Resource detail

Title: Kumaon Vani
Organization:TERI
Source:The Energy and Resources Institute
Year:2013

With the aim to bring together the local community across 20 villages close to Supi village in the valley of Kumaon, TERI launched its first Community Radio Station 'Kumaon Vani' in March 2010. It was established to use radio as a tool to promote sustainable development among the local farming community. The main objectives of Kumaon Vani community radio station are:

>> Help farmers improve their livelihoods by providing them relevant information and knowledge.

>> Focus on sustainable agriculture, forestry and biodiversity, delivery of government welfare programmes, and accountability in local governance.

>> Spread awareness on health, education, water, and sanitation.

The radio station is attached to TERI's knowledge centre TRISHA (TERI's Research Initiative in Supi for Himalayan Advancement) that works closely with the local farming community with the objective of improving their livelihoods through sustainable agricultural practices. Like all community radio stations, Kumaon Vani is a not-for-profit entity that is operated, owned and driven by the local community in Mukteshwar.

Radio transmission tower, Kumaon Vani

Radio transmission tower, Kumaon Vani


Outcome/Benefits: The radio station broadcasts content that is relevant to the local audience and is often overlooked by the commercial media. Based on the feedback received from the community, the key areas of programming include: • Sustainable agricultural practices • Practical solutions related to crops, seeds, fertilizers, etc • Programmes on improved variety of seeds and other agri-inputs • Welfare schemes under agriculture and horticulture • Effective delivery of government welfare schemes. Kumaon Vani has established a strong engagement with the local community by giving them a forum to share and discuss common issues that concern their lives and livelihoods.

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