URMUL stands for Uttari Rajasthan Milk Union Limited. It was established in 1972 to increase milk production in the arid region of Bikaner district. Between 1972 and 1984, milk procurement at the village dairy cooperatives increased from 200 liters per day to 1,150,000 liters per day. In 1984 the URMUL Trust was created to reach out to the under privileged in the rural areas, especially women and children, to provide them with access to health care and education.

In 1987, one of the worst droughts of the century struck Rajasthan. In Bikaner, about half of the livestock was wiped out and it became imperative to provide employment to people who were faced with near starvation. Up until the drought, URMUL provided health services and education. However, it became apparent that famine relief works were essential if people were to survive the drought. Many poor families worked on and managed relief programs and learned the value and power of collective action. Thus URMUL began to broaden its agenda to address the needs of poor and vulnerable groups, especially women and children, by launching a multi-sectoral attack on poverty.

In 1992 URMUL began to decentralize allowing authority and responsibility to transfer closer to the field. Field workers attained ownership of projects and new and innovative ideas were implemented. In addition to medical services and schools, URMUL established grain banks making more food available to the poor and needy. URMUL also developed a conscious strategy to equip poor households with private water storage ponds. Water management also involved innovative micro watershed control. The scarcity of fodder in this arid region was also addressed by establishing fodder depots. Searching for way for families to supplement their incomes, local people trained as weavers. The weavers' organization now produces bed spreads, floor coverings, table linen, women's and men's wear and shawls, and furniture for both local and export markets.

Source: Booklets provided by URMUL during our visit

Images are from booklets given to us during our visit.

For information on the web about the URMUL Trust:
The Hindu Folio article "A Way of Life" -about the URMUL Trust
Article about URMUL "Emerging from drought with dignity"
District Profile, Bikaner District "The drought in Lunkaransar Block of Bikaner District": An update, May 20, 2000

No official web site found. Address for URMUL Trust:
URMUL Trust
P.O. Box 55
Bikaner 334001, India
Tele-fax: 91-151-523093