Like many young men in his village, Jyanto Mandi, a 25-year-old lad from Murakati village of Paschim Medinipur district in West Benga once sought a better life beyond the confines of his rural home. He ventured to Tamil Nadu in search of employment, but the reality of migrant labor was harsh. After a year filled with long hours and minimal pay, he returned home, grappling with the dilemma of whether to pursue the uncertainties of migration again or seek opportunities within his community.

Jyanto’s life took a pivotal turn when a Community Educator from Caritas India visited his family to discuss the benefits of household organic farming. Encouraged to attend a village meeting, Jyanto listened intently as the Educator passionately spoke about sustainable agriculture and the potential for building livelihoods at home. For the first time, he envisioned a future where he could cultivate his own land while remaining close to his family.

Despite initial doubts—fueled by warnings from friends who had migrated and skepticism from his father—Jyanto found the confidence to pursue organic farming with the support and mentorship of the Community Educator. This guidance proved invaluable as Jyanto navigated the complexities of sustainable agriculture, from crop selection to organic pest control.

With determination and hard work, Jyanto harvested his first crops: 20 kgs of lady’s finger, 21 kgs of leafy greens, 35 kgs of sponge gourd, and 16 kgs of bitter gourd. His earnings totalled Rs. 11,500—a significant achievement that validated his decision to stay in Murakati. Inspired by Jyanto’s success, other farmers began reconsidering their agriculture approaches. Many sought his advice or turned to the Community Educator for guidance on adopting organic practices.

As more families embraced organic multi-cropping methods, a ripple effect transformed the community. Farmers who once felt trapped in cycles of poverty began to see the potential for sustainable livelihoods right in their own backyards.

Caritas India’s Uttoran program is instrumental in this transformation. Launched with a focus on climate-resilient agriculture and livelihoods, Uttoran aims to empower communities through capacity building and community animation. The program reaches approximately 5093 households across 130 villages in West Bengal, targeting marginalized groups including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other disadvantaged populations.

The initiative fosters climate-adaptive agricultural practices, ensuring that farmers can sustain their livelihoods even in the face of environmental challenges. By promoting knowledge sharing and technical training through Community Educators like Jyanto’s mentor, Uttoran equips local farmers with essential skills while fostering a sense of community ownership over agricultural practices.

Today, Jyanto is not only a successful farmer but also a role model for others in Murakati. He recently married and plans to expand his farming operations significantly. His journey illustrates how targeted interventions can empower individuals to build sustainable futures without leaving their homes.

The impact of the Uttoran program extends far beyond individual success stories; it represents a collective movement toward resilience and self-sufficiency in rural communities. By enabling youth like Jyanto to thrive through organic farming, Caritas India is effectively reversing migration trends and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

Jyanto Mandi’s story is just one among many that highlight how Caritas India’s Uttoran program is transforming lives. Through community animation and empowerment, this initiative is not only enhancing food security but also nurturing hope for a brighter future—one where local communities can flourish sustainably at home.