Kesabaguda, a quaint village in Podagada Panchayat, lies 23 km from Koraput’s district headquarters. Agriculture is the backbone of the community, with farmers cultivating vegetables like beans, tomatoes, chilies, and brinjals during the Rabi season using diversion irrigation. The village has fertile lowlands for paddy and medium lands for millets and Niger crops.

Dhanpati Muduli, a smallholder farmer, faced significant challenges with 0.5 acres of his 3-acre land due to severe undulation and soil erosion, rendering it unfit for cultivation. Previously, this land generated around ₹20,000 annually from millet farming, but middlemen’s low offers and declining productivity forced him to seek alternative incomes, including carpentry.

CYSD’s Parivartan Project, supported by Ashraya Hastha Trust, identified his degraded land through a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and prioritized its restoration. A grid survey mapped the topography, followed by rough grading to address undulations. Precision levelling ensured uniformity, while final smoothening optimized water retention and ease of ploughing. Proper drainage systems were established to stabilize the land and improve water management.

For the Rabi season, Dhanpati planted beans and tomatoes using last year’s seeds and canal irrigation, with technical support from the Parivartan team. He followed improved cultivation practices, ensuring soil enrichment and proper care. The project also provided guidance and a package of practices to maximize productivity and sustainability.

At the onset of the season, Dhanpati sowed seeds on his rehabilitated land, enriched with organic manure, ensuring proper care and intercultural operations. He plans to sell the harvest in nearby markets while keeping some produce for family consumption and next year’s crop.

This intervention has not only revitalized Dhanpati’s land but also significantly enhanced his livelihood prospects. With restored productivity, he is poised to regain or even exceed his previous earnings. Beyond benefiting his household, the project has inspired other villagers to adopt similar land management and restoration practices, fostering a culture of sustainable agricultural development in the region.

Dhanpati’s journey stands as a beacon of hope, encouraging sustainable farming and improved land management for a better future.