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.
Ground Report
Air-cooled pushcarts to keep vegetables fresh for long
For vegetable hawkers who suffer losses due to deterioration in the quality of fruits and vegetables during summer, air-cooled pushcarts offer a simple cooling innovation to keep their produce fresh for longer periods.
How community-based primary mental healthcare can safeguard the aged
Lack of awareness and dearth of qualified professionals hinder mental health services for older people in rural areas. Primary mental healthcare, which involves the family and community, ensures that older people get the needed care.
Meet the 24-year-old who wants to preserve Mising culture through music
Rediscovering the rich roots of the Mising culture during a fellowship, Sikur Padma Pao promotes and preserves the indigenous peoples’ natural and cultural heritage through the music that he and his band, The Dynamics, create.
Gandhian-era Bageshwari charkha gets a makeover after 90 years
The traditional foot-operated Bageshwari charkha, which has had the same design for nine decades, has got a technological revamp now, helping shepherds in the Himalayan region produce fine quality wool at a faster pace.
A crumpled Rs 100 note shows hope in Chhattisgarh village
A small village in Bastar, once plagued by mistrust and corruption, finds hope through inclusive planning, symbolised by one villager's offer of a crumpled Rs 100 note.
Education brings a ray of hope in Chhattisgarh’s red corridor
Schools in Sukma district in the red corridor of Chhattisgarh became nonfunctional due to Naxal insurgency. Now the district administration is making education available for everyone and successfully coaching students for professional courses.
Cold storage units running on pico hydropower help farmers earn more
With limited transportation and no cold storage facilities, farmers in Himalayan states sell their produce at the local market for a low price. Cold storage units powered by pico hydropower offer a cost-effective solution.
Why I chose fieldwork in rural areas over desk-based roles
Based on his experience of observing how anganwadis function, an aspiring development professional makes a case for the importance of fieldwork for understanding ground realities which will help in policy making.
Farmers’ dilemma: How cooperation can address water security
In India's dry regions, farmers face a tough choice – work together on crops or risk losing everything. Cooperation is the key for farm prosperity given serious water shortages in these areas.