Ground Report

Read the opinion pieces from those at the sharp end of development world – from practitioners in the field to district officers and even ideators creating schemes for the future. Field Journal is the place for civil society groups to share their experiences and insights – their highs and lows – in their journey to put India on the path to progress.

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Four hurdles to social change in rural India

Rural India has a long, arduous journey towards socio-economic development. However, there are four major challenges which if addressed could make the journey easier.

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Farming sans chemical pesticides, courtesy solar-powered insect traps

Solar-powered insect traps are an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides, which also reduce costs for farmers and produce better quality crops.

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Women adopt organic farming to transform a Karnataka village

The old adage – empower a woman and it will transform not just her and her family but the entire community – is coming true once again as more women take to organic farming in Handanakere of Tumkur district in Karnataka.

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Smashing gender discrimination one theatre skit at a time

Nukkad naatak (street theatre) is not only helping a group of tribal women raise awareness about gender discrimination and the digital divide in Banka, Bihar -- but it’s helping bring about real change too.

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Alu Kurumba art depicts the tribes’ connection with nature

In the remote forests of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, one man tries to keep the art of the Alu Kurumbas tribe alive despite the impact of a cultural shift.

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Synchronised farming, collective marketing boost farmers’ income in Odisha

Farmers in an Odisha village are reaping rewards from synchronised cultivation and coming together as a collective for purchase and sale of their produce.

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How a tribal woman farmer increases income with this new approach

Balmati Goud was your average struggling tribal farmer who worked as a daily wage worker – until she adopted the ‘50-cent (0.5 acres of land) model' of organic farming, transforming her life and becoming an inspiration for other women farmers.

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How millet magic is empowering women in rural Odisha

Loaded with nutritional benefits and climate resistant properties, finger millet can be a life-transforming crop – especially if mini-millet flour mills, making the processing easier.

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Kudumbashree: A 3-tiered programme tackling Kerala’s gender-based violence

Tackling gender-based violence, Kerala’s Kudumbashree programme works on the three principles of transformation, prevention and support - offering community-based centres and counselling for those in need.