Title: From Struggle to Success: Anil's Journey with the Wadi Development Program
Anil, a resident of Tirki Gram-Devaridad village in Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh, faced numerous challenges due to financial constraints and limited education. With four siblings and meager resources, pursuing further studies seemed like a distant dream. Struggling to find employment, Anil migrated to other villages for occasional labor work, barely making ends meet. Despite his efforts, his family's financial situation continued to worsen, making it difficult to provide for his children's education and basic needs.
In 2012, seeking a better livelihood, Anil moved to Bhopal with his wife and worked tirelessly on a poultry farm for two years. However, the income was still insufficient to support their family and provide quality education for their children. Feeling hopeless and uncertain about the future, Anil reached out to a friend from his village, who informed him about the NABARD Wadi Development Program.
Intrigued by the program's potential to transform barren land into productive orchards, Anil returned to his village and attended a meeting organized by the Rural Education and Development Society (READS). The organization explained how he could cultivate fruit-bearing trees on his land and intersperse them with intercropping, offering a sustainable source of income.
Empowered by this knowledge, Anil planted 25 mango and 30 guava trees on his land and started intercropping. With improved agricultural practices, he soon began to reap a bountiful harvest, significantly increasing his income. The earnings from the orchard enabled Anil to improve his financial situation and fulfill his family's needs.
In 2018, Anil received government assistance of ₹1.35 lakhs under a housing scheme, which, combined with his earnings from the orchard, allowed him to build a sturdy six-room house. While the finishing touches are still pending, Anil takes pride in the progress he has made.
Today, Anil no longer feels the need to leave his village in search of better opportunities. Instead, he plans to invest in a pickup truck to transport his produce to larger markets, expanding his business further. His success has earned him respect and admiration from his family, community, and village.
Anil expresses his heartfelt gratitude to READS and the NABARD Wadi Development Program for transforming his life. With newfound confidence and stability, he looks forward to a brighter future, filled with opportunities for growth and prosperity.