“Goat is a poor man’s cow”
~Mahatma Gandhi
Ramdas Lahuji Meshram is a marginal farmer and labour from village Nimgaon (Taluka: Arjuni Morgaon) of Gondia District in Vidharbha region. His son Satish contacted Save Indian Farmers Foundation (SIFF) through Kisan Mitra Helpline. Satish said through audio message on Kisan Mitra Helpline, ”currently we have no work (sadhya aamacha rojgar purn band zala aahe) and our livelihood is in trouble. Can we get help from Save Indian Farmers Foundation (SIFF) to reduce my debt (mazyavaril karjache ooze kami karnyasathi kahi madat milel ka…)“.
Meshram family in front of dried off borewell on their farm
Ramdas Lahuji Meshram a marginal farmer and his family
According to Satish Meshram, ”We have an acre of land. We grow rainfed paddy crop in kharif season. My newly purchased borewell has dried up and I am unable to water my farm. Due to this, I have a debt of Rs 1 lakh (Micro finance Rs 50,000 and Rs 50,000 on LIC Policy). The microfinance officers have been visiting us, seeking recovery. We need your help in this regard”.
Save Indian Farmers Foundation (SIFF) decided to provide livelihood support to Meshram family to overcome their farming and livelihoods distress. Our volunteer from Vidharbh region Mr. Vikas Meshram visited their home and farm. He performed the need assessment and explored probable livelihood resources. After discussions with Meshram family, they finalized that goat rearing will better livelihood source for them. Grazing of goat and fodder will be available from their land.
Vikas Meshram (a volunteer of SIFF) assessing the need of the family for livelihood support
Save Indian Farmers Foundation (SIFF) provided six goats (breed: local) to this family for the livelihoods support. This will help Meshram family get nutrition security (milk of goat) and financial security (by selling of he goats (bokad) and also enable them to overcome their debt.
Meshram family with goats provided by Save Indian Farmers Foundation (SIFF)
