Gangamma, a resident Maraladinni Village, Karnataka of this rural community, has turned her kitchen garden into a thriving organic vegetable farm. Her story not only serves as an inspiring example of entrepreneurship but also highlights the crucial role of kitchen gardens in enhancing family income and food security.

Gangamma’s journey is one of resilience and determination. Her husband works as a tractor driver, but his work is demand-based and irregular, making it challenging to provide a stable income for their family. Despite facing financial hardships, Gangamma was adamant about ensuring her three children received an education and enrolled them in the local government school in Maraladinni.

Gangamma’s family owned three acres of land, primarily cultivating paddy and Toor Dal using traditional farming methods. However, over the past few years, low rainfall and drought conditions led to reduced yields, and their monthly income dwindled to a meager Rs. 15,000. These regions are often hit by drought, further exacerbating the difficulties faced by farming families who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. Despite being declared a drought-affected area, the family received no compensation from the government, intensifying their financial struggles.

In 2022, Gangamma joined the Shree Devi Women Self-Help Group, operating under the guidance of the Bellary Diocese Development Society (BDDS). The group’s participation in the U3 developmental program, which focuses on climate-resilient and adaptive agriculture, led to a renewed sense of purpose. The program places a strong emphasis on community-owned processes and aims to strengthen Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).

Through various training sessions provided by the U3 program, SHG members were equipped with knowledge in organic farming, integrated natural farming, SHG management, environmental protection, and the availability of social welfare schemes. Gangamma’s newfound confidence and determination inspired her to embark on a journey of organic vegetable farming in her backyard, measuring 20 x 40 meters.

Under the guidance of BDDS community educators, Gangamma began cultivating ladyfingers, brinjal, chili, and other vegetables in July 2023. She relied on cow dung-based compost manure and kitchen waste as natural fertilizers, ensuring her kitchen garden thrived with the help of drip irrigation. Gangamma’s commitment was unwavering, and she expressed her determination to set an example for others in her community.

During a visit by Caritas, Mr. Robert D Souza encouraged Gangamma to expand her efforts by starting vermicompost and cultivating banana, moringa, and papaya. Within just two months, Gangamma’s hard work paid off, and she harvested a bountiful supply of vegetables, earning an impressive Rs. 10,000. Her success story has not only brought her happiness but also motivated her to cultivate more vegetables, inspiring other women in her locality to follow suit.

Before Gangamma ventured into vegetable farming, she spent between Rs. 700 to Rs. 800 each week to purchase vegetables for her family. Today, she no longer needs to allocate a single rupee for buying vegetables, recognizing the significant savings that come with growing one’s produce.

Instead of selling her vegetables outside her village, Gangamma’s neighbors now visit her home to purchase fresh, organic produce. The nearest town, Maski, is located 13 kilometers away, making it an inconvenient option for regular vegetable shopping.

To further support Gangamma and other local farmers, the Ujjivana project team has initiated efforts to install a vermicompost pit with an allocated budget of Rs. 32,000.

Speaking about her journey, Gangamma shared, “Our area suffers from water scarcity due to low rainfall. We face challenges in our three acres of farmland, as our irrigation depends solely on rain. We cannot afford to dig a borewell. I was determined to find an additional source of income for my family. BDDS staff suggested creating a nutrition garden and guided me to use organic manure. They provided me with seeds for ladyfingers, green chilies, and brinjal. It helped me immensely, and I will continue growing organic vegetables.”

Gangamma expressed her gratitude to BDDS Ballari for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in her SHG’s success. Through their guidance and selfless service, they continue to empower women like Gangamma and pave the way for a brighter, more food-secure future.

Gangamma’s journey exemplifies the profound impact that kitchen gardens can have on the lives of smallholder farmers. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, emphasizing the importance of promoting sustainable farming practices that not only improve family income but also contribute significantly to food security and nutrition. As we celebrate her success, let us remember that empowering women like Gangamma is a powerful step towards ensuring a more resilient and food-secure future for communities across the nation.