With the support of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Tribal Development Fund (TDF), the Shankargarh I WADI project has been implemented in the Shankargarh Block of Balrampur district, Chhattisgarh since March 2014. The Rural Education and Development Society (READS) serves as the Project Implementing Agency (PIA). This initiative encompasses 500 tribal families across five villages, aiming to enhance their living conditions through improved agricultural productivity and increased livelihood opportunities.
Objectives
The primary objective of the Shankargarh I WADI project is to uplift the economic status of tribal families by promoting sustainable participatory livelihood programs. This includes the adoption of the “Wadi” model and “beyond Wadi approaches,” which focus on sustainable agriculture, social empowerment, and overall quality of life improvements, including health and women's development.
Case Study: Jaddu Ram's Transformation
Background
Jaddu Ram, son of Jerku Ram, resides in Devsara village within the Shankargarh block of Balrampur district. Before the project's intervention, Jaddu Ram cultivated Jatangi and kodo-kutaki on his 1-acre Wadi land. His agricultural practices yielded limited income, restricting his ability to improve his family's living standards.
Project Intervention
The project team and field staff from READS motivated Jaddu Ram to transform his agricultural practices. He was encouraged to plant 25 mango and 30 pear trees on his 1-acre wasteland. Additionally, he shifted his focus to cultivating chili and other vegetables instead of Jatangi and kodo-kutaki. By adopting advanced agricultural techniques and methods, Jaddu Ram significantly improved his farm's productivity and income.
Outcomes
Jaddu Ram's hard work and the project's support led to a substantial increase in his income. The total income from his Wadi's main crop and intercrops reached Rs 396,550. This financial boost allowed him to make several life-changing improvements:
- Purchased a motorcycle and a pair of oxen for ploughing.
- Repaired his old house.
- Enrolled his children in an English medium school.
- Started beekeeping.
- Plans to purchase a tractor for agricultural use.
Social and Economic Impact
Jaddu Ram's success has not only transformed his own life but has also inspired other farmers in his village. His improved social and economic status is evident in the new assets he has acquired and the better opportunities he has provided for his family. He is deeply grateful to NABARD for the support that has enabled this remarkable change in his life.
The Shankargarh I WADI project, supported by NABARD and implemented by READS, has successfully demonstrated how sustainable agricultural practices can significantly uplift the living standards of tribal families. Jaddu Ram's story is a testament to the project's impact, showcasing the potential for economic and social empowerment through targeted interventions and community support.
