After 50 years of farming, Mr. Rabon Hembram from Majherdanga village West Bengal realised how he can integrate agricultural and livestock farming in his own small land in order to have an integrated approach to improving livelihoods. Farming has become a challenging source of livelihood for the farmers due to various factors such as adverse climatic conditions, unpredictable weather events, pests and diseases, and a multitude of other reasons. However, in case of Mr. Rabon, a dedicated farmer for the past 50 years, faced issues around agricultural practices such as the use of fertilizer, loss from climatic disturbance, labour charges and costs of farming tools as prices increased rapidly. Mr. Rabo who has cultivated Boro paddy and potato several times in the past started facing losses due to pest attacks and climate issues. This added to his burden as he as an aged farmer found it difficult to constantly monitor different locations in his agricultural field. His grandson even tried to help but was too young for the job.

Apart from the household area, he only received 2 bighas (1 bigha = 0.33 acres) land from his father to cultivate. He realised that from this small land he cannot sustain his livelihood to support his family members. This whole situation led him to purchase and take on lease 6 bigha land from the big farmers where he cultivates Aman paddy on some portion and Boro paddy on some land. Gradually he started to cultivate some mustard and potatoes. Soon, he got his daughter married and his son-in-law established a grocery shop as an off-farm unit near his house.

His ways of farming started changing through the interception of the U3 programme known as Uttoran, a cluster programme for community empowerment, leading to good governance, agriculture, livelihood, and food sovereignty. The programme focuses on promoting the model of Integrated farming. With the support from Asansol Burdwan Seva Kendra (ABSK) partner staff, Mr. Rabon was given practical guidance to practice integrated farming on his agricultural land. He started this practice in 2.5 bigha land, near his house where he plants fruit trees for a natural border on one side. In another 1 bigha land, he cultivates seasonal vegetables such as chilli, lady ginger, brinjal and pulses.

Mr. Rabon was also trained on Pollution Free Poultry Farm (PFPF) by ABSK, Asansol. So he also started breeding poultry like hens and ducks and established a small livestock farming consisting of goats and cows. By using more organic manure from livestock, the soil quality of his farm also improved, thus increasing production. He has also made Azolla pit which is an eco-friendly bio-fertilizer and a great feed for livestock such as poultry, fish, and goat. He has made a mushroom unit for the winter season and renovated his small pond for a fishery unit. After two years of journey with integrated farming, he can now discern the substantial difference. Currently, he earns a profit of Rs. 3500 to 4000/- from his paddy cultivation by using only 0.3 acres of land.

The model of integrated farming has transformed the lives of Mr. Rabon, bringing substantial income into his household. Besides this, he is now earning from various sources which also boosts his confidence and reduces the risk of crop loss, as there are other alternative options to make up for any loss. Other farmers are getting motivated by his journey and are starting to replicate the model in their areas.

In his words “I am practising agriculture for a long time and managed livestock earlier. However, I never thought I can do these various types of farming in my small plot, this was new learning for me. Uttoran staffs showed the potentiality of my land and helped me to make the plan to utilize my resources fully. I am very happy and grateful toUttoran team for guiding me. As I am now becoming aged, this is the viable option for me. My grandson also helps me in my work now”.  A sense of confidence and positivity glitters on his aged face when he utters the note.