Association of Medical Doctors of ASIA, founded in 1984, Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC since 1995

It has been three years since AMDA launched a farming project in Bodhgaya, India, in 2022. However, it wasn’t an easy start, as the project had to go through numerous trials and errors.
 
There were times when it was difficult to supply water to the field because of the diminishing level of groundwater in an old well. But this issue was resolved with the construction of a new well, which was made possible by the assistance of an AMDA donor in Japan.
 
Moreover, local staff members are eager to seek advice from a regional farming advisor in planning what kind of vegetables to plant, as well as how much and where to grow them.
 
In December, seeds and seedlings of onions, coriander (which is known to be relatively cold-hardy), spinach, and garlic were planted.
 
In January, the project members cultivated a designated plot of land to transfer onion seedlings from the previous location. After weeding the field and adding compost to the soil, the grown seedlings were relocated in the following month.
 
The crops that were planted earlier, including coriander, spinach, and garlic, were harvested between February and March.
 
These vegetables are primarily used for a free meal distribution program which AMDA regularly conducts in Bodhgaya. They are also used for light meals offered to pregnant women who receive antenatal and postpartum care at AMDA Peace Clinic (APC).
 
Throughout 2024, the farm successfully harvested various crops including rice, onions, carrots, and bitter gourds. AMDA hopes to continue this program in 2025 as well.