VERDS is a non-profit development organization established in 1986 by a group of social activists. The major activities of the organization are in the areas of rural development, child and women?s development, agriculture development, employment generation and relief and rehabilitation. The goal of the project is to generate income for the marginalized farmers and women and contribute to wasteland development. Jatropha can be grown with minimal inputs and can be maintained for 30 years generating revenue as a bio-fuel. The project will benefit small and marginal farmers and women members of Self Help Groups. The community, especially farmers will be actively involved in planning and implementation. The specific objectives of the project are to restore wasteland and ensure soil fertility and productivity, create income generation opportunities for women and marginal farmers and raise awareness about and promote adoption of bio-fuels among farmers The objectives will be achieved through establishing model Jatropha farms and building networks among Jatropha farmers for further promotion and replication of the model.