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
A village where farms and forests belong to everyone
The lands at Mendha Lekha village in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district are collectively owned, with the profits shared among all. This settlement of around 500 Gond tribe members tells a powerful tale of cooperation and shared prosperity.
Water revolution – Natural fibre tanks provide a low-cost storage solution
Innovative water tanks made from coconut, banana and flax fibre can transform water storage issues in drought-prone villages. The solution, developed by Jalvardhini, an NGO, and RuTAG IIT-Bombay, uses materials that are easily available and environmentally sustainable.
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.
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.