Marthandum Experiment

Marthandam was a densely populated market place in Kerala state then (South Travencore) for the surrounding 40 villages within a radius of 5 kms. The people were poor. The land was worn out. There were a few cottage industries. The quality of produce was poor. Wages were low. Water problem was chronic. Large number of families were indebted. Interest rates were as high as 300 percent per annum i.e. on a loan of Rs. 1000/-, interest of Rs. 3000/- to be paid per year. Mr. Spancer Hatch studied the problems and initiated a five pronged rural reconstruction programme in 1921.

The philosophy of rural reconstruction was people's own programme. The personnel were only to help them achieve the programmes.

The philosophy or rural reconstruction principles were:

1. The programme of rural reconstruction was people's own programme. The personnel were only to help them achieve the programmes.
2. Help the people to help themselves upwards on all sides of life comprising spirit, mind, body, economic, social and cultural.
3. People of all communities were to be included.
4. It is the poor who require help more and, therefore, reach the poorest.
5. Implement a comprehensive programme, and as such attention was devoted to the development of poultry keeping, bee-keeping and other cottage industries like mats and basket making, sugar, hand woven cloths, etc.
6. Spirituality should be the basis of every programme.
7. Simplicity should be the key-note of the programme. Unless the whole rural reconstruction movement remains simple it would cost too  much and would stop short of benefits to millions of rural people.
8. Honorary unpaid service helps make an efficient and highly productive extension services.
9. Close co-operation between the rural people and the government officials is a must.
10. Emphasis was laid on training of workers.