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.
For many years, Bankura district in West Bengal was known for its barrenness and undulating terrain. The forests were increasingly under pressure as the hill tracts lacked sufficient vegetative cover, leading to soil erosion and water running off from the high slopes to the valleys.
The community suffered from a severe lack of trees and plantations that led to a multitude of issues. Despite receiving heavy rainfall, the small hills surrounding Bankura remained bare, leading to further water runoff and heavy soil erosion.
But now the barren terrain has been converted into a lush landscape, thanks to the community’s involvement in planning and implementing the Evergreen in East programme initiated by Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN), a development organisation, and Hindustan Unilever Foundation, the corporate social responsibility wing of Hindustan Unilever company.
Villages in Bankura lacked the means to capture the rainwater that flowed downhill. Consequently, the scarcity of water and the rocky nature of the ground made it challenging to cultivate any food crops. The absence of grasslands also forced animals to graze elsewhere, compelling people to sell their precious cattle. As a result, migration became a common occurrence.
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The Evergreen in East programme of PRADAN and Hindustan Unilever Foundation was launched to establish an alternative agricultural system that focuses on restorative and regenerative principles. This programme aims to be the pathway for this region to address its poverty and food insecurity.
An integral part of the programme was to ensure a behavioural shift in the community through a base of frontline workers called chashi bandhus – which translates as farmers’ friends.
Chashi bandhus are the key interface for local farmers to promote improved agronomic practices at the farm level, playing a crucial role in advising farmers on suitable crop choices and sustainable water usage.
The chashi bandhus learnt how to engage with communities and plan for water resources. They also understood the vital connection between reforestation in upland areas and soil health improvement in the lowlands, where the communities could cultivate crops. They raised awareness about the advantages of conserving and caring for communal forest land.
The next step for the chashi bandhus involved constructing trenches on the slopes to absorb water, facilitating the growth of planted trees. These trenches prevent rainwater runoff, allowing it to seep into the soil and trickle down the hill to seepage wells in the lowlands. This approach has contributed to the flourishing of agricultural activities.
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The communities’ efforts have led to the regeneration of a lush forest, creating its own virtuous cycle, where afforested regions provide shade and nesting ground to birds, thus bringing back fauna. The regenerated vegetation has reduced leaching and enhanced soil moisture.
Grass now covers the slopes, providing grazing grounds for cattle. People are once again raising cattle. Those who had migrated are returning to their villages because agriculture has become a viable livelihood option again.
It’s a long journey, but the system implemented with the support of chashi bandhus is proving to be effective.
The lead image at the top shows some of the chashi bandhus and community members who have come together to enhance the local ecosystem and agricultural activities in Bankura, West Bengal. (Photo courtesy Hindustan Unilever Foundation)
Priyanka Rawat works in the social sector, supporting governments, civil society, communities, media and various stakeholders build a better response to issues such as sex trafficking, labour, migration, child nutrition, women’s livelihood, health and gender.
Praveen Prakash leads operations at Hindustan Unilever Foundation.
