Help 2000 tribal families fight hunger, Rajasthan

Dear Global Givers,

We are pleased to share an update on the progress of the Smart Kitchen Garden initiative that has been a great source of income for the tribal farmers in Rajasthan. Our farmers are progressively becoming independent and are happy about the success of this initiative.

One of the most impactful initiatives of iPartner India's Project Rakshan has been the kitchen garden. The kitchen garden has improved nutrition for families and children. Some poor and marginalised communities have achieved excellent production through the kitchen garden, resulting in family savings and increased income for some families.

The Smart Kitchen Garden Set Up

Rajasthan is a water-scarce state with very limited rainfall due to its arid nature. However, the Smart Kitchen Garden comes as a promising aid to the farmers’ hardships. In the Smart Kitchen Garden, we have made some innovations, including, as shared in the last quarter report, setting the width at 10 feet and the length at 20 feet, with 2.5 feet wide beds.

Not to forget to mention, the drip irrigation method attached to a 250-litre tank was adopted, and indigenous and organic fertilisers were also used. The available vacant land near the farmers’ houses were made cultivable with their family’s cooperation. Initially, five smart kitchen gardens were set up in.

Establishment of New Smart Kitchen Gardens

Considering their achievements and production, and the interest shown by women farmers, 15 smart kitchen gardens were set up, and this year, 150 smart kitchen gardens are being established in the project areas. All necessary materials have been procured, and the digging has begun. Despite the bad temperatures and lack of water, our farmers are committed to making this initiative a success.

We have implemented drip irrigation systems to combat water scarcity and ensure efficient water use. Additionally, the farmers have adopted a natural method of using fertilisers and pesticides made at home, by including biochar and mixtures of cattle urine and cattle dung, to maintain soil health and protect the crops organically.

Due to an excessive rise in the temperature (50°C/122°F) and lack of access to water in the last quarter, the smart kitchen gardens did not yield good-quality or high-quantity produce. The monsoon season, which begins in July and extends until September has been tested to be the best time to sow seeds. By the time winter sets in, the yield will result in good produce.

Last year’s produce is a good example. The farmers did not have to buy vegetables from the market for about 3-4 months during the winter season. The vegetables used for cooking were also distributed among relatives and neighbours. Families saved around $25 to $35 per month. Over both the monsoon and winter crop cycles, a farmer saved approximately $90 to $120, which also helped increase the family's livelihood. These savings were used against medical bills, education and other expenses.

With the new additions to the smart kitchen garden initiative, we hope to have your continued support so that together we can help eradicate hunger among farmers and their families in Rajasthan.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Team iPartner India