In a shift from traditional forest-based livelihoods to agriculture, tribal communities have transitioned towards cultivating cash crops, notably vegetables. The CYSD intervention has actively encouraged farmers to embrace year-round cultivation of cash crops, with Monsoon potato cultivation being a prime example of success in the Kashipur block during 2021 with collaboration with the District Horticulture Department. Among the beneficiaries, Subhasanti Majhi, aged around 45, and wife of Sadasiba Majhi, is a small-holder farmer residing in Pondkapadar village within Dongasil GP of Kashipur Block in Rayagada district. She is one of the 125 farmers who received 50 Kg of potato seeds from the Horticulture Department, with CYSD’s assistance. This support empowered her to venture into potato farming on a small, sloped plot of land After attending a village-level meeting organized by CYSD, Subhasanti embarked on the journey of monsoon potato cultivation. Despite initial nervousness due to the novelty of farming potatoes during the monsoon, she successfully navigated the process with guidance from the CYSD project team. Planting 51 Kg of potato seeds on July 18th, she overcame challenges posed by continuous rain and waterlogging. While several fellow villagers suffered complete crop losses, her strategically sloped land and effective farming practices enabled her to yield around 290 Kg of potatoes. Her achievements have sparked interest among other Self-Help Group (SHG) members in her village and nearby areas.

Witnessing the success, again Subhasnti received 51 Kg of Kufrijyoti potato seeds along with organic fertilizer from DDH with the facilitation of CYSD. Following proper seed treatment and bio-fertilizer preparation, she cultivated the crop, hoping for a fruitful harvest. Both Subhasanti and her husband, Sadasiba, worked diligently from land preparation to harvest, following the guidance provided by CYSD’s community mobilizers and experts.

Subhasnti’s potato farming was successful, as she brought in a total of Rs. 7,250 while investing Rs. 3,330, earning a profit of Rs. 3,920. With a grant of Rs. 550 as seed and bio-fertilizer support from DDH, as well as labor contributions from both husband and wife, the couple managed to make a profit of Rs. 3,920 within just three months. They sold approximately 270 kg of potatoes in Dongasil haat, while reserving 20 kg for personal consumption. Narasingh Saunta, the Sarpanch of the GP, praises this initiative and its positive impact on the community.