Livelihoods
Desi chicken empowers Odisha’s tribal women
In southern Odisha’s Malkangiri district, tribal women are rearing local breeds of chicken in free-range farms to supplement their family income and ensure better nutrition for their families.
The story of the migrating, dairy-farming Gujjars
In a yearly ritual forest-dwelling Gujjars migrate to a partially dried-up dam in Uttarakhand where their cattle graze with plenty of water and fodder around, and the farmers supply milk to nearby towns.
Devastating floods the latest woes for Odisha’s farmers
Already battered by cyclones, Odisha farmland is now hit by floods with its farmers facing massive financial losses and hoping for government compensation.
“I’m the lone woman idol maker among 300 artisans”
When Nomita Sar was widowed early, the art of idol-making she had learnt from her father came in handy. With a handful of good orders this year, the Durga Puja is bringing colour to her life after the pandemic doldrums.
Win-win for women working in eco-tourism camp
While five eco-tourism camps in Odisha’s picturesque Satkosia Tiger Reserve offer a nature retreat for tourists, they also boost both the confidence and income of the women workers.
Safaris drive up Bastar tourism
A group of Chhattisgarh youth invest in sports utility vehicles to offer safari rides inside the Kanger Valley National Park, gaining an income and boosting tourism in Bastar.
Cycling 1400 km to get 1000 rural investors
The man behind Jharkhand's Mor Mitti initiative is cycling 1400 kms to New Delhi, hoping to pick up 1000 investors in his rural project along the way. We spoke with Biswambharnath Naik about his ambitious journey.
Famed Kashmiri carpets knotted for new parliament
Renowned Kashmiri carpets are being specially made for India's new parliament building, giving a boost to the region's famous crafts industry.
A bus driver now drives farm prosperity
Meet Amol Kadam, a bus driver who is helping his village with farming.
How the patuas sustain their art of storytelling through scrolls
The patua art of storytelling through painted scrolls and songs now flourishes in varied adaptations, putting the art on the world map.
Bell metal fires fading out in Assam
The rising cost of raw material, coupled with the pandemic and stiff competition from other states, is dealing a blow to the ancient brass and bell metal industry of Sarthebari, Assam.
Saathi Ventures announces award for stories of micro-entrepreneurs
More than half of India's population is engaged in entrepreneurship, especially micro-entrepreneurship. To celebrate India’s massive micro-entrepreneurial economy, Saathi Ventures is conducting a micro-entrepreneurship storytelling challenge.
Sparking ideas for India’s next 75 years
The recent Indian Rural Colloquy brought together India's sharpest minds - from doyens of the development world to industry leaders, government secretaries and activists - all at the front of India's march to progress.
Lip-smacking tribal cuisines help women make a living
A tribal festival in Jharkhand popularises authentic tribal cuisine, ensuring traditional recipes are preserved and helping tribal women explore opportunities to make money serving their unique fare.
Mango cultivation not so juicy in Chittoor this year
Unseasonal heavy rainfall and winds are hurting the mango yields of Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor farmers, who cater to local juice factories and export markets.
Homemaker turns soft toy entrepreneur
After attending a training programme, a Rajasthani homemaker becomes a craft entrepreneur, making soft toys and giving gainful employment to other women from her village.
Goa’s villagers struggle with fewer tourists
As if the COVID pandemic weren’t bad enough, the Russian war deals a harder blow to Goa’s tourism, forcing tourism-dependent villagers to find new means of income.
Chai and Bandhu brew a perfect blend for Chakla
Suspicious of his motives, his tea shop and Muslim identity, the people of Chakla village shunned Abdul Nazar until they realised his chai shop was a springboard to develop their village.
Same dam yields more fish through cage fish farming
With increasing number of fishermen vying for a catch in the same dam, their livelihood was at stake. Growing fish in cages within the dam helps the fishermen earn more.
Weaving a way out of destitution
Weaving indigenous handloom clothes offers destitute women and those who have been trafficked a safe and stable livelihood in the hills of Darjeeling.