Sundargarh: The success story of pointed gourd cultivation at Budabahal village under Meghadega panchayat by the Katra-Budabahal Van Surakhya Samiti (VSS) in Sundargarh district stands as a shining example of how strategic interventions can transform the economic landscape of a community. The villagers’ lives have changed for the better as they took up pointed gourd farming on small patches of land on Hele riverbed and reaped success. Initially, the villagers grew the vegetable on small patches of land in small amounts after the paddy season.
However, realising the profits and prospects in taking up pointed gourd farming, they decided to make the vegetable their main crop. Eventually, cultivation of pointed gourd proved to be a boon for these villagers with some of them now earning anything between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh annually. The villagers are now witnessing the fruits of a thriving pointed gourd cultivation initiative in the area, courtesy of Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (OFSDP-II) Phase II. The project’s multifaceted approach has not only bolstered the local economy but also fostered unity, showcasing the potential of collaborative efforts in rural development. The community of KatraBudabahal VSS has witnessed a remarkable transformation with 102 households at the forefront of a pointed gourd cultivation initiative that has surpassed the expectations.
In a span of five years, OFSDPII has expanded pointed gourd cultivation in Katra-Budabahal VSS from 40 to 102 households, covering over 60 acre land and generating an annual income surpassing Rs 60 lakh. The success in this context not only ushers in economic wellbeing to the households involved but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for taking up similar initiatives elsewhere. The OFSDP-II has played a pivotal role in this success, providing a comprehensive support package that includes a substantial Rs 2.65 lakh revolving fund, market linkages, and hands-on assistance from the partner-NGO SEWAK. Economic empowerment is at the core of this initiative and the results are evident in the flourishing pointed gourd cultivation.
However, the impact goes beyond mere economic gains as OFSDPII has fostered inter-sectorial convergence, bringing together various elements of the community for a common goal. This collaborative approach has not only strengthened the social fabric but also created a sustainable model for rural development. A key component of the success story is the focus on infrastructure development. The introduction of single-line trellises and the establishment of water facilities through lift irrigation points exemplify a holistic approach to rural development. These infrastructural enhancements not only facilitate pointed gourd cultivation but also lay the foundation for overall agricultural progress in the region. Digambar Upadhyay, Team Leader of partner NGO SEWAK, highlighted the transformative impact of OFSDP-II, citing capacity-building programmes, exposure visits, and continuous handholding support. This triumph of KatraBudabahal VSS is a testament to the potential of collaborative efforts in enhancing livelihoods and promoting sustainability. It underscores the importance of well-planned interventions, financial support, and community engagement in uplifting rural communities.
