Livelihoods
These small industries are bringing big changes in villages
There are several small industrial projects that are lighting up the rural economy in unusual ways. This ‘Small Industry Day’, which is observed on August 30 every year, we revisit some of the initiatives featured on Village Square.
Lifting hopes: A homegrown solution to save ill cows
In rural India, a simple yet ingenious cattle lift developed by IIT Bombay promises to revolutionise veterinary care, coming as a boon for dairy farmers by helping cows suffering from ‘downer syndrome’.
Traditional ‘hangadi kheti’ revitalises Rajasthan’s agriculture
In drought-prone Rajasthan, an initiative is helping tribal communities combine hangadi kheti, a traditional multi-cropping method, with modern drip irrigation to use water judiciously and improve their livelihood.
Where farms produce more bricks than crops
Financial needs push farmers in Perera Pur village in Uttar Pradesh lease out their land to kilns. Making bricks with the topsoil of a farm reduces soil fertility, productivity and income, forcing farmers into a vicious cycle of economic challenges.
New tech solution boosts wool felt production, helps herders
Traditionally, nomadic herders made non-woven ornamental felt from animal wool through a laborious process. A new technological solution in the form of a hand-operated roller simplifies the process, helping the artisans make more wool felt fabric.
Travel souvenirs take MP artisans on road to success
Pashoo Pakshee, a social enterprise founded by Savini Sonavaria, supports over 350 artisans producing nature-inspired souvenirs, provides fair wages and financial independence.
Golden needles, purple tea: Women-led estate shines in Arunachal
Driven by an all-woman team, Donyi Polo Tea Estate in Arunachal Pradesh is pioneering sustainable tea cultivation and artisanal tea production, and breaking auction records.
Elderly puppeteers of Odisha keep kandhei nacha alive
Rabi Narayan Jena, Dukhabandhu Jena and Umakanta Jena are fighting to revive the ancient art of kandhei nacha (rod puppetry), despite modern entertainment threatening its existence in Odisha.
Chashi bandhus help communities restore ecosystem in Bengal
In Bankura district of Bengal, known for its barren hillsides, chashi bandhus or farmers’ friends are recognising the importance of arresting rainwater runoff, and implementing measures to transform the landscape and people’s livelihoods.
Assam startup tastes success with antibiotic-free poultry farming
Graduate Farmer, a startup founded by lawyer-turned-entrepreneur Bapan Das in Assam, has transformed small-scale poultry farming into a thriving business, benefiting both farmers and consumers by promoting antibiotic-free feed.
With cans of filtered water, she exhibits ‘can do’ entrepreneurial spirit
Unable to sustain her family with an agricultural income, this Jharkhand farmer sees an opportunity in supplying filtered water. With the right support, she establishes herself as a successful entrepreneur and is raring to grow.
Lemongrass flavours prosperity in Odisha’s Koraput
Farmers in Koraput are transitioning to lemongrass cultivation, supported by the district’s horticulture department and the Odisha government, as the herb offers a higher return than traditional crops.
‘We need to empower artisans to create market-ready designs’
Rural craftspersons have to be trained in costing, pricing, marketing, understanding consumers, packaging and storytelling to help them become successful entrepreneurs.
Golden empowerment: Women effect change through turmeric
In a remote village in Jharkhand, women take to turmeric cultivation and processing – learning everything from scratch, transforming their lives and inspiring other women to follow in their footsteps.
Patiala sisters balance school, goat farming to reap success
These two teenagers have turned a family need for goat milk into a successful business in Bahadurgarh, Punjab. Starting with a single goat, they now manage 65 goats of various breeds, producing milk, ghee and paneer.
eNAM digital revolution empowers tribal farmers in Odisha’s Nabarangpur
eNAM is connecting tribal farmers directly with buyers across India, eliminating middlemen, ensuring fair prices, and promoting transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in agricultural trading.
Another brick in the wall: The story of a brick-making village
In a village in the periphery of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, where brick kiln workers toil hard, difficult circumstances force their children to forego education, ending in a cycle of hardships across generations
Meet the last alchemists of Agaria tribe, forging iron from stones
The Agaria tribe’s legacy of turning ‘kaleji patthar’ stones into high-grade iron is kept alive by this uncle-nephew duo from rural Madhya Pradesh, who use traditional methods passed down through generations.
Pandemic-spurred self-help group is making huge strides in Punjab
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Veerpal Kaur from Sem Kalan village founded Shagun Ajivika, selling handmade traditional items, and the group now includes over 15 women who make products that celebrate Punjab’s legacy.
Kesar mangoes travel from Nashik’s tribal farms to US supermarkets
Tribal farmers of Nashik in Maharashtra have revolutionised mango cultivation, boosting productivity, while access to organic certification and international markets has led to successful exports of the kesar variety to the US.