“Visit to KARMOLI VILLAGE- Rural Visit Report”

Presented to

Prof. Bharat Damani

By: GROUP 6

1. Anirudh Vyas- 220703

2. Dibayan Dutta- 220750
3. Himanshu Gang- 220728
4. Kanishka Agrawal- 220777
5. Kartik Jain- 220751
6. Khushbu Jain- 220762
7. Naman Bohra- 220727
8. Nisha Parekh-220709
9. Ritesh Mishra-220806
10. Vaijanti Haldankar- 220782

As a submission for the Business and Rural Immersion course

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the PG Program 2022-24

FLAME University, Pune

 Contents

1. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 3
2. Community Overview ..................................................................................... 5
3. Key findings ...................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Visit to Anganwadi ...................................................................................... 7
3.2 Visit to Primary School .............................................................................. 8
3.3 Visit to Poultry farm ................................................................................. 10
3.4 Visit to Gerbera farm ............................................................................... 13
3.5 Visit to Gram Panchayat Office .............................................................. 14
4. Analysis and Interpretation .......................................................................... 18
5. Recommendations .......................................................................................... 22
6. Conclusion ...................................................................................................... 25
7. Annexures ....................................................................................................... 27
 1. Introduction
On October 16, 2023, our group visited the village of Karmoli in Pune, Maharashtra, India. The purpose of
the visit was to learn about the lives of rural people and to explore the challenges and opportunities that they
face.

The group began their visit by visiting an Anganwadi, a government-run childcare center for children under
the age of six. It was a pre-school for kids of the village. The primary school visit allowed us to understand
the challenges and opportunities in rural education. We interacted with teachers and students, gaining insights
into the quality of education and the aspirations of the young generation. The Anganwadi provides a variety
of services to children, including nutrition, early education, and healthcare. The students were impressed by
the dedication of the Anganwadi workers and the positive impact that they have on the lives of the children
they serve.

Next, the group visited a primary school in the village. The school was small and had limited resources, but
the teachers were passionate and the students were eager to learn. The students were particularly impressed
by the school's computer lab, which provided the students with access to technology that they would not
otherwise have.

After visiting the school, the group visited a gerbera farm. Gerbera farms are a major source of income for
many farmers in Karmoli. The students learned about the different stages of gerbera cultivation and the
challenges that farmers face, such as pests and diseases. The students were also impressed by the beauty of
the gerbera flowers and the hard work of the farmers.

In the afternoon, the group visited a poultry farm. The poultry farm was owned and operated by a local
entrepreneur. The students learned about the different stages of poultry farming and the challenges that
farmers face, such as the high cost of feed and the risk of disease. The students were impressed by the
entrepreneur's dedication to his business and his commitment to providing high-quality poultry products to
the community.

Finally, the group met with the Sarpanch and Gram Panchayat members of Karmoli. The Sarpanch is the
elected head of the village, and the Gram Panchayat is the village council. We discussed a variety of issues
with the Sarpanch and Gram Panchayat members, including the challenges and opportunities that the village
faces. We were impressed by the dedication of the Sarpanch and Gram Panchayat members to serving the
village and by their commitment to improving the lives of the villagers.Engaging in a dialogue with the
village's Sarpanch and Gram Panchayat members allowed us to understand their roles in local governance
and the challenges they face in addressing the community's needs.

The rural visit to Karmoli was a valuable learning experience for the students. It provided them with the
opportunity to learn about the lives of rural people and to explore the challenges and opportunities that they
face. The students also had the opportunity to learn about different aspects of rural life, such as agriculture,
education, and healthcare. The visit also gave the students the opportunity to interact with members of the
village community and to learn about their perspectives on life.
 2. Community Overview
2.1 Karmoli Village:

Karmoli village is a picturesque and serene hamlet situated in Pune District, Mulshi Taluka. It is enveloped
in lush green surroundings, with a population of approximately 1,000 residents. The primary economic
activity in the region is agriculture, primarily the cultivation of rice, wheat, and various vegetables. Also,
livestock farming, particularly poultry and gerbera farming, is gaining importance as a supplementary source
of income.

2.2 Demographic Information:

Karmoli village has a diverse demographic profile, encompassing residents from various age groups. A
significant portion of the population is below the age of 40, indicating a relatively youthful community. The
primary castes in the village are Maratha and Kunbi.The majority of the villagers are farmers, and the
remaining villagers are engaged in a variety of occupations, such as teaching, shopkeeping, and construction.
The village has a diverse population, with people from different castes and religions living together in
harmony.

2.3 Economic Activities:

Agriculture is the main economic activity in Karmoli Village. The villagers grow a variety of crops, including
rice, wheat, sugarcane, and vegetables. The village also has a number of gerbera farms, which produce high-
quality gerbera flowers for export. In addition to agriculture, other economic activities in the village include
poultry farming, dairying, and small-scale businesses.

2.4 Infrastructure:

The village faces challenges related to infrastructure. Basic amenities such as electricity and water supply are
available, but the road network connecting the village to nearby towns requires improvement. These roads,
especially during the monsoon season, can become impassable, affecting transportation and the marketing of
agricultural produce.
2.5 Social Dynamics:

Karmoli village is characterized by strong community bonds and a sense of unity. Residents frequently come
together for local festivals and events, contributing to a sense of mutual support. The villagers are close to
each other and they support each other in times of need.

2.6 Challenges and Unique Aspects:

During our visit, we noted several challenges faced by the community. Access to quality education and
healthcare facilities remains limited. The community is working to diversify its income sources, with the
emergence of poultry farming and gerbera cultivation. The lack of reliable road infrastructure hampers the
transportation of agricultural produce, and weather fluctuations, particularly during the monsoon season, can
impact agricultural productivity.
 3. Key findings
3.1 Visit to Anganwadi

The first place we went in Karmoli village was the "anganwadi," which is like a special school for kids. Since
it's right next to the primary school, it's an easy place for kids to go to school and get care in the locality.

This is a place where kids from 3 to 5 years old can learn and have fun. They also get two good meals while
they're there, so it's not all work. They are served breakfast such as usal and misal. Then, around noon, they
eat a real meal with dishes like varan bhat and masale bhat, which is kind of like adult lunch. This food is
more than just food for them; it's meant to keep them healthy and strong as they grow up.

There are 15 little kids at the anganwadi right now, and they have two wonderful teachers who care about
them and teach them things. One teacher also watches over them because they're so young. Each kid gets a
lot of attention this way.
From 10 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon, the anganwadi is open. There is a nice, long lunch break that
lasts for forty to fifty minutes. Around noon, lunch is given. It's more than just a meal; the kids use it to have
fun and eat together.

It is a special spot in the town where kids can learn, be cared for, and eat well. The goal is to give them a
good start in life and show that the town cares about its youngest residents. It makes us remember how
important it is to help Karmoli kids learn and grow.

3.2 Visit to Primary School

There is a small elementary school in Karmoli the village. It has only one classroom and a building for
teachers. It goes from class one to class four and teaches in Marathi. This teacher has been here for five years
and is named Mr. Vinod Bharne. There used to be two teachers, but one quit, leaving only Mr. Vinod Bharne.

This little school has 26 kids in grades 1st class to 4th class. The great part is that the education is free because
the government pays for it. It's also great that the kids get free food during the day.
For every 25 kids, there is one teacher, so each one gets lots of care. The school day lasts from 10 am to 5
pm. The kids can then play and have fun. This is what Mr. Vinod Bharne, the teacher, wants for the kids to
learn and when they will learn it.

Every month, they meet with parents to keep them up to date. A lot of the kids at this school come from
farming homes.

It's great that the kids learn English, math, science, Marathi, and Hindi. They have breaks for important days
like Republic Day and Independence Day. There is also a school celebration day and a sports day.

Solar panels given by the government power the school. This is an environmentally friendly way to get
energy. Khichdi, chikki, and rajgira ladoo are some of the healthy foods that the kids eat.

It is helpful that the government and the local zilla parishad give the kids uniforms and books. The
Maharashtra government pays Mr. Vinod Bharne's salary, which shows how important it is for the
government to support this school in Karmoli village.
3.3 Visit to Poultry farm

3.3.1. Farm Layout and Chicken Stages:

- The poultry farm we visited consists of three different poultry farms within one compound.

- Each farm has 7-8 sheds for chicken rearing, but they do not maintain a high number of chickens in each
shed.

- The chicken rearing process is divided into three stages:

- In the first stage, chickens are kept for 2 months in one shed.

- In the second stage, they are moved to another shed for 2 months.

- In the third stage, they are kept for 2 more months in the final shed.

3.3.2. Chicken Breed and Production:

- The type of chicken they rear is BV 300, a breed known for egg production, particularly white eggs.

- They purchase small chickens and raise them, incurring a cost of Rs. 50 per chicken for one day. When
fully grown at 17 weeks, each chicken sells for Rs. 200-250.

- Chickens receive injections only during these 17 weeks; no further injections are administered.

- These chickens are not of the broiler variety, which is bred specifically for meat production.

3.3.3. Egg Production and Market:

- The farm exclusively produces white eggs, not desi (brown) eggs.

- The production is difficult in winters, and even in too much rain it is difficult

- Chicken lott is brought once the chicken eggs are over, so between 4-5 months they get new lott of chickens

- Each female chicken lays 1 egg per day.

- The poultry farm operates with only 10-20% of the necessary manpower, with 8-10 laborers observed
during our visit.
 - The entire poultry farm is managed by one individual.

- Chickens' daily diet consists of "Makka," "Harbara powder," are mixed and given to feed and water.

- Food is given thrice a day only.

- There is no competition from other egg producers in the village, as they exclusively sell this variety of
eggs.

3.3.4. Sales and Distribution:

- Eggs are sold through both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) channels.

- In B2B, they distribute approximately 6-7 thousand eggs through wholesale channels.

- In B2C, eggs are sold through their own outlet named "MK Poultry," located in Pune city. They do not
supply to other retail shops.

- A tray containing 30 eggs is sold for Rs. 150-Rs. 180, with transportation costs included in the final price

-The price of the egg is updated daily through the newspaper.

 ⇒ 30 eggs = 180Rs. (approx)

- Individual egg prices fluctuate daily and are sold at Rs. 5-6 per egg.

- Increased competition, particularly from Hyderabadi eggs, has posed a challenge due to price differences.
However, they claim to have higher-quality eggs and aim to maintain competitive pricing.

3.3.5. Chicken Lifecycle:

- Chickens are kept on the farm for 1.5 years before they are processed and sold at half price in Mumbai.
3.4 Visit to Gerbera farm
Our visit to the gerbera farm was very short, but very informative. It taught us about different parts of planning
and managing crops, as well as the planning process that goes into choosing each flower and soil. The
following are some of the things we noticed:

Location: The polyhouse was 24 meters by 28 meters, which is about 10,000 square feet. The land is owned
by the people in the town, and there is a white cover over it that controls the temperature and humidity inside
the house. They wash the sheets often to get rid of dust and dirt, which helps keep the atmosphere in check.

Prices: 10 flowers= 30-40 Rs. and each flower cost 3-4Rs.

Every two months, their prices change. At first, they go up, stay the same for two months, and then go down.
This cycle keeps going.
Money—They built a polyhouse with 10 lakhs they put into it. You can keep each plant for three years, but
if you do a lot of work and take great care of them, you can keep them for five or six years. As part of their
normal upkeep, they only have to pay for white net sheets.

Structure: The way the plants are set up and picked means that they get 2000 flowers every one to two days.
During the summer, it makes 2000 flowers in just two days. But as winter comes and the weather changes,
the production slows down. By using sprays on a daily basis, they get at least 900 to 1000 flowers every two
days. They picked 110 bunches of flowers, or 1100 flowers, the day before the visit.So that they don't kill the
whole plant, they cut off the flower from the base of the stem.

Temperature: The best temperature for the soil is somewhere in the middle, not too hot or too cold. Also, the
amount of water that is needed should be adjusted and not too much or too little.

Plucking: The owner was seen picking the flower, and it was seen that he only bends the flower to pick
it.When done from the middle of flower, the formation starts all over again. If done from the stem's end, it
stops.When they cut flowers to make room for new growth, they use a cross-cutting method.

Defense—A sticky substance (sticky traps) is attached to each plant to keep any dangerous bugs or flies from
damaging or attacking the part of the plant.

3.5 Visit to Gram Panchayat Office

Administrative Structure and Inclusivity: Gram Panchayat's administrative structure consists of Gram Sabha,
Sarpanch, Gram Sevak, and ward members. Members' working hours are from 11 a.m. till the completion of
daily work, ensuring access to administrative services.

According to one of their members The Government of India has imposed several restrictions on Gram
Panchayat elections, including a one-third reservation of seats for women, as Arakshan is considered for the
position of Sarpanch. This demonstrates political inclusion and local representation. For example, one
election year only, the post of Sarpanch is designated for OBC candidates, and another year just for female
candidates.
Population Distribution and Demographics: The 3 villages have a combined population of 2,160 people:
Karmoli Gaon (1,100), Chale Gaon (860), and Savargaon (500), with all settlements having a Dalit Vasti
community. These demographics provide information for resource allocation and development priorities
within the Gram Panchayat.

Trends in Economic Activity and Agriculture: Working in the Pirangut firm and Vathopae is a common
occupation in the village, indicating the influence of next industrial and commercial towns. The village's
elderly people are still farming, growing crops such as rice, moong, green peas, and chana, showing the
village's diverse economic activities. Some elderly people rely on farming for a living.
Community Participation and Governance: Gram Sabha meetings are held four times a year, on the 2nd of
October, the 15th of August, the 26th of January, and the 1st of May, with an emphasis on community
engagement in decision-making and governance. However, if serious issues arise, more than four sessions
are held.

The success of Gram Sabha meetings is a problem, particularly in resolving ongoing concerns and catering
to local participation and responsibility.

Infrastructure Construction and Compensation: There are both opportunities and challenges in the future Ring
Road project. It provides strong connectivity and possible economic growth to villagers, but it also raises
questions about obtaining land and payment. The pay mechanism aligns with fair compensation standards for
land acquisition, offering six times the government market price with additional consideration for fruit-
bearing plants.
Educational Possibilities: Mahindra College's presence in Savargaon Village is an investment in education
and human capital, providing educational opportunities for local citizens.

Basic Services and Amenities: Families come to the Gram Panchayat office for a variety of services, including
NOCs, death certificates, energy connections, and birth certificates for newborns, demonstrating the Gram
Panchayat's diverse role. The difficulty, particularly in rural regions, is to ensure effective and fair service
delivery.

Supply of water and electricity: The cycle of water supply from Mulshi Dam to the three villages, as well as
a weekly power outage on Thursdays, demonstrate the interdependence of surrounding towns and the need
for resource management. Prior notification of power outages lasting more than 8 hours allows people to plan
properly.
 4. Analysis and Interpretation

Analyzing the findings from the Anganwadi, Primary School, Poultry Farm, Gerbera Farm, and Gram
Panchayat Office visits, focusing on patterns, trends, issues, and opportunities:

Education and Childcare (Anganwadi and Primary School):

Pattern: Both Anganwadi and the Primary School highlight the importance of early childhood
development and basic education.
Trend: The existence of government support in the form of money, free education, and free meals in
primary schools is a positive trend that ensures children's access to education and food.
Challenge: Teacher absenteeism in primary schools is a serious challenge that might have an impact on
educational quality.
Opportunity: The emphasis on overall child development, which includes cultural activities and
environmental sustainability via solar panels, provides potential for complete education models.

Agriculture and Livestock (Poultry Farm):

Pattern: Both the Poultry Farm and the Gerbera Farm specialize in their production, highlight the
importance of niche markets and product quality.
Trend: The exclusive production of white eggs is a different selling point at the Poultry Farm, although it
faces competition.
Challenge: The Poultry Farm has egg production issues under specific weather conditions, even with the
Gerbera Farm's production varies with seasonal fluctuations.
Application: To remain competitive, the Poultry Farm can promote its higher-quality eggs broader. The
Gerbera Farm could look into ways to improve its production practices in order to achieve consistent
output.
Local Governance (Gram Panchayat Office):
Pattern: The Gram Panchayat Office is an important part of local governance, providing a variety of
administrative functions.
Trend: The presence of women and underprivileged groups in governance is a beneficial trend that ensures
political representation.
Challenge: Gram Sabha meetings' success in addressing ongoing issues is a challenge, focusing on the
need for more effective problem-solving processes.
Application: The Gram Panchayat Office can improve service delivery even more to guarantee that the
community has equitable access to important services and amenities.

Community and Demographics:

Pattern: The combined population data for the three communities serves as a foundation for resource
allocation and development planning.
Trend: Diverse economic activities, such as farming and employment in surrounding industrial areas,
demonstrate the community's flexibility to shifting economic situations.
Challenge: In order to effectively address community concerns, education and participation in Gram Sabha
meetings may require additional focus.
Opportunity: The existence of educational institutions such as Mahindra College provides opportunity for
community members to improve their human capital and skills.

Resource Management (Water and Electricity Supply): -

Pattern: The dependency of surrounding communities for resources such as water and power emphasizes
the importance of regional resource management.
Trend: Informing households of power disruptions in advance allows them to prepare for their activities.
Difficulty: Effective and equitable resource management, particularly in rural regions, can be difficult.
Opportunity: The resource unity of towns can be used to support collaborative resource management
projects.
Analyzing the findings from Gerbera Farm:

By our visit to the polyhouse, we understood various aspects of the functioning of a polyhouse and how
farmers accept new trends and technology ,the challenges they face and interpret the opportunities the rural
farmers can optimize to improve their productivity. Gerbera flowers are very highly demanded and known
for their bright colors, they are mostly referred to as ‘Daisy’ and are demanded for decoration or cut
flowers. Commercial value for this flower is high due to its long lasting and freshness quality.

Variety of Color available - Gerbera - Yellow, Red, white, Reddish Pink, Pink and Orange
They sell through local markets and agents, but local markets are not considered very affordable for them
and they mostly sell through agents in the market.The white net shades on the top of the polyhouse is used
to control the radiation of the sun and control the temperature around 23 degrees.

Through discussion, it was also known that the rural farmers did not prefer adopting vertical farming since
they entirely did not believe in the same concept and it also included high costs for infrastructure. Due to
lack of technical knowledge and resistance to changing into a new method they avoided changing into
vertical farming.

Challenges
Seasonal Variations: As the seasons change, so does the gerbera flower production. The flowering cycle
and, consequently, the farmers' income are impacted by the change from winter to summer. It is crucial to
plan for these seasonal variations and modify crop selection appropriately.
Education and Adaptability: The adoption of modern agricultural practices may be hampered by the
village's lack of formal education and training options, particularly for younger generations. To increase
overall productivity, programs that offer agricultural education and training are required.With increase in
literacy rate, the new generation are not keenly interested in continuing the farming.

Trends
Sustainable Agriculture: There is a growing movement in favor of sustainable agriculture methods. The
sales potential of gerbera daisies can be increased by using sustainable pest control measures and organic
farming practices.
Crop diversification: Increasing the variety of crops cultivated in the polyhouse can reduce risks and adapt
to shifting consumer needs. Investigating other valuable and in-demand crops might be a calculated risk.
Technology Integration: Crop yields and resource management can be maximized by using modern
technology such as data-driven agriculture and temperature control systems.

Opportunities

Diversified Flower Cultivation: Farmers have a captivating chance to grow gerbera flowers next to
complimentary flowers like carnations, roses, and lilies. This diverse method improves the polyhouse's
financial viability by increasing market offerings while optimizing profitability in the same controlled
setting.

Increase in Color Variations : Gerbera is available in number of colors, in order to increase revenue for the
polyhouse they can harvest various other colors of gerbera which will not include much increase in cost and
on the other hand will also increase the variations they provide. Other colors like orange,bicolored,lavender
and white etc can be added onto their collection in order for sales revenue.

Government Schemes : Kisan Call centres and agents are set up to gain any expertise.Composite Subsidy is
provided on loan sanctioned by the Bank for establishing agri venture.Kisan credit cards and various Plant
Protection Schmes along with machinery and irrigation schemes have been launched in Pune in Taluka
district which provides immense financial opportunities to farmers along with training.
 5. Recommendations
Based on the identified community challenges and potential, below is the recommendations:

Anganwadi and Primary School Education and Childcare:

Address Teacher Absenteeism: Put measures in place to prevent teacher absenteeism in the primary school.
This could include improved monitoring, performance rewards, or opportunities for professional
development.
Parental Involvement: Encourage parents to participate actively in their children's education by attending
monthly school meetings where they can discuss their children's progress and concerns.
Skill Development: Provide Anganwadi and Primary School teachers with training in modern teaching
techniques and child development strategies to improve the quality of education and care.
Community knowledge: Raise community knowledge of the long-term advantages of education, highlighting
its role in breaking the poverty cycle.

POULTRY FARM

Product Diversification: Investigate diversification in the Poultry and Gerbera Farms. Consider introducing
new breeds or crops that are sensitive to changing weather conditions, which will help to reduce production
swings.
Market Niche Products 6 To reach a larger market, capitalize on the distinct selling characteristics of white
eggs and high-quality flowers. Invest in branding and marketing to highlight product quality.

Weather Forecasting: Use weather forecasting services to predict bad weather and take preventative measures
to protect productivity.

GERBERA FARM:
Optimize Resource Utilization:
Implement a comprehensive water management system incorporating rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation,
and recycling techniques. This will ensure efficient use of water resources, reducing both consumption and
costs.
Implement Sustainable Agricultural Practices:
Introduce organic farming practices within the polyhouse, minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and
pesticides. This move towards organic cultivation enhances the market value of gerbera flowers and promotes
environmental sustainability.
Encourage crop rotation and diversification within the polyhouse to maintain soil fertility, reduce disease
risks, and cater to varying market demands.

Promote Environmental Conservation:

Set up a waste management system within the polyhouse, encouraging recycling and responsible disposal of
agricultural waste. This initiative promotes environmental conservation and community cleanliness.
Introduce natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects, to minimize the use of chemical
pesticides, ensuring a healthy ecosystem within the polyhouse.

Explore Collaborative Partnerships:

Collaborate with local agricultural research institutions to stay updated on the latest technological
advancements and best practices in polyhouse gerbera farming. Research partnerships can lead to innovative
solutions and increased productivity. Seek collaboration with environmental organizations and governmental
agencies to explore grants and subsidies for implementing sustainable practices. These collaborations can
significantly reduce the financial burden on the farmers.

Biological Pest Control:

Introduce biological pest control methods, including beneficial insects and natural predators, to manage
pests effectively. This eco-friendly approach minimizes the reliance on chemical pesticides, ensuring a
healthier environment within the polyhouse.

Local Government (Gram Panchayat):

Successful Gram Sabha Meetings: Improve the efficacy of Gram Sabha meetings by establishing structured
agendas and fostering open talks about community issues. Use local NGOs or specialists to help facilitate
these gatherings.
Digital Services: Implement digital services for administrative operations, allowing villagers to access and
track services more easily and minimizing the need for actual visits to the Gram Panchayat Office.

Community Awareness: Inform the public about the Gram Panchayat's role in local governance and
encourage active participation in decision-making.

Community Workshops: Hold workshops on community concerns, bringing people, Gram Panchayat
members, and specialists together to brainstorm and implement solutions.

Resource Management (Supply of Water and Electricity):

Resource Management Committee: Form a resource management committee made of members from
different municipalities to solve water and electricity supply concerns together.

Resource Efficiency: Support resource-efficient activities like rainwater harvesting to reduce depend on
external water sources and boost local resilience.

Infrastructure Improvements: Invest in infrastructure improvements to increase resource distribution and

reduce power outages. To ensure the effectiveness of these recommendations, it is critical to involve
community members, local governments, and key stakeholders in their implementation.
 6. Conclusion
Several major observations, ideas, and recommendations resulted from the visit to Karmoli village. The
community prioritizes early childhood development and basic education, with government assistance
providing access to education and meals. While issues such as teacher absenteeism must be addressed, there
is an opportunity to promote a comprehensive education approach. Both the Poultry Farm and the Gerbera
Farm grow in specialized markets by stressing product quality. The Poultry Farm's exclusive production of
white eggs is a unique selling factor, yet it talks to competition. The Gerbera Farm's thorough planning is
admirable, yet the farm faces obstacles such as weather-dependent production. Opportunities exist in the
promotion of specialized products and the improvement of manufacturing procedures. The Gram Panchayat
Office is notable for its inclusive government, which includes women and excluded communities. However,
Gram Sabha meetings' effectiveness in addressing ongoing concerns is a challenge, and the office can
improve service delivery to provide fair access to basic services. The village is adaptable in terms of economic
activity, such as farming and work in surrounding industrial districts. However, in order to effectively address
concerns, a focus on education and community participation is required, and educational institutions such as
Mahindra College provide opportunities for skill development. The interdependence of communities for
resources such as water and power emphasizes the significance of regional resource management. While the
trend of notifying people about blackouts is encouraging, equitable resource management, particularly in
rural regions, can be difficult. Collaborative resource management projects can capitalize on town unity.

Our perspective of rural communities and related challenges has been greatly influenced by our visit to
Karmoli village. It gave us personal knowledge of the challenges and strengths of rural living, emphasizing
the importance of education, agriculture, and local governance in community development. Seeing the
dedication to early childhood education at Anganwadi and the free education and food at the Primary School
demonstrated the community's determination to empowering the next generation. However, the issue of
teacher absenteeism reminds us that maintaining high-quality education is still difficult. The specialized
procedures at the Poultry Farm and Gerbera Farm in agriculture highlighted the possibilities for niche markets
and product quality. The Poultry Farm's exclusive production of white eggs is a unique selling factor, yet it
confronts competition. Similarly, the Gerbera Farm's thorough planning practices demonstrate the value of
paying attention to detail. Weather-dependent production, on the other hand, acts as a reminder of the
uncertainty farmers face. The Gram Panchayat Office demonstrated the value of inclusive governance by
involving women and vulnerable groups. The effectiveness of Gram Sabha meetings in addressing current
concerns, on the other hand, remains a challenge, indicating the need for more efficient problem-solving
mechanisms. The community's adaptability in partaking in multiple economic pursuits, such as farming and
jobs in surrounding industrial districts, illustrates rural communities' resilience. The existence of educational
institutions such as Mahindra College opens up chances for skill development and human capital
development. The resource management system, notably the reliance on neighboring towns for water and
energy, highlighted the importance of regional collaboration. Although warning households about power
outages in advance allows for better planning, maintaining equitable resource management remains a
difficulty, particularly in rural areas.

As MBA students, this trip has given us a better awareness of the complexities and issues that rural people
face. It focused on the importance of targeted, practical solutions as well as community-based problem-
solving. Witnessing the inhabitants of Karmoli village's strength and determination has left a lasting
impression on our perceptions, establishing a sense of responsibility to contribute to the welfare of such
communities. Our problem-solving abilities and ability to find opportunities inside unique problems have
improved as a result of the visit. It has also heightened our respect for the possibility for positive change and
growth within rural communities, creating our interest to contribute to their future development.

In terms of future benefits, this tour has provided us with a useful reference point when dealing with rural
issues in our professional lives. The knowledge obtained about the value of education, inclusive governance,
and specialized agriculture may be applied to a variety of industries and sectors. We now have a more
comprehensive view of community development, recognizing the interdependence of education, economic
activity, government, and resource management. Our ability to empathize with and engage with rural areas
has improved, which will be useful in professions that require community outreach, development, or policy
formulation. The event also instilled in us a sense of social duty, inspiring us to actively participate in rural
development activities. Furthermore, the tour encouraged a collaborative attitude within our group as we
learnt and reacted to the unique difficulties and opportunities given by Karmoli village. This collaboration
will continue to benefit us in the future by encouraging teamwork, good communication, and creative
problem-solving. Finally, the visit to Karmoli village provided a rich and thorough understanding of rural
community dynamics and the varied issues they face. The experiences and insights learnt throughout the visit
have strengthened our awareness for rural people's resilience and adaptability. We leave with a renewed sense
of purpose and the knowledge and awareness to effect positive change and contribute to the growth of such
communities in our professional lives.
7. Annexures