Dhimar innovations
SEED BANK: As pond co-operatives began to increase, the idea of a community seed bank also took shape. Its purpose was to provide capital, which used to be a major hurdle in continued investment in tanks. 17 villages contribute Rs 100 every month; the money is loaned to members to buy nets, seeds and other accessories. The bank's savings till April, 2003 was a healthy Rs 75,700.
INFORMAL FEDERATION: In 1999, existing co-operatives (19) decided to form a network. Its work was to get higher quality seeds at competitive prices, and so facilitate members. Today, its focus is access to big local markets like Jhansi; selling the fish themselves allows the federation to avoid price fluctuations and the problem of unsold stock. The campaign is thus beginning to counter influential fish traders, who still control most of the tanks.