Livelihoods
Why Kerala needs revival of Kaipad rice
Traditional salt-tolerant rice varieties grown in coastal Kaipad lands are set on a revival course. But farmers need more support to produce the nutrient-rich organic crop.
Lemongrass spreads scent of success in Odisha’s tribal land
The lemongrass fields sway with the promises of a brighter future for the tribal farmers of Odisha’s Keonjhar, offering a sustainable pathway to economic growth in the region.
Tea garden workers face bitter home truth in Bengal
Beneficiaries of West Bengal government’s Chaa Sundari housing scheme express dissatisfaction, citing inadequate facilities and infrastructure that have dampened their dreams of owning their own houses.
Tuskers trample Bengal village’s jackfruits of labour
As north Bengal struggles to coexist with elephants, the fate of Nepali Basti’s once-thriving jackfruit trade hangs in the balance as farmers incur losses due to the onslaught from the tuskers and abandon cultivation.
Bengal farmers bear brunt of Assam poultry ban
Aftershocks of Assam’s bird flu-related ban continue to rattle the poultry industry in Bengal even after the withdrawal of curbs, resulting in severe losses for farmers.
Panchkroshi – Maharashtra farmers harness the power of five
Maharashtra farmers are reviving the traditional concept of Panchkroshi, wherein five neighbouring villages come together, to boost sustainability in their drought-hit region.
Women suffer as Kashmir garlic faces market blues
As the market for Kashmiri garlic records a slump for the fourth year in a row, growers have been pushed against the wall in the Valley’s villages.
Bengal banana farmers bask in sunshine
Banana farmers in West Bengal’s Birbhum district conserve water and energy, utilising solar-powered pumps to extract groundwater and distribute it through the drip irrigation system.
Unique homestays in Munsiari
Homestays in this Himalayan village serve as the base for nature and adventure tourists while offering a livelihood for the local people, especially women.
Women’s organic farms mitigate Jharkhand’s migrant issue
Women farmers in Koteng Sera village of Jharkhand have embraced organic farming practices, breaking the cycle of labour migration, and securing nutritious f and income for their families.
Kerala’s tribal farmers sow success with millets
After Kerala reintroduced millet cultivation among the indigenous communities of Attapadi taluk, the villagers enjoy better health and livelihood despite losing crops to wild animals.
Papads and pickles empower women in Maharashtra
A women's self-help group in the quaint village of Peth in Palghar district of Maharashtra has transformed traditional culinary skills into entrepreneurial success.
Kashmir’s cherry farmers battle nature’s fury
Despite the introduction of new varieties and advanced techniques, untimely rainfall has significantly impacted cherry growers in the Valley, affecting their crop after a harsh winter.
‘We aim to provide employment to 1 lakh youth this year’
Despite their educational degrees, many young Indians find it difficult to get jobs. Ramesh Swamy, director of the not-for-profit organisation Unnati tells us how they are addressing this gap for the youth in the country.
This Maharashtra village is home to 10 aromatic rice varieties
Murukate village in Maharashtra grows 10 traditional varieties of rice, with organic fertiliser and the mountain streams that irrigate the fields lending each of them a unique fragrance.
Maharashtra villagers join forces to preserve serene beach
Unlike its boisterous, touristy neighbours like Alibag and Kihim, the rocky beachfront of Awas is untouched by food carts and recreational activities and offers clean serenity that draws loyal visitors.
These unschooled Odisha women are running a farm school
Women farmers of Nuaguda village not only work to preserve traditional rice and millet varieties but also run a school to teach others how to follow sustainable agriculture practices.
Soilless agriculture takes root in Haryana
Farmers in Haryana, aided by a government subsidy, are slowly taking to hydroponics to grow exotic vegetables and leafy greens under controlled temperature in poly houses.
Impact of climate change on Kashmir’s mushroom pickers
Unpredictable weather patterns, early springs, and above-average temperatures have left gucchi mushroom hunters in distress, facing another season of low yield for the second consecutive year.
Glittering Punjabi juttis hide grim story of shoemakers
Colourful and vibrant Punjabi footwear is known worldwide, but its makers are struggling to make a decent living.