicompost, NADEP compost, Kitchen Gardening, Agroforestry, floriculture, organic farming, orchard development here. At present we are gearing to install hydroponics system at our campus for demonstration, training and self sufficiency. In due course we would like to serve as demonstration centre for farmers.

Rural Centre for Human Interests (RUCHI) is a community development organization with ever increasing focus on youth development and intercultural learning through voluntary service. RUCHI got registered in 1983, under Indian Societies Registration Act as a non-political, non- profit making voluntary organization. Since inception, RUCHI has committed its efforts and resources towards rural development. All our projects have a people centered approach and ongoing commitment with our projects and partners. Our IVS projects offer a unique opportunity to gain global perspective for volunteer and local youth increasing their professional competencies. Voluntary service not only helps community projects but also provide a much needed overview and technical support. RUCHI is affiliated with international and national voluntary service networks. RUCHI is an EC member of Network of Voluntary Development in Asia (NVDA), full member of Coordinating Committee of International Voluntary Service (CCIVS) and a candidate member of Alliance of European Voluntary service Organization (ALLIANCE). Besides international networks RUCHI also cooperates with national organizations like Institute of Rural Management (IRMA), Delhi School of Social Works, Tata Institute of Social Science, Xavier Institute of Social Science (XISS) and students from University of Delhi, Kurukshetra, Allahabad, Kerala, Shimla, etc. RUCHI hosts students from these institutes and facilitates their studies.