According to World Bank Data, 65% of the Indian population lives in rural India. It is estimated that 75-90% of the working population in India is part of the rural economy.

The rural economy contributes approximately 46% of the national income and 25-30% of India’s GDP. Therefore, it becomes essential to work on the development and modernization of India’s rural economy.

There is a change in the primary source of rural economy. Earlier agriculture used to be the mainstay, but now the non-farm sector has picked up pace. This makes it important to revitalize the rural economy. Implementation of technology, farm mechanization, and modern extension services can help reduce input costs and improve productivity and profitability. Cooperation can be a game changer for the rural economy in times to come.

“Solar Based Irrigation System”

Location: Bishunpur, Gumla

1. Setup of 13 solar-based irrigation systems.
2. Organize farmers into water user groups to properly utilize water for Irrigation.
3. Provide hands-on training on new and appropriate agriculture practices and technology through Farmer Field Schools (FFS).
4. Promote natural farming by providing training and also setting up a system for local input production.
5. Ensure food security through nutritional backyard gardens.
6. Convergence with line departments and training institutions.

The overall project goal is to develop irrigation potential and improve agricultural practices to put a check barrier on the distress and unsafe migration of the rural poor people of tribal communities and other vulnerable groups in Bishunpur, Gumla. To that end, project activities involve effective management of integrated natural resources, agricultural extension services; introduction of improved agricultural practices, community empowerment, etc. The project aims to target all categories of farmers viz. big, small, marginal, and landless including SHG members, vulnerable groups, and unemployed youths as its stakeholders.