Artarana Bhoi, a 63-year-old farmer and member of Jay Kisan Farmer Producer Group (FPG) from Chhatrang village in Bongomunda block of Balangir district, has improved his earnings by benefitting from the comprehensive training programmes and exposure visits organised by Gram Vikas. These programmes cover a wide range of topics, from modern farming techniques to market trends, and the exposure visits allow farmers to learn from successful practitioners in other regions. In addition, with the support of Gram Vikas, he has become the first successful pointed gourd cultivator in his area.

“I was inspired to take up pointed gourd cultivation after an exposure visit to Lochan Behera’s farm in Chindaguda village. Lochan reshaped his farming practice after a learning visit to Balisahi in Ganjam district, where he learnt about modern techniques and advanced farming practices from farmers in Balisahi. It helped to boost his income significantly.”

Building on proven impact

Farmers practice traditional methods in these areas, but adapting modern agricultural practices has become crucial with changing weather patterns and extreme weather. Exposure visits help farmers interact and learn advanced farming practices from the farmers they visit. Farmers witness firsthand examples of sustainable techniques. The demonstrations and interactions with farmers applying sustainable methods not only strengthen the confidence of visiting farmers but also enlighten them about the latest agricultural practices, encouraging them to try these practices in their own fields.

Upon their return from the visit, the Gram Vikas team once again provides the farmers with a detailed explanation of modern farming methods that reduce farming costs and dependence on rain for cultivation.

Farmers receive guidance on spacing, trellising, mulching, and organic fertilisation. They also receive a demonstration on preparing a fish tonic, which enhances the strength of flower buds and prevents them from falling off prematurely after flowering. They use neem oil, a natural insect repellent, to suppress insects, ensuring a healthy and abundant harvest. Farmers also use pheromone traps to safeguard their crops against insect infestations.

Artarana has four acres of farmland, which he uses to cultivate paddy, a mango orchard, and some of his land to grow vegetables. For the first time in February 2024, he cultivated pointed gourd and began reaping significant harvests in three and a half months.

What started as a modest experiment has turned into a profitable venture. The pointed gourd Artarana cultivated organically has become highly sought after in the village and vendors from local markets, selling for up to ₹50 per kilogram. Artarana now earns between ₹600 to ₹800 weekly, providing for his family while inspiring other farmers like Parameswari Bhoi from his group.

His success is part of a larger rural development initiative spanning 20 villages in Balangir district, funded by HDFC Bank Parivartan and supported by Gram Vikas. Gram Vikas played a crucial role in Artarana’s journey, providing him with the necessary training, exposure visits, and ongoing support. This initiative focuses on strengthening livelihoods and fostering economic growth, especially for small farmers like Artarana.

Reflecting on his journey, Artarana says, “Pointed gourd cultivation was new to our village, but its demand is constant, much like fish in the market. The demand for this vegetable remains steady throughout the year, making it a reliable source of income for farmers. I learned the best practices for cultivating pointed gourds with Gram Vikas’s support. I also learnt to grow vegetables in general using organic manure. I plan to cultivate it on one acre of land next season. I earned ₹6,500 up to June 2024 from pointed gourd, and feel there is potential to improve one’s income as the yield increases from the second year onwards.”

As Artarana’s success grows, his story becomes a beacon of hope and inspiration for other small farmers in the region. It shows that even the smallest plots of land can yield prosperity with the right support.