Introduction:
Sahana, a 46-year-old farmer from Gaura village in Phulwariya Gram Panchayat, Uska Bazar block, Siddharthnagar district, Uttar Pradesh, transformed her family’s livelihood by adopting Raised Bed Onion Farming. Under the Fasal-2 Project supported by Swabhiman Samiti, Sahana implemented innovative farming practices that significantly boosted her income, reduced her family’s dependence on migrant labor, and inspired other women in her community to embrace modern agriculture.

The Challenge:

  1. Low Income from Traditional Farming:
    • Farming wheat on 0.25 acres yielded only 4 quintals, resulting in a net income of ₹2,800 after expenses.
    • This insufficient income left the family struggling to meet basic needs.
  2. Dependency on Migrant Labor:
    • Sahana’s eldest son, Seraj, had to migrate for 7-8 months annually to support the family financially.
  3. Lack of Awareness:
    • Before joining the Women Farmers’ Group, Sahana lacked knowledge about modern farming methods that could increase productivity.

The Solution:
In July 2015, Sahana joined the Women Farmers’ Group under the Fasal-2 Project by Swabhiman Samiti. The project introduced her to Raised Bed Farming, a technique designed to improve crop yield and resource efficiency.

Key Interventions:

  1. Training and Awareness:
    • Participated in group meetings to learn about water-efficient crops and raised bed techniques.
    • Received hands-on training on nursery preparation and onion transplanting.
  2. Support and Guidance:
    • Gained step-by-step guidance on seed treatment, fertilizer use, irrigation, and pest management.
  3. Encouragement to Experiment:
    • Motivated to try Raised Bed Onion Farming on 0.25 acres of her land.
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The Transformation:
In 2017-18, Sahana successfully implemented Raised Bed Onion Farming, achieving impressive results:

  1. Implementation:
    • Used compost, fertilizers, and pest control measures.
    • Created raised beds to prevent waterlogging and improve drainage.
  2. Investment and Yield:
    • Total Cost: ₹7,280 (including seeds, fertilizers, and labor).
    • Total Revenue: ₹35,500.
    • Net Profit: ₹28,220, an incremental increase of ₹25,420 compared to traditional methods.

Results and Achievements:

  1. Economic Empowerment:
    • Used profits to purchase a pumping set, ensuring reliable irrigation for her fields.
    • Provided irrigation services to neighboring farmers, generating additional income.
  2. Reduced Migration:
    • Her son, Seraj, no longer needs to migrate for work and now helps with farming and marketing surplus vegetables.
  3. Community Recognition:
    • Her husband, Jiarat Ali, received a Certificate of Excellence from the District Horticulture Office during a district-level Farmer’s Fair for outstanding performance in raised bed onion farming.
  4. Inspiring Others:
    • As President of the Women Farmers’ Group, Sahana motivated nine other women in her village to adopt Raised Bed Farming in 2018-19.

Conclusion:
Sahana’s journey showcases the transformative impact of adopting modern agricultural practices like Raised Bed Farming. By increasing her income and reducing her family’s dependence on migrant labor, she has set an inspiring example for other women farmers in her community. Her success underscores the importance of community-based interventions and knowledge sharing in empowering rural women and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Acknowledgment:
Sahana’s achievements were made possible through the efforts of Swabhiman Samiti. Their dedication to training and supporting women farmers has brought lasting positive changes to communities like Gaura, enabling women like Sahana to lead their families and communities toward a brighter future.