Jebiyar Tirky's life in the village of Devaridad, Rajpur, Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh, was once marked by economic struggles and uncertainty. With limited land for cultivation and inadequate irrigation facilities, he and his family relied on manual labor for sustenance. However, a ray of hope dawned with the introduction of the NABARD Wadi Development Program in their village.
As Jebiyar attended the village meeting organized by the Rural Education and Development Society (READS) to learn about the NABARD Wadi Development Program, his curiosity was piqued. He realized that this initiative could be the catalyst for change in his life. In July 2016, Jebiyar's land was chosen for the plantation of 25 mango and 30 guava trees, along with 200 bamboo saplings.
With meticulous care and guidance from the project staff, Jebiyar nurtured his orchard and learned intercropping techniques. He also constructed a fish pond in his wadi, diversifying his sources of income. By 2021, his mangoes and guavas started bearing fruit, adding to his prosperity.
The impact of the NABARD Wadi Development Program on Jebiyar's family was profound. With the additional income from the orchard, Jebiyar was able to build a sturdy house under a government housing scheme in 2018. He supplemented this with his wadi income to construct a comfortable home. Furthermore, in May 2022, Jebiyar celebrated his marriage with great joy and festivity, a testament to the newfound stability in his life.
Today, Jebiyar and his wife work happily in their orchard, no longer needing to seek daily wage labor. They have even purchased a motorcycle for their convenience. The winds of change have swept through Jebiyar's life, transforming it from one of uncertainty to one of promise and opportunity.
Jebiyar expresses his heartfelt gratitude to NABARD and READS for bringing about this change in his life. Their support and guidance have not only improved his economic condition but have also instilled a sense of hope and optimism for the future. Jebiyar's story is a testament to the transformative power of initiatives like the NABARD Wadi Development Program in empowering rural communities and fostering sustainable livelihoods.