Project Overview
Name of the Project: Shankargarh I Wadi (TDF)
Location: Block- Shankargarh, District- Balarampur, Chhattisgarh
Implementing Entity: Rural Education and Development Society (READS)
Project Period: 25 February 2014 to 30 March 2020
Number of Target Beneficiaries: 500 Beneficiaries
I. Pre-Project Status
Physical/Location/Geographical
The Shankargarh I Wadi project was implemented in the Shankargarh Block of Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh. The project area was located 25-30 km from the block headquarters and 80-90 km from the district headquarters. It encompassed five villages through which two rivers, Galfula and Kanhar, flowed.
Social and Economic Condition of Beneficiaries
The tribal communities in the project area primarily depended on agriculture, forests, and livestock for their livelihoods. Before the project, the beneficiaries were not engaged in farming activities for extended periods and often migrated for labour work. The lands were primarily used to cultivate Jatangi and Kodo Kutki, yielding negligible income, and making survival difficult for the families. Socially, the community faced challenges, with many consuming local liquor, leading to poor social status.
II. Project Implementation
With the support of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Tribal Development Fund (TDF), the Shankargarh I Wadi project was sanctioned on 25 February 2014.
Key Activities
Plantation: Each beneficiary planted 25 mango and 30 pear plants on 1 acre of land.
Irrigation: Water Resource Development (WRD) was arranged for all 500 wadis using local resources.
Farmer Motivation: The project faced challenges in motivating farmers about the benefits of the NABARD Wadi Development Programme and protecting plants from frost. Exposure visits were conducted to dispel doubts and prepare farmers for plantation.
III. Post-Project Status
Physical/Location/Geographical
The project led to significant improvements in educational and health institutions in the area. The cropping pattern changed with the introduction of new crop varieties, and improved agricultural practices like SRI, SWI, organic farming, soil testing, and drip irrigation were adopted. The horticulture area increased to 500 acres, and both irrigated and cultivated areas expanded.
Social and Economic Condition of Beneficiaries
The social and economic standards of the beneficiaries saw sustainable growth. Beneficiaries started earning a regular income from the main and intercrop produce, becoming economically independent with an average annual income of Rs. 25,000-30,000 per beneficiary. As a sign of economic improvement, 285 beneficiaries out of 500 purchased their bikes. There was also increased awareness about health, education, and financial matters among the beneficiaries.
The Shankargarh I Wadi (TDF) project significantly transformed the lives of the tribal communities in the Shankargarh Block of Balrampur district. With improved agricultural practices, increased income, and enhanced social status, the project is a successful rural development and empowerment model.
