Rural India is home of the original gig-economy worker. Enterprising villagers hop from tilling fields to tending shops, to door-to-door selling each day. Read the latest trends in micro-enterprises, rural start-ups and the shifting livelihoods of India’s villagers.
Livelihoods
Tripura’s fish farmers net benefits of captive fisheries
Fish farmers in the Sepahijala district of Tripura have formed collectives to successfully rear fish seeds and table fish. This collective livelihood initiative has increased their incomes by reducing risks and costs
Women farmers suffer due to unequal land rights
Although they are often the actual cultivators, the lack of land rights among women farmers in Odisha has resulted in chronic distress because they are unable to get government loans or compensation over crop loss
Assam village become trailblazers in adaptive agriculture
From seed banks to rainwater harvesting, one village on the banks of the Brahmaputra River has spread innovative agriculture through the region, as farmers battle against worsening floods and droughts
Women show the way in waterless Ladakh
As snowfall reduces and glaciers retreat in Ladakh due to climate change, a group of women is promoting traditional ways of farming that are best suited to the cold desert
Bengal youth lead revival of heritage rice varieties
A bunch of young professionals have chosen to stay back in their villages in Uttar Dinajpur in West Bengal to revive the heritage of folk rice varieties that were once cultivated by their ancestors
Munda tribes of Jharkhand desire inclusive development
Once self-sufficient, the Munda farming community in Jharkhand has accepted changes in governance that promises social and economic development. But, inclusive development has eluded them
Karnataka farmers reap benefits of native cow’s milk
Rearing native cattle, farmers in rural Karnataka have brought about a welcome rural-urban link, benefiting economically and bringing health benefits to urban consumers
Of kamranga and kachnar: vanishing flavors and shrinking food basket
Innumerable varieties of native fruits and leafy vegetables found in different parts of India are becoming rare on dinner tables. We should make efforts to revive them for a more varied and nutritious food basket
West Bengal brings Dokra metal craft back from brink
Revived with the support of the state government and social enterprises, the traditional metal craft Dokra has found its place in art maps, giving artisans in the remote village of Bikna much-needed financial stability