Bharti Patel, a determined mother of three, faced the daunting challenge of supporting her family on a meagre income from a small two-acre farm. With unpredictable yields from soybeans and wheat due to erratic weather patterns, Bharti’s dreams of a better life seemed distant. However, her story took a transformative turn with the introduction of the SAFBIN program by Manav Vikas Seva Sangh (MVSS), supported by Caritas Austria and Caritas India.

Launched in February 2024 in Gondai village, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, SAFBIN aims to bolster the resilience of smallholder farmers by diversifying their income sources and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. One of its key interventions was the formation of self-help groups (SHGs) for women, which became platforms for credit mobilization and knowledge-sharing. Bharti joined an SHG named ‘Madhuri,’ where she learned about government schemes and sustainable farming practices.

“The SHG meetings opened my eyes to new possibilities,” Bharti shared. “I learned about managing livelihoods and discovered the potential of incense stick making as an income source.” This newfound knowledge ignited a spark in her, leading her to explore opportunities beyond traditional farming.

With encouragement from SAFBIN, Bharti connected with a wholesaler willing to provide training and market access for her new venture. A community worker facilitated a partnership with a wholesale incense stick trader in nearby Sagar city, who offered free training. Over three intensive days, Bharti learned how to produce incense sticks using machinery.

Empowered and equipped with skills, she invested her family’s savings—Rs. 91,000 (€1,050)—to purchase an incense stick-making machine. By May 2024, she launched her business, quickly finding success. “I now earn Rs. 14,000 (€160) every month from making incense sticks,” she proudly stated. On high-demand days, she can produce up to a quintal of incense sticks, generating daily earnings that significantly contribute to her family’s financial stability.

Bharti’s journey exemplifies how diversified income sources can enhance resilience among smallholder farmers. The SAFBIN program not only equipped her with skills for incense production but also encouraged improved agricultural practices. “I’ve started using Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions, which have cut our input costs,” she explained. Additionally, she ventured into vegetable farming through intercropping, further diversifying her family’s income.

This holistic approach is vital in building resilience against climate change impacts that threaten agricultural productivity. By adopting sustainable practices and exploring alternative income streams, farmers like Bharti are better prepared to face uncertainties.

Bharti’s success story is part of a larger narrative unfolding across ten villages in Sagar district under the SAFBIN initiative. As more women join SHGs and learn about sustainable practices, they are not only improving their livelihoods but also fostering community cohesion and empowerment.

The SAFBIN program emphasizes multi-stakeholder partnerships with government bodies and civil society organizations to create an ecosystem that supports sustainable development. Through regular training sessions and exchange learning platforms, best practices are shared among farmers, amplifying their impact.

As Bharti reflects on her journey, she recognizes the profound change SAFBIN has brought to her life: “I’m so proud of my incense stick business; it has helped improve my family’s livelihood.” Her story is not just about personal success; it symbolizes hope for countless families facing similar struggles.

Caritas India envisions a future where smallholder farmers are empowered through diversified income sources and sustainable practices. By continuing to support initiatives like SAFBIN, we can build resilient communities capable of thriving despite challenges posed by climate change and economic uncertainty.