From Struggle to Stability: Basamati Podh’s Climate-Resilient Farming Success

Basamati Podh, a 48-year-old marginal farmer from Balpadar village in Titilagarh Block of Bolangir district, struggled for years to sustain her family through agriculture. With only two acres of land, low productivity, poor-quality seeds, and erratic weather conditions made farming increasingly unprofitable. The declining income forced her younger son to migrate to Mumbai for labour work.

Her situation changed through support from the CYSD PRAYAS initiative. Basamati received 20 kg of improved “2 Nut” groundnut seed along with training on scientific and climate-resilient farming practices. She adopted sustainable methods such as Beejamruta, Jeevamruta, compost application, and neem-based pest management. Technical guidance on timely sowing also helped her avoid dry spells and cold conditions.

Reflecting on the change, Basamati says, “Earlier, my son migrated to Mumbai for labour work earning only ₹9,000 per month. Today, farming itself gives us dignity and stability.”

Cultivating groundnuts on one acre of land, she harvested nearly 16 quintals and earned ₹57,600. Against a cultivation cost of only ₹7,500, she achieved a net profit of ₹50,100.

Today, Basamati’s success demonstrates how climate-resilient farming and timely support can improve incomes, reduce migration, and create sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers.