In the quaint village of Devasara, nestled within the Shankargarh Development Block of Balrampur district, Dineshwar Ram's story unfolds—a narrative of struggle, perseverance, and eventual triumph. Before 2014, Dineshwar found himself grappling with the uncertainty of livelihood, having completed his bachelor's degree with no job prospects in sight. Three years passed in futile pursuit, with the burden of financial responsibilities steadily mounting. Amidst this turmoil, the arrival of two children only exacerbated the strain, and Dineshwar found himself ostracized by his own family due to his inability to support them.
With limited options and a heavy heart, Dineshwar ventured to Ambikapur to try his hand at rickshaw driving. However, the meagre earnings failed to sustain him, and subsequent employment with a local businessman also proved fruitless. Disheartened and weary, he returned home, grappling with the stark reality of his circumstances and uncertain future.
It was amidst this despair that representatives from the Rural Education and Development Society (READS) arrived in his village in 2014, introducing him to the NABARD's WADI Development Program. Intrigued by the prospect of change, Dineshwar took a leap of faith and decided to plant mango and pear saplings on his barren land. With the support of his peers and access to a 5hp diesel pump, he ventured into intercropping, cultivating crops like chili and tomatoes alongside the fruit trees.
Over the years, Dineshwar's efforts bore fruit—both literally and metaphorically. From 2015 to 2018, he earned a substantial income from intercropping, allowing him to renovate his home, purchase a pair of bullocks, and enroll his children in an English medium school. Buoyed by his success, he ventured into brinjal cultivation in 2019, reaping further financial rewards.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Dineshwar persisted, diversifying his crops and embracing new opportunities. By venturing into chili cultivation alongside continued mango and pear farming, he managed to sustain his income, even amidst fluctuating market conditions.
With each passing year, Dineshwar's confidence grew, buoyed by the unwavering support of READS and the transformative impact of the NABARD WADI program. He invested in a 3hp solar pump to reduce diesel costs and actively engaged in financial planning, securing insurance coverage for himself, his family, and his agricultural assets.
Today, as Dineshwar reflects on his journey, he is overwhelmed with gratitude. What began as a struggle for survival has blossomed into a story of resilience and prosperity. Through the NABARD WADI program, he not only secured a stable income but also became a source of employment for several individuals in his community.
As he plans to invest in a tractor to further streamline his agricultural operations, Dineshwar remains indebted to NABARD and READS for their unwavering support. His journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of sustainable agriculture and community development, offering hope and inspiration to countless others facing similar challenges.