Support Small Farmers in India

The coronavirus pandemic has sparked not only a health crisis but also an economic crisis, which together pose a serious threat to food security. The pandemic that has spread rapidly and extensively around the world has had profound implications for food security and nutrition.

Hakari, aged 45 years lives in a remote village with her family of four. Her husband was a daily wage laborer but lost his job during lockdown.

Hakari is a beneficiary of Seva Mandir’s vegetable cultivation activity. She cultivated peas and onions last year in November, which harvested of in February-March.

Coincidentally, at the very same time a nationwide lockdown was announced to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As the lockdown happened, everything was put on hold and shops and markets were shut. Hakari used her vegetables for consumption, selling the surplus. Not only that, she also learned to pasteurize the peas, and saved some for future consumption.

She sold the harvest of approx 300 kgs and generated income of INR 15,000 ($202). She used that money to sustain her family during lockdown. Had she not been part of the project, the lockdown of 3 months would have been difficult for her and the family.

She has also cultivated Zayad crops of okra and cluster beans afterwards. She proudly says-

"I followed the norms of lockdown because I had enough to survive. I was able to keep my family safe and ensured their nutrition through the crops we harvested."

Many more like Hakari who are part of Seva Mandir’s vegetable cultivation activity survived during the lockdown period with ease, and are happy & feeling proud of their association with Seva Mandir.

We thank you for your trust in our programme and for helping the people of rural India.

Regards

Atul Lekhra & the Seva Mandir Team

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Links:

• Seva Mandir's Website
• Seva Mandir's Facebook Page
• Seva Mandir's Friends Chapter in USA