Self-Reliance Through Double Cropping and Vegetable Cultivation
Raipur, January 8, 2025
The implementation of the Forest Rights Act has brought significant change to the life of Shobhitram Bariha, a resident of Baihadih village in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh. Belonging to the Binjhawar community, Shobhitram had been farming on his land for years, but reliance on rain and a lack of resources limited his agricultural productivity. He often had to sell his hard-earned crops at low prices, leaving his annual income restricted to just ₹25,000–30,000.
Receiving legal ownership of the land under the Forest Rights Act proved to be a turning point for Shobhitram. With official land ownership, he was able to take advantage of government schemes, including land improvement and leveling through the MGNREGA initiative. This significantly enhanced the productivity of his farm. Today, he not only sells his produce at government procurement centers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) but also benefits from input subsidies provided by the government. As a result, his annual income has doubled to ₹60,000–70,000.
The Forest Rights Act also opened up avenues for Shobhitram to adopt modern farming techniques. By installing a tube well, he ensured year-round irrigation, enabling him to cultivate two crops annually. He has expanded his farming to include wheat, sunflower, and vegetables during the summer season, further boosting his income. With improved financial stability, Shobhitram built a concrete house for his family and even purchased a tractor, which not only aids his farming operations but also generates additional income through rentals.
The stability and certainty brought by the Forest Rights Act have not only strengthened Shobhitram’s economic position but also made him self-reliant. His family now enjoys a better quality of life, and he looks to the future with hope and confidence.
Reflecting on his journey, Shobhitram says, “After receiving the land rights, I dedicated myself fully to improving my farm. With the government’s schemes and technical support, I am now earning well from agriculture. This has enabled me to provide a good education to my children and improve our family’s living standards. Chhattisgarh government’s initiative has become a foundation for stability, economic progress, and social dignity in rural communities.”
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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