Rural India is home of the original gig-economy worker. Enterprising villagers hop from tilling fields to tending shops, to door-to-door selling each day. Read the latest trends in micro-enterprises, rural start-ups and the shifting livelihoods of India’s villagers.
Livelihoods
Kerala’s tribal farmers sow success with millets
After Kerala reintroduced millet cultivation among the indigenous communities of Attapadi taluk, the villagers enjoy better health and livelihood despite losing crops to wild animals.
Papads and pickles empower women in Maharashtra
A women's self-help group in the quaint village of Peth in Palghar district of Maharashtra has transformed traditional culinary skills into entrepreneurial success.
Kashmir’s cherry farmers battle nature’s fury
Despite the introduction of new varieties and advanced techniques, untimely rainfall has significantly impacted cherry growers in the Valley, affecting their crop after a harsh winter.
‘We aim to provide employment to 1 lakh youth this year’
Despite their educational degrees, many young Indians find it difficult to get jobs. Ramesh Swamy, director of the not-for-profit organisation Unnati tells us how they are addressing this gap for the youth in the country.
This Maharashtra village is home to 10 aromatic rice varieties
Murukate village in Maharashtra grows 10 traditional varieties of rice, with organic fertiliser and the mountain streams that irrigate the fields lending each of them a unique fragrance.
Maharashtra villagers join forces to preserve serene beach
Unlike its boisterous, touristy neighbours like Alibag and Kihim, the rocky beachfront of Awas is untouched by food carts and recreational activities and offers clean serenity that draws loyal visitors.
These unschooled Odisha women are running a farm school
Women farmers of Nuaguda village not only work to preserve traditional rice and millet varieties but also run a school to teach others how to follow sustainable agriculture practices.
Soilless agriculture takes root in Haryana
Farmers in Haryana, aided by a government subsidy, are slowly taking to hydroponics to grow exotic vegetables and leafy greens under controlled temperature in poly houses.
Impact of climate change on Kashmir’s mushroom pickers
Unpredictable weather patterns, early springs, and above-average temperatures have left gucchi mushroom hunters in distress, facing another season of low yield for the second consecutive year.