Completed Projects
Past Initiatives
Reflecting on Our Journey
From September 2008 to January 2012, MYKAPS implemented projects in neighboring districts such as Mandya and Kodagu, focusing on raising awareness among the public and High-Risk Groups (HRGs).
In Mandya District, MYKAPS worked on health and sanitation initiatives in Malavalli Taluk for two years (2010-2012), successfully constructing 30 eco-friendly sanitation toilets in Malligalli village, Kundur Gram Panchayat.
In Kodagu District, MYKAPS launched the SABALA project aimed at empowering adolescent girls through awareness programs. Additionally, from 2010 to 2012, MYKAPS undertook a watershed development project in Virajpet Taluk as part of the Western Ghats Development Project.
While MYKAPS has made significant contributions in Mandya and Kodagu, the majority of its projects are concentrated in Mysore District, particularly in the taluks of H.D. Kote, Nanjangud, and Periyapatna. MYKAPS actively engages with landless agricultural laborers, tribal communities, small and marginal farmers, women, youth, and disadvantaged children in both rural and urban areas. The organization focuses on empowering these groups to build their own organizations and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Kabini Organics
From April 2009 to March 2012, MYKAPS played a key role in implementing the Kabini Organics project in collaboration with MYRADA. This initiative focused on promoting organic cotton cultivation in the B.Matakere area, engaging 1,500 farmers across 4,000 acres over a three-year period. The project received support from RaboBank Foundation, Netherlands, and technical assistance from ETC India.
The organic promotion activities have since been transitioned to KOFPCL, a producer company established by MYKAPS during the project. Additionally, the fields have received organic certification with the help of IMO Control.
Savayava Bhagya Yojane
MYKAPS is currently implementing the SBY project from the Department of Agriculture across four villages in Nanjangud Taluk, Mysore District, covering a total of 100 hectares in each village. The fields involved in the project are certified by the Karnataka State Organic Certification Agency (KSOCA).
To empower farmers, MYKAPS facilitates direct sales of their produce to customers by organizing farmers’ melas and exhibitions, with support from the Agriculture Department.
Better Cotton Initiatives
The project, initially supported by Solidaridad Network Asia Limited in Hong Kong until March 31, 2015, is now financed by the Fast Track Fund, which aims to promote better cotton systems. It operates in the Hampapura area of H.D. Kote Taluk and the Hediyala area of Nanjangud Taluk.
A key focus of the project is ensuring decent work conditions, which includes preventing the use of child labor in agricultural operations, thereby safeguarding children’s rights to education and recreation. The project also adheres to essential production criteria such as crop protection, water management, habitat preservation, and fiber quality.
MYKAPS is working to identify cotton ginners to facilitate the sale of cotton at the farm gate, alongside procurement by KOFPCL. As of March 31, 2017, the project has engaged 7,107 farmers across 5,505 hectares and established 204 learning groups within the two production units: Hampapura and Hediyala. MYKAPS is recognized as an Implementing Partner (IP) by the Better Cotton Initiative.
KOFPCL, the producer company established by MYKAPS, is licensed to gin better cotton sourced from farmers in Mysore District. The project has shown that implementing better cotton practices can reduce cultivation costs by 39% compared to conventional farming methods, largely by minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, NABARD is providing supplementary assistance under the Farm Sector Promotion Fund to enhance farmers’ capacities through training and the organization of krishi melas.
Integrated Tribal Development
MYKAPS is actively engaged in the integrated development of 849 tribal families, focusing on achieving sustainable economic growth. Supported by NABARD, the initiative emphasizes livestock-based farming as a core strategy to enhance livelihoods and foster long-term stability for these communities.
Tribal families received assistance to engage in diverse income-generating activities, including dairying, sheep and goat rearing, bullock rearing, bullock cart operations, horticulture, floriculture, and running petty shops.
Raleigh International India supports farmers in Huskurhadi, a primitive tribal village, by implementing solar fencing and constructing elephant trenches. Additionally, 18 WADI plots, each comprising one acre of horticultural plantations, have been successfully developed to enhance sustainable farming practices.
Watershed Development
MYKAPS has implemented several watershed projects with support from NABARD and the Government of Karnataka (GoK), including those in Bhuthanahalla, Mahakalamma, Nugunala, Badaganala, and Kudrehundihalla, covering a total area of 5,275.34 hectares. This initiative involved treatment activities such as bunding, construction of farm ponds, and trenching, aimed at soil and water conservation, as well as providing livelihood support for landless families and facilitating community mobilization.
In H.D. Kote Taluk, MYKAPS participated in the Integrated Watershed Management Program (IWMP), which encompassed 5,254.15 hectares. This centrally sponsored scheme engaged MYKAPS in social mobilization and the promotion of institutions within the watershed area. The project, assisted by the Watershed Development Department, was successfully completed in June 2013.
Additionally, in Kodagu District, MYKAPS was involved in watershed development under the Western Ghats Development Project in Virajpet Taluk, covering four gram panchayats: Bittangala, Rudraguppe, Hathur, and Kalathmadu.
Education
MYKAPS has generously donated two acres of land to the High School in Handpost, a centrally located area. The construction of the high school building was supported by the Zilla Panchayat of Mysore.
Additionally, MYKAPS conducts awareness sessions in schools to educate students about decent work practices and the harmful effects of excessive pesticide use in cotton cultivation. These initiatives aim to reduce pesticide application among local farmers.
Integrated Domestic Water Management
MYKAPS has successfully implemented the Integrated Domestic Water Management Project with support from the Arghyam Foundation in two villages: B. Matakere SC/ST Colony and Nemmanahally. This project focuses on improving water accessibility and management for local communities by incorporating sustainable practices and technologies.
Key components of the project include the construction of rainwater harvesting systems, the promotion of water conservation techniques, and community training programs aimed at enhancing local capacity for effective water management. By addressing both domestic water needs and sustainable practices, MYKAPS aims to empower residents to take charge of their water resources, ensuring a reliable and clean water supply for their households.
Swachcha Bharath
Since 2014-15, MYKAPS has been actively involved in a project supported by ITC Ltd. in the core villages of ILTD within H.D. Kote and Periyapatna Taluks. As of March 31, 2017, approximately 869 household toilets have been constructed under this initiative. The project pre-finances beneficiaries for the construction of these toilets, with repayment occurring upon receipt of subsidies from the Grama Panchayat.
In addition to household toilets, the project has also established Child-Friendly Toilets in pre-schools and school facilities. To promote better sanitary conditions in the villages, MYKAPS conducts various awareness sessions, including street plays, training sessions for self-help group members and school children, and wall paintings.
Village Sanitation
MYKAPS is actively promoting village sanitation by constructing toilets and bathrooms in H.D. Kote, Nanjangud, and Hunsur Taluks, with support from Soroptimist International. Volunteers from the UK and within India are participating in the construction of these facilities in selected villages as part of the International Citizen Services (ICS) program organized by Raleigh International.
In Hunsur Taluk, MYKAPS is specifically working to construct toilets in tribal hadis with financial assistance from donors, including Soroptimist International and PORISTES Stiftung, Switzerland. This initiative has successfully provided sanitation facilities to the entire hadi, achieving 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF) status for the community, benefiting 280 families.
Additionally, the project also facilitates the construction of bathrooms to further enhance sanitation and hygiene in the area.
Eco Sanitation
MYKAPS has successfully promoted approximately 700 eco-sanitary toilets. These innovative toilets are designed to require minimal water for maintenance, and they allow for the effective use of human excreta as compost manure. The excreta is stored in concrete chambers, where it decomposes into nutrient-rich manure for agricultural use.
Additionally, the urine produced can be immediately utilized for kitchen gardening by diluting it with water, providing essential nutrients (NPK) necessary for healthy plant growth.
Rainwater Harvesting
MYKAPS has actively promoted the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems in individual households within the remote village of Gandathur, located in H.D. Kote Taluk. Since 2006, a total of 155 families have adopted these systems to meet their domestic water needs. This initiative not only enhances the availability of water for daily use but also contributes to sustainable water management practices in the community, helping families become more resilient to water scarcity.
Health Camps
MYKAPS actively conducts eye camps with the support of Arvind Eye Hospital in Coimbatore and various government hospitals, ensuring that community members receive essential eye care services. Additionally, general health camps are organized with assistance from Bharath Cancer Hospital in Mysore, providing vital health screenings and information to local residents.
In the realm of reproductive and child health (RCH), MYKAPS offers training programs to members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) as part of initiatives such as the TDF project.
Furthermore, MYKAPS has implemented training sessions for women on menstrual hygiene, facilitated by Procter & Gamble. This initiative was followed by the establishment of outlets to enable women to easily access sanitary napkins, thereby promoting better menstrual health and hygiene within the community.
Water Quality Assurance and Surveillance
MYKAPS is committed to ensuring safe and clean water for communities by actively engaging in water quality assurance and surveillance initiatives. This program involves regular monitoring and testing of water sources to identify contaminants and assess overall water safety. By collaborating with local authorities and health organizations, MYKAPS aims to raise awareness about the importance of water quality and its direct impact on public health. The initiative also includes educating community members on safe water practices and promoting sustainable water management. Through these efforts, MYKAPS strives to enhance water safety, improve public health outcomes, and empower communities to take charge of their water resources.
Skills Training
MYKAPS has proposed a skill training initiative at JDCIDOR, supported by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and facilitated by Laurus EduTech. This program aims to empower youth by providing comprehensive training in hotel management, enabling them to build successful careers in the hospitality industry. Over the course of three months, 70 boys and girls will undergo intensive training, with 50% of the participants being residential students. This initiative not only equips them with essential skills and knowledge but also enhances their employability, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic development of their communities.
Youth Development
MYKAPS is actively involved in the International Citizen Services project, which aims to foster cultural relationships between youth from northern and southern regions. This initiative not only promotes cross-cultural understanding but also enhances the skills of young individuals through a variety of targeted training programs. By organizing diverse skill training workshops, MYKAPS empowers participants to develop essential competencies that are valuable in today’s job market. This project creates a platform for youth to collaborate, share experiences, and learn from one another, ultimately contributing to their personal growth and community development.
Farmer’s Technology Transfer Fund
MYKAPS is actively promoting sericulture development in the Madapura area of H.D. Kote Taluk. A chaki rearing center has been established in Madapura to support sericulture initiatives. The project receives technical guidance from the State Sericulture Department. Essential chaki rearing equipment was procured through JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suthur. A one-acre mulberry plantation, equipped with drip irrigation, has been developed within the chaki rearing unit. The center also offers extension services, encouraging the expansion of mulberry cultivation, specifically the high-yielding V1 variety. These efforts aim to enhance sericulture practices and improve livelihoods in the region.
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