In the year 2017, a group of individuals came together to form the Durga Self-Help Group, under the umbrella of the NABARD Devsara Jamhati Jalgrahan Project. Initially uncertain about how to increase their income, the members received guidance from the Rural Education and Development Society (READS) on cultivating gladiolus flowers. Despite their initial apprehension about growing a flower they had never heard of before, the READS team assured them of comprehensive training and assistance in marketing their produce.
Encouraged by the support from READS and the promise of assistance from the NABARD Jalgrahan Committee, the group embarked on gladiolus cultivation in October 2018. With the help of the Horticulture Department, they procured 25,000 gladiolus bulbs for half an acre of land in the Devsara village cluster. After preparing the land with compost and proper irrigation, they planted the bulbs in the first week of October and provided timely care, leading to the onset of flowering within 60 to 65 days.
Their efforts bore fruit as they began selling gladiolus flowers at ₹8 each in the Ambikapur flower market, earning a total revenue of ₹25,000. This success motivated them to continue with gladiolus cultivation, and in 2019, they expanded their cultivation to 1,500 bulbs. By September, they had already sold flowers worth ₹9,000 and anticipated a production of 4,000 flowers for the year, with a projected income of ₹20,500.
Looking ahead, the group plans to further scale up gladiolus cultivation to improve their economic situation. Grateful for the guidance provided by NABARD, READS, and the Jalgrahan Committee, all 12 members of the group have experienced positive changes in their lives. They are on their way to financial empowerment and are determined to continue their journey towards prosperity.
Through their dedication and the support of various organizations, the Durga Self-Help Group has transformed from uncertainty to success, demonstrating the potential of agriculture as a means of sustainable livelihood. Their story serves as an inspiration for other communities seeking to improve their economic status through innovative agricultural practices and collective effort.