Mahavir Lakda, a resident of Devridad village in Rajpur, Balrampur district, faced numerous challenges in life due to financial constraints. His education was limited to 12th grade, and he found himself struggling to make ends meet for his family of five children. With limited land and no prospects for higher education, Mahavir embarked on a journey of hardship, seeking opportunities for livelihood in neighboring towns.
Initially, he found work in a dairy farm in Bhopal but soon realized that the income was insufficient to support his family's needs adequately. It was during a visit back home in March 2015 that he stumbled upon a meeting organized by Rural Education and Development Society (READS) regarding the NABARD Wadi Vikas Program. Intrigued by the prospects, Mahavir attended the meeting and was inspired by the possibilities it presented.
Upon returning to his village, Mahavir rallied 80 fellow farmers to participate in the Wadi program. Twenty of them were selected to visit Bagicha Development Block in Jashpur district to witness the success of NABARD's Wadi initiative. Impressed by what they saw, Mahavir and his fellow farmers wasted no time in preparing their lands for planting trees. In July 2016, READS provided Mahavir with 25 mango and 30 guava saplings for his one-acre land.
Determined to succeed, Mahavir diligently cared for his saplings, ensuring they received adequate water, nutrients, and protection from pests. He also received training in intercropping and proper orchard management practices, enhancing his skills as a farmer. Over the years, Mahavir's dedication bore fruit, quite literally, as his orchard started yielding mangoes and guavas by 2021.
With the introduction of drip irrigation, Mahavir's yields increased substantially, boosting his income and improving his family's financial stability. He invested his earnings wisely, building a sturdy house for his family, purchasing a motorcycle and car for transportation, and even venturing into pig farming for additional income.
Moreover, Mahavir didn't stop at fruit farming; he diversified his agricultural activities by cultivating black turmeric, aiming to earn over ₹2 lakhs annually. He also utilized a portion of his Wadi income to invest in mahogany saplings, ensuring a lucrative return in the future.
Reflecting on his journey, Mahavir acknowledges the invaluable lessons he learned through the NABARD Wadi Vikas Program and READS. He emphasizes the importance of treating farming as a business, devoid of emotional attachments or dependencies. Today, Mahavir's life is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of sustainable agriculture.
In conclusion, Mahavir's success story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring farmers, demonstrating that with dedication, innovation, and strategic interventions, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome.