Rural Institute for Community Education Society (RICE)

RICE, based in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, empowers rural poor and vulnerable com…

Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting Structure Programme

Rural Institute for Community Education Society (RICE)

RICE, based in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, empowers rural poor and vulnerable com…

Awareness on Natural Resource Management (NRM)

About Us

Rural Institute for Community Education Society (RICE)

RICE uplifts the most marginalized rural communities by empowering them with sustainable livelihoods & access to essential services for their development in Andhra Pradesh.

Rural Institute for Community Education Society (RICE), established in 1993 in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting the poorest and most vulnerable communities. With a vision to empower rural households and enhance their livelihoods sustainably, RICE works through grassroots, self-managed organizations. Its mission focuses on improving access to public services, and expanding livelihood opportunities for marginalized groups. The organization adopts a participatory approach in all its development efforts. RICE primarily operates in Chittoor district, with scope to work across India as per its bylaws. Its key beneficiaries include Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Communities, marginal farmers, and agricultural laborers.

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Our focus area

Events

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Awareness on Drinking Water and Sanitation

RICE has been actively promoting awareness on personal hygiene, safe drinking water, and sanitation, especially in rural villages with poor sanitation practices. The organization conducted training programs and awareness sessions on environmental cleanliness, sanitation, and the importance of hygiene. RICE encouraged practices such as kitchen gardening, use of gobar gas plants, and tree plantation to promote a healthy lifestyle. IEC materials were distributed, and follow-ups were done to ensure behavioral change. Special focus was given to school children through one-day orientations in 30 primary schools, reaching 900 students and 250 teachers. The initiative aimed to instill better hygiene habits and improve sanitation practices in schools and communities.

17 Feb, 2025

One-Day Workshop for NGOs on CAPART Guidelines

RICE organized a one-day capacity-building workshop for NGOs focused on the new CAPART guidelines and project formulation using PRA tools. A total of 38 NGOs participated in the event. The Regional Officer of CAPART attended as the chief guest and delivered a keynote address highlighting CAPART’s initiatives. Various resource persons conducted sessions on topics such as project formulation, microfinance, PRA tools, and essential development skills. An interactive session was held to address the participants' queries, where practical and technical issues were discussed and clarified. The workshop was well-received, and the participating NGOs expressed their gratitude to CAPART for the valuable training support.

Awareness on Natural Resource Management (NRM)

RICE organized awareness camps and training programs on Natural Resource Management (NRM) for Rural Management Groups (RMGs), focusing on sustainable agricultural practices. The sessions included traditional farming techniques alongside modern systems to enhance productivity and sustainability. Farmers actively participated and shared their practical challenges related to agriculture, marketing, and financial access. Discussions also covered experiences with banks, agricultural departments, fertilizers, pesticides, and market linkage issues. These sessions helped voice farmers' concerns and expectations for improved services. RICE’s efforts aimed to build knowledge and strengthen community involvement in managing natural resources effectively.

Adoption of Organic Farming Programme

RICE has been promoting organic farming in Pulicherla and Rompicherla mandals of Chittoor district with support from the State Horticulture Mission and the Department of Horticulture. The program aims to encourage small and marginal farmers to adopt organic practices and obtain organic certification. It covers 100 hectares, involving 133 farmers growing vegetables and mangoes. RICE provided free organic inputs like vermicompost, neem oil, and untreated seeds. Farmers were trained to prepare their own organic fertilizers and pesticides. The initiative has led to improved yields and reduced input costs, motivating farmers to continue organic farming independently.

Programs

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Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting Structure Programme

RICE implemented the construction of 75 rooftop rainwater harvesting structures in Polakala Reddivaripalli Harijanawada and the BC Colony of Irala Mandal, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. Supported by CAPART Hyderabad, this initiative benefitted 37 Scheduled Caste and 38 Backward Community families. The primary objective of the program was to collect and utilize rainwater for drinking and household purposes. RICE conducted awareness campaigns to educate the community on the importance and benefits of rainwater harvesting. Community members actively participated in the initiative, contributing 10% of the construction cost and ensuring proper use and maintenance of the structures.

Training to SHGs on Microfinance

RICE has promoted 150 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) involving 1,500 women from 120 villages across Pulicherla, Rompicherla, and Irala mandals in Chittoor district. A 20-day phased training program was conducted to strengthen SHGs and empower poor and landless women. The training focused on sustaining SHGs for the next 2–3 years and enhancing their skills in advocacy, government resource mobilization, and bargaining. Resource persons including government officials, NGO representatives, and social activists led interactive sessions. Women actively shared their experiences, challenges, and best practices during the training. This initiative helped improve their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, ensuring better SHG management and long-term sustainability.

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Rural Institute for Community Education Society (RICE)

RICE, based in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, empowers rural poor and vulnerable com…

Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting Structure Programme

Rural Institute for Community Education Society (RICE)

RICE, based in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, empowers rural poor and vulnerable com…

Awareness on Natural Resource Management (NRM)

About Us

Rural Institute for Community Education Society (RICE)

Our focus area

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

LIVELIHOOD

WATER & SANITATION

TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT

Events

Awareness on Drinking Water and Sanitation

One-Day Workshop for NGOs on CAPART Guidelines

Awareness on Natural Resource Management (NRM)

Adoption of Organic Farming Programme

Programs

Roof Top Rain Water Harvesting Structure Programme

Training to SHGs on Microfinance

But we're not done yet. We need you