In the quiet village of Devsara Vikaskhand, nestled within the Shankargarh district of Balrampur, resides Vinod Ram. His story, one of struggle and eventual triumph, reflects the transformative power of the WADI project initiated by NABARD.
Before the advent of the WADI project in 2014, Vinod toiled as a daily wage laborer, with no viable prospects for sustenance despite his education up to the 12th grade. He would embark on arduous journeys to work in the boxite mines, enduring long hours and health hazards, all for meager earnings. The financial strain weighed heavily on his family, leaving little time for meaningful interaction, let alone planning for the future.
However, the arrival of the NABARD's WADI Development Program breathed new life into Vinod's existence. Encouraged by the efforts of the Rural Education and Development Society (READS), he decided to dedicate a portion of his land to cultivate mangoes and pears, shifting away from traditional crops like jatangi. The introduction of a 5hp diesel pump for irrigation enabled him to diversify his crops further, including chili, tomatoes, wheat, and other vegetables alongside the fruit trees.
Over the years, Vinod's perseverance bore fruit—both figuratively and literally. From 2014 to 2018, he earned a substantial income from intercropping, amounting to ₹1,75,680. With this newfound prosperity, he invested in digging a pond on his land and ventured into fish farming. Subsequent years saw him reaping profits from chili cultivation, earning ₹72,500 in 2019 alone. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Vinod's resilience shone through as he adapted his farming practices to sustain his income.
The impact of the WADI project extended beyond agriculture, influencing Vinod's lifestyle choices and financial planning. He enrolled his child in an English medium school, signaling a shift towards holistic development. Moreover, he opened a grocery store, supplementing his agricultural income and ensuring financial stability for his family. Prudent decisions like availing the SBI Accident Insurance Scheme and contemplating life insurance policies underscore Vinod's newfound sense of responsibility and foresight.
Today, Vinod's initiative is a beacon of hope and progress in his village. Visitors from various departments marvel at his achievements, spurring him on to greater heights. Grateful for the economic upliftment and social recognition he has attained, Vinod remains indebted to NABARD and READS for their unwavering support.
Vinod's journey from a laborer to a prosperous farmer serves as a testament to the transformative potential of initiatives like the WADI project. His story is not just one of personal triumph but also a beacon of hope for countless others grappling with poverty and uncertainty in rural India. As he continues to nurture his initiative and explore new avenues of growth, Vinod remains a shining example of resilience, determination, and the power of community-led development initiatives.