Ecology, Rural Development & Sustainability (ERDS) Foundation

For centuries, the economy of western Rajasthan has relied on farming and livestock rearing, with agriculture heavily dependent on erratic rainfall and frequent droughts—often 4–5 famines per decade. Over the past 5–6 decades, this landscape has seen significant change due to canal irrigation from the Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojna (IGNP) and the use of tube wells.

We are now working with local farmers to adopt organic farming—either partially or fully. With no chemical fertilizers or pesticides used, this approach promotes sustainable agriculture and creates a safe, GIB (Great Indian Bustard) friendly farming environment.

This project actively involves local communities in the daily monitoring of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and other wildlife. As a core pillar of our program, it empowers residents to report sightings from their surrounding landscapes, playing a vital role in conservation through grassroots participation.