By Nisha Dubey | Project Leader
Dear Global Givers,
We are delighted to share an update on the progress of the Smart Kitchen Garden initiative, which has become a vital source of income for tribal farmers in Rajasthan. Thanks to your support, iPartner India has established Smart Kitchen Gardens across 18 villages, primarily benefiting the Nat and Kanjar communities—groups with limited livelihood options, where daughters are often at risk of trafficking for commercial sex work. By cultivating these gardens, families gain access to fresh, nutritious vegetables, reducing household expenses and enabling them to invest in their daughters' education, ultimately decreasing their vulnerability to trafficking.
PROGRESS
In November 2024, farmers received winter-season seeds. A total of 12 varieties were distributed: Spinach, Coriander, Radish, Turnip, Carrot, Beetroot, Tomato, Brinjal, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Fenugreek, and Hot Pepper.
To protect the plants from harsh sunlight, harmful UV rays, and extreme temperatures, each Smart Kitchen Garden was equipped with a green net. This protection is crucial, as Rajasthan faces severe climate challenges, including rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and declining precipitation.
At the start of the winter season, iPartner India identified 10 women farmers to test the impact of biochar—a soil-enhancing technique. The field team received training from an agricultural expert and, with their guidance, began integrating biochar into the soil. The 10x10 ft land was divided into three rows (R1, R2, R3), and each row was further segmented into six sections (T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). The biochar levels varied:
Farmers record weekly observations using a structured format, helping determine the optimal biochar quantity for maximum yield. The agricultural expert conducts regular site visits, providing hands-on training, while the iPartner India team monitors progress and updates the MIS (Management Information System).
IMPACT
iPartner India prioritizes women’s leadership and training, recognizing that in many households, women lack decision-making power—especially in families where men make devastating choices, such as trafficking daughters. By empowering women, this initiative strengthens their voice, enabling them to resist trafficking and influence family decisions.
In Nat and Kanjar communities, intergenerational sex work often remains the primary income source, leaving mothers struggling to find alternatives. This project offers sustainable livelihood options, fostering women’s financial independence and decision-making power.
Beyond the designated farmers, the initiative also creates employment opportunities for young men. One such youth, Arun Dhanawat* (Name Changed) from Tonk, Rajasthan, was a daily wage laborer before joining the initiative. Now a core team member, he helps establish Smart Kitchen Gardens across multiple villages. Arun proudly shares how he has earned community respect for his expertise in drip irrigation:
"The Smart Kitchen Garden initiative has not only supported me financially but also expanded my farming knowledge," he says.
By providing families with self-sustaining food sources, this initiative fosters economic independence and disrupts harmful generational cycles.
None of this would be possible without your unwavering support. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Team iPartner India
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