Patrapur block, 26 May 2025 – Farming has never been easy in the hilly terrains of Patrapur block in Odisha’s Ganjam district. Scarce water, poor irrigation, and rugged terrain have long made it difficult for small and marginal farmers to grow crops and earn a stable income.

But across villages, Gram Vikas’ Water Secure Gram Panchayat Programme (WSGP) supports small farmers to make their land productive and earn from it.

At the heart of Gram Vikas’ efforts is the belief that communities can understand, plan, and act on the factors impacting their environment. As frontline responders, local people bring valuable knowledge and lived experience to lead climate adaptation. What they often lack are the resources to implement needed changes. This is where timely support becomes critical.

In 2023, Gram Vikas supported 59 farmers across 11 Farmer Producer Groups in 10 villages of Tumba Panchayat with pigeon pea seeds and highly nutritious pulses that fetch good market prices. Despite challenging weather, the results have been encouraging.

Ram Chandra Sabar from Banapur village harvested 40 kg of pigeon peas. “The flowers and fruits didn’t grow well due to erratic weather,” he shared, “but I still managed a decent yield of 40 kg.” He sold 35 kg at ₹120 per kg and used the earnings to buy vegetable seeds, manure, and fertiliser, setting aside 5 kg for his family. “Earlier, I could grow only 16 kg in the same land area. The seeds from Gram Vikas were good; therefore, the yield was comparatively higher,” he added with a smile.

In Chakaamba village, Sarat Chandra Dalei and four fellow farmers each harvested around 30 kg of pigeon peas. Better irrigation could have increased the yield further, but Sarat reinvested his earnings to grow brinjal, tomato, lady’s finger, sunflower, and pigeon peas across three acres in June 2024. Last year, his diversified farming earned him around ₹70,000.

The WSGP programme focuses on the smart use of water and natural resources to strengthen livelihoods.

With access to improved seeds, basic irrigation, and training, small farmers are reducing input costs, improving productivity, and building long-term climate resilience.

Water, however, remains a pressing challenge. Most farmers in the region still rely on diesel motors to draw water from dug wells or the Mahendragiri river. Even modest improvements in water access can yield significant results.

In Babanasahi village, Bhagirathi Karji saw a jump in productivity in July 2024 after Gram Vikas laid pipes from a nearby spring and constructed a canal to irrigate his and three other farmers’ lands. He now earns over ₹15,000 every three to four months from vegetables alone.

“I sell my vegetables at the local haat, but with the good harvest this year, I hope to expand and sell them in the Patrapur block main market,” Bhagirathi shared — reflecting the growing ambition among small farmers.

Interest in cultivating pulses, vegetables, and oilseeds continues to rise. With just a little support — better seeds, simple irrigation, and timely guidance — small and marginal farmers are proving that sustainable farming is possible, even in the most challenging environments.

Reported by: Pankajini Sabar, Subhash Gamango, and Kailash Chandra Das.