Yeralavani @ 91.2 FM

Contact Person: Mrs. Anuradha Kunte 

Broadcasting Language: Marathi & Kannada

Genesis: Yeralavani was launched on 31st July, 2011 by the Yerala Projects Society with the tagline ‘Chala Vikasacha Bolu’ which means ‘Let’s Talk About Development’. The CRS is based in a remote area which is 145 kilometres from Sangli district, Maharashtra, near the Karnataka border. The CRS was set up with a mission to connect the neglected families and local communities in the remote area with the outside world through integrated rural development. Yeralvani strives to educate and empower them, leading them in the direction of holistic development. 

Thematic Focus: Agriculture is the primary focus area of the CRS, along with education, health, livelihood, and environment. Yeralavani focuses on supporting the drought prone farming community, addressing their day-to-day problems, making them aware of different government schemes, and introducing to the latest innovations and progressive techniques.

Sustainable Development Goals: Yeralavani focuses on SDGs those are apt for the community:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being 

SDG 4: Quality Education 

SDG 5: Gender Equality 

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation 

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 

SDG 13: Climate Action 

Primetime Programmes: The primetime programmes that are broadcast by Yeralavani aim to intrigue and engage all the community members, regardless of their age. Krishi Jagat, Apala Gaav Apala Apala Aawaaj, Yerala Vichaar, Yerala Express, Mahila Jagat, and Youth Express are the primetime programmes.

These programmes include agricultural programmes, and programmes that focus on the issues of youth and women in the community. Different social concerns and problems are addressed through the programmes, and they also serve as a source of information as well as entertainment for the community.

Innovations in format or any other way: Yeralavani develops and packages its programmes in different engaging formats, which also include the folk songs and cultural elements of the region. The CRS designs specific programmes and interventions to support the farmers including phone-in programmes and interviews with agricultural experts. The CRS covers local events such as fares, traditional ceremonies etc. 

The CRS works closely with different government agencies and rural bodies to disseminate crucial information related to health, agriculture, and welfare schemes. It promotes local artisans and trade through the means of free advertisements.

Core Team: Yeralavani involves experts from different fields to address the problems of the community. The CRS promotes active involvement of community leaders, groups and individuals from all the sections of the community in the development of its programmes. A group of resource people closely work with the CRS for content conceptualisation and creation. Twelve members constitute the core team of Yeralavani, which includes the Station Coordinator, Content Head, and ten other members. 

Major Projects Undertaken: Poshan Ghar, Swasthya Sankalp, Mera Sawal, and International Day of Yoga campaigns are some of the major projects  that Yeralavani has been a part of. UNICEF, CEMCA, SMART, CRA, and SBC3 are among the key collaborators of the CRS. 

Sustainable Strategies: Yerala Projects Society, the parent organisation of the CRS funds nearly seventy percent of the total expenses.  The remaining funds are generated through revenue from paid collaborative projects with other organisations. The CRS is devising strategies to generate more revenue through different streams and become a self-sustaining entity. 

Number of listeners and Potential Outreach: The broadcast limit of Yeralavani covers as many as 60-70 villages in Sangli district of Maharashtra and parts of Vijayapura Karnataka. The CRS has an active listener base of nearly 78,000 listeners. 

Major concerns in the Community: The farming community needs guidance on better agricultural practices and equipment. Small scale entrepreneurial enterprises by women in the community need support. Better guidance and opportunities must be made available to the students and youth in the community.