Introduction:
Kailashi, a 55-year-old smallholder farmer from Katki Gram Panchayat in Uska Bazar block, Siddharthnagar district, has redefined success in rural farming. Along with her husband Sharan, she struggled to sustain her family on their 1.8-acre farmland. Traditional wheat farming brought limited returns, forcing them to supplement their income through labor on others’ fields. This story showcases how Kailashi overcame these challenges with determination and guidance from Swabhiman Samiti.

 

The Challenge:

  • Problem Faced: Low productivity and high costs associated with traditional wheat farming.
  • Financial Strain: Despite working hard, the family earned a meager net income of ₹12,500 annually.
  • Lack of Awareness: Kailashi was unfamiliar with modern agricultural techniques that could improve yields and income.
  • Dependence on Labor Work: Insufficient farming income compelled the family to take up labor jobs, increasing their financial burden.

 

The Solution:
Swabhiman Samiti identified Kailashi’s potential during Women Farmers’ Group meetings in 2016-17 and introduced her to the benefits of line sowing for chickpea cultivation.

  • Key Actions Taken:
  1. Provided training on line sowing, pest management, and irrigation techniques.
  2. Conducted practical demonstrations to build confidence.
  3. Offered continuous mentorship throughout the process.
  • Support Provided: Guidance on reducing cultivation costs and maximizing productivity.

Encouraged by this intervention, Kailashi implemented line sowing on 0.2 acres of her land, cultivating chickpeas for the first time.

Khutwa Zeri tillage Emirti wo Taulan
Kamlawati Ajagara

TheTransformation:
Kailashi’s shift from traditional wheat farming to chickpea cultivation marked a turning point in her life.

  • Impact on Family: For the first time, Kailashi experienced farming success that alleviated financial strain and inspired her to dream bigger.
  • Community Influence: Her journey motivated other farmers in the village to explore innovative farming techniques.
  • Personal Growth: Kailashi gained confidence and took proactive steps to expand her farming activities.
  • Testimonial: Kailashi shared, “I never imagined farming could bring such positive changes to our lives. Swabhiman Samiti’s support showed me the way forward.”

Results and Achievements:

  • Quantifiable Outcomes:
    • Yield of 2 quintals of chickpeas from 0.2 acres.
    • Net income of ₹11,240, a significant improvement over wheat farming returns.
    • Reduced cultivation costs to ₹1,760 due to efficient practices.
  • Qualitative Impact: Financial stability, increased self-reliance, and a newfound sense of empowerment.
  • Expanded Farming: Motivated by her success, Kailashi leased 2 bighas of land to further her agricultural journey.

Conclusion:
Kailashi’s story underscores the transformative power of modern farming practices combined with determination and guidance. By adopting line sowing, she not only increased her family’s income but also became a role model for others in Katki Gram Panchayat. Her success serves as an inspiring example of how knowledge and support can create sustainable change in rural communities.

Acknowledgment:
Special thanks to Swabhiman Samiti for their unwavering support, training, and mentorship, which empowered Kailashi to achieve her goals. Their efforts continue to bring hope and progress to countless families across Siddharthnagar district.