Marthandum Experiment

Marthandam was a densely populated market place in Kerala state then (South Travencore)
for the surrounding 40 villages within a radius of 5 kms. The people were poor. The land was
worn out. There were a few cottage industries. The quality of produce was poor. Wages were
low. Water problem was chronic. Large number of families were indebted. Interest rates were
as high as 300 percent per annum i.e. on a loan of Rs. 1000/-, interest of Rs. 3000/- to be paid
per year. Mr. Spancer Hatch studied the problems and initiated a five pronged rural
reconstruction programme in 1921.

The philosophy of rural reconstruction was people's own programme. The personnel were only
to help them achieve the programmes.

The philosophy or rural reconstruction principles were:

1. The programme of rural reconstruction was people's own programme. The personnel
were only to help them achieve the programmes.
2. Help the people to help themselves upwards on all sides of life comprising spirit, mind,
body, economic, social and cultural.
3. People of all communities were to be included.
4. It is the poor who require help more and, therefore, reach the poorest.
5. Implement a comprehensive programme, and as such attention was devoted to the
development of poultry keeping, bee-keeping and other cottage industries like mats
and basket making, sugar, hand woven cloths, etc.
6. Spirituality should be the basis of every programme.
7. Simplicity should be the key-note of the programme. Unless the whole rural
reconstruction movement remains simple it would cost too much and would stop short
of benefits to millions of rural people.
8. Honorary unpaid service helps make an efficient and highly productive extension
services.
9. Close co-operation between the rural people and the government officials is a must.
10. Emphasis was laid on training of workers.