In Sarna village, located in the heart of Shahpur block of Bhojpur district, agriculture has always been the primary livelihood for its 180 households. Among the hardworking farmers of Sarna is Dilip Chaudhary, who owns 12 katthas of land. For years, Dilip, like many others, depended on the cultivation of paddy and wheat, his primary crops. However, despite his consistent efforts, the income from these crops remained limited, and his land remained fallow during the pre-monsoon lean period, providing no additional yield or benefit to the soil. With a lack of exposure to new farming techniques, Dilip struggled to find effective solutions to enhance productivity.
It was during this period of stagnation that Dilip recalled the potential of pulses, particularly moong, as a viable option to enrich the soil and make better use of the pre-monsoon window. However, despite his knowledge, he did not have the resources or guidance to incorporate this crop into his farming routine.
The turning point came in March, when Bhartiya Jan Utthan Parishad (BJUP) organized a village-level awareness meeting under its Holistic Rural Development Program (HRDP), supported by HDFC Bank. Dilip, attending the meeting, shared his struggles, and the HRDP team responded by providing him with 6 kg of moong seeds. They also offered practical guidance on cultivation techniques, bio-inputs, and the best farming practices to ensure the successful growth of the crop.
With regular follow-ups and the adoption of the recommended practices, Dilip’s first harvest of moong was highly successful, yielding an impressive 100 kg of moong dal. This early success not only boosted his morale but also encouraged him to continue pursuing moong cultivation. During the HRDP team’s subsequent visit, Dilip was in the process of his second harvest, expecting an even higher yield of 120 kg.
This success story marks a significant shift in Dilip’s farming practices. By diversifying his crops and using moong as an interim crop during the pre-monsoon period, he has enriched the soil and boosted his income. Additionally, moong cultivation has improved the long-term sustainability of his land, promoting soil health and increasing its fertility. Dilip now plans to continue cultivating moong every pre-monsoon season, ensuring that his land remains productive throughout the year.
Dilip’s story has become an inspiration for others in the community. He now shares his experience with fellow farmers in Sarna, emphasizing the importance of diversification and sustainable farming practices. He acknowledges the support he received from the HRDP initiative and expresses gratitude for the life-changing impact it has had on his family’s income and land productivity.
Dilip proudly states:
“We are small farmers. This kind of initiative boosts our economic condition and motivates us to make the best use of our land. I wholeheartedly thank the HRDP team of Bhartiya Jan Utthan Parishad and HDFC Bank for this support.”
