Dignified livelihood for the most marginalised communities through vegetable cultivation and bamboo-based crafts

Upholding its belief in sustainable livelihood opportunities for all, PHIA has partnered with Erbacher Foundation to boost agri and allied entrepreneurship in marginalised farming communities from 6 villages in Nautan and Lauriya blocks of West Champaran district in Bihar. The programme promoted cultivation of vegetables and making of bamboo handicraft amongst farmers and farmer interest groups for food and livelihood security. Five Farmer Interest Groups were formed with improved female membership. FIGs were trained by Krishi Vigyan Kendras to practise climatesmart vegetable cultivation methods and provided with quality agri-inputs to build kitchen gardens. Since most of the households also rely on livestock farming, PHIA also promoted livestock health and security by organising vaccination of goats with support from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy. This year, in an effort to improve overall social security, 239 Musahar and Dom families were linked to social entitlements including work opportunities through e-shram cards. They now have more financial independence and nutrition and livelihood security as a result of the programme’s initiatives.