Marthandam Project (1921)
Travancore in Kerala by Dr. Spencer Hatch, an American agricultural expert specialized in
sociology. Fundamental aim of this programme was five fold development of physical, spiritual,
mental, economic and social, Dr.Hatch implemented an all round development in agriculture,
public health and education.
In this centre prize bulls and goats, model bee-hives, demonstration plots for improving
grain and vegetable seeds, poultry with prize laying hens, a weaving shed, etc. were maintained.
It also worked for improving literacy. On weekly market day it set up a protable tent
with teaching equipments, and exhibits with better poultry and livestock. The centre also
promoted the cooperative. The society developed the improved breeds of egg layers and good
bees. It assisted the people for marketing their produces through cooperative organisations. In
1939, the egg selling cooperative society become a self-governing body. Another society 'honey
club' was also formed. This society cured the honey brought by villagers and marketed
cooperatively. There were bull clubs, weavers' clubs, etc. These cooperative organisations are
still continued by YMCA and the rural development is taken up intensively.
