“I have been working as a labourer for the last 37 years harvesting crops for other farmers in my area. Now, I cultivate in my own land and harvest, as we are the owner of the land”, exclaimed Ms. Kabita Oran an empowered Farmers’ Cluster Group President, from

Naxalbari, Darjeeling in West Bengal. Village Jiwanjote of Hatigisha Gram Panchayat of Naxalbari block, Darjeeling district, consists of 95% tribal population while Nepali and Kumar make the rest 5%,. Marginalised community members work as day labourers as they do not own any agricultural land, except a small size for houses.

Three SHGs (Kalpana, Kamal and Gulab) are from Jiwanjote village and these groups were formed and strengthened to function collectively. The SHGs started to mobilize themselves and attended the capacity-building training organised by Seva Kendra Siliguri, supported by Miseroer and Caritas India. After several capacity-building trainings such as leadership development, functioning of groups, income enhancement opportunities, organic farming and the rest, the group started their mushroom production on their own land. This helped them make some profits after the consumption of mushrooms for their own household. The group then decided, to cultivate vegetables by leasing the land. They thus leased 1.5 acres of land for producing ‘sessional vegetables and took a subsidized loan from the bank, investing about Rs.12000/- for maintaining the garden, purchasing seeds and materials for organic growth and other pest control measures. By the end of the session, each member received approximately Rs. 3500/- by selling their produce.

The continuous handholding support by the Uttoran programme staff and incessant capacity-building exercises on ‘Organic farming, Organic manure preparation, natural pest control and post-harvest, proved incredibly valuable for the group to plan their goal and execute it, thus earning more profit than before. This also boosted their confidence and fostered cohesiveness among the group members.

With the amount from the profit and money from the bank loan taken, the women’s group bought a 1.5-acre barren land for cultivation. They also prepared a document to establish a “common understanding” among each other and developed a work roaster for the whole cultivation period. The effort earned them enough profit, that the same women who used to depend on their husbands for monetary assistance are now supporting their farmer husbands. They are leading the way by fulfilling the needs of their households, like paying for school fees and for cultivation.

At present paddy is harvested and stored. They are expecting 15 quintals of produce and the current rate is 1900 per quintal. Hence the estimated return will be approximately Rs.28,000/-

The SHG groups are very pleased and thankful to Seva Kendra and Caritas India Uttoran programme for their regular accompaniment and support for it has played a valuable role in improving their livelihoods. Such initiatives led by the SHGs have contributed towards improving the livelihood of many community members.

“Helping others and asking for help from others has not only encouraged us, but we believe it’s essential, and this brought cohesiveness among us” Ms. Susmita Lakra, a group member.