In Besarbata, located in the Surada block of Ganjam district, a new livelihood initiative is a testament to the resilience and determination of local farmers. Prashant Malik, 33, a farmer, shares the challenges faced by the community.

 “The income from selling cashews and tamarind is not enough for our sustenance anymore. Overexploitation of natural resources has disturbed the ecological balance, leading to severe weather conditions. Heavily reliant on rainfall for cultivation, we are experiencing drought-like conditions due to scanty rainfall. There are fewer livelihood opportunities here. Therefore, most of us work as daily wage labourers on farms or at construction sites in nearby villages like Baghamara, Jagamahan, Kajirikumpa, and Jholasahi to supplement our income.”

Besarbata village’s 22 families own small landholdings, which they use for paddy and vegetable cultivation during the monsoon season. Due to lack of water for irrigation—the nearest water source, the Jarau River, is more than a kilometre away—their land remains unused for the rest of the year. In addition to cultivation, these families have small cashew orchards. Every year, they harvest cashews and sell them to traders. Men and women also venture into the forest to collect tamarind, which they sell in the local market.

In July 2022, Axis Bank Foundation partnered with Gram Vikas to implement the Rural Livelihood project in Surada and Daringbadi blocks, aiming to reach out to nearly 25,000 households across 570 villages in Ganjam and Kandhamal districts. 

During a meeting with Gram Vikas, the farmers discussed the villages’ dwindling forest resources and less rainfall, making it difficult for them to cultivate their land and sustain a living. Severe and prolonged summer heat wave conditions have made their lives even more difficult in the past few years. 

Gram Vikas suggested goat farming as a livelihood enterprise that farmers can sustain long. Adopting suitable management practices in goat rearing, like avoiding grazing during the day when the temperature is maximum, increasing drinking water facilities, and supplementing with nutritious feed and fodder, etc., managing the livestock would be relatively easy and can be an alternative source of livelihood. Goats have a lower water requirement than other livestock animals. Farmers learned that the initial cost of goat farming is low. 

Inspired by what they heard, 11 farmers from the village decided to form a Farmer Producer Group (FPG) in May 2023. The members of Maa Gramadebati FPG collected a share contribution of ₹1,000 each and received ₹38,500 from Gram Vikas. Farmers showed unwavering dedication by learning about sustainable goat farming practices during another meeting with the Gram Vikas staff. The farmers also learned how to build proper goat sheds, which are crucial for maintaining the health of the animals. 

Soon, under the supervision of Gram Vikas, farmers constructed a goat shed, chose an elevated piece of land and built a goat shed to prevent waterlogging when it rained. They used bamboo from the nearby forest to keep costs low. In November 2023, members invested ₹40,000 and bought five goats. 

Ramesh Mallik, a member of the FPG, says, “We have developed an improved quality goat shed. Our goats are safe here, and we are providing timely vaccinations. Goat rearing will increase our income. The goats are reared and taken daily for grazing and properly cared for. Vaccinations are being carried out in consultation with the veterinary department, resulting in the goats being well-protected from diseases.” In April 2024, two goats gave birth, increasing to seven goats.

The initiative has brought hope to Besarbata village, offering a sustainable and promising source of income for the farmers. With continued support from Gram Vikas and proper management practices, goat farming will significantly enhance these families’ livelihood, instilling hope for a better future.

Reported by Kailash Chandra Das, Rabindra Gouda, Bairagi Karjee, and Shakti Panigrahi.