From struggle to self-reliance: A tribal woman’s farming journey

By Vikas Meshram* 

In the small village of Kundli, under Rajia Panchayat in Ghatol tehsil of Banswara district, Rajasthan, begins the story of a 43-year-old tribal farmer, Vanta Ramdas Charpota. Despite repeated setbacks, she never gave up. Through hard work, determination, and improved agricultural practices, she transformed her land into a field of hope.

Vanta Devi’s life was once like that of many tribal women—divided between the farm, home, and family responsibilities. She carried a simple dream: to bring prosperity to her household. To meet daily needs, she cultivated vegetables on a small scale, primarily for subsistence rather than income.

One day, while visiting her parental home, she saw a lush green field filled with bright red tomatoes. The sight stirred a question in her mind: if that farmer could grow such a thriving crop, why couldn’t she? In that moment, a new dream took root—a vision of her own productive field that could ensure both nutrition and a stable livelihood for her family.

Upon returning home, she decided to grow tomatoes. However, while she had the enthusiasm, she lacked technical knowledge. She was unfamiliar with soil testing, irrigation techniques, and the proper use of fertilizers. She invested her savings and worked tirelessly, but the results were disappointing. The crop grew, but the yield was far below expectations.

Around this time, the Vaagdhara organization began working in her village. Vaagdhara operates in the tribal regions of southern Rajasthan, focusing on women’s empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and livelihood development. Community facilitators Mukesh Maida and Kaluram Ninama formed a women’s group and encouraged Vanta Devi to join, even offering her leadership opportunities.

After becoming part of the group, she received hands-on training under the “True Farming” program through Farmer Field Schools. Here, she learned the importance of soil moisture management and the benefits of drip irrigation, which enabled efficient and economical use of water. Most importantly, she was introduced to the preparation of advanced natural compost, known as Ukda compost.

Vanta Devi owned three buffaloes, two oxen, one cow, and six goats. Although these animals had always supported her livelihood, she had not fully utilized their dung and organic waste. Through training, she learned that animal dung, dry leaves, crop residues, and other organic materials could be converted into a powerful natural fertilizer. This not only improved soil health but also reduced dependence on costly chemical inputs.

The method of preparing Ukda compost, while rooted in traditional practices, incorporates scientific refinement. A pit is prepared in a well-drained location. Organic materials such as dung, urine, crop residues, and dry leaves are layered into the pit. Rock phosphate (5–10 kilograms per ton) is added to enhance phosphorus content, essential for plant growth. Bio-fertilizers containing beneficial microorganisms are then applied to accelerate decomposition. The heap is covered with organic material to allow aeration, and moisture is maintained through periodic watering. Every 15–20 days, the mixture is turned to ensure proper decomposition. After 60–90 days, the compost becomes dark brown with an earthy aroma, indicating it is ready for use.

Vanta Devi carefully adopted this method on her farm. With ample raw materials available at home, she prepared the compost and followed the process diligently. When the compost was ready, she felt a renewed sense of confidence. This time, she returned to tomato cultivation with better preparation. On her 0.25-acre plot, she applied about one quintal of Ukda compost, used drip irrigation, raised seedlings in a nursery, and ensured proper crop management through timely weeding and monitoring.

The results were remarkable. From just a quarter acre, she harvested 2,500 kilograms of tomatoes. Selling them at ₹25 per kilogram, she earned over ₹62,500. In addition, she earned ₹10,000 from brinjal and ₹8,000 from leafy vegetables such as spinach, fenugreek, and coriander. She also prepared tomato seedlings for the next season, demonstrating foresight and planning. Altogether, her annual farm income exceeded ₹82,000.

This success was not merely financial. Improved income brought significant changes to her household. Nutritious food became a regular part of their diet, and the family moved away from the uncertainty of wage labor. Farming evolved into a source of dignity, self-respect, and self-reliance—her true identity.

Vanta Ramdas Charpota’s journey illustrates that failure is not an endpoint but a learning opportunity. Her initial setbacks in tomato cultivation could have discouraged her, but instead, she used them to grow stronger. With proper guidance and collective support, she adopted improved practices with confidence.

Vaagdhara’s “True Farming” program played a pivotal role in her transformation. Beyond technical training, it created a platform for women to learn from one another and build solidarity. The women’s group became a space for sharing challenges, exchanging knowledge, and finding solutions collectively—laying the foundation for sustainable change.

Today, Vanta Devi stands as an inspiration for women across her village and beyond. Her story demonstrates that even small landholdings can become profitable with the right knowledge, resources, and determination. Her journey is not just about cultivating tomatoes—it is about nurturing hope, dignity, and transformation in the tribal heartland of Banswara.

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*Independent journalist