Impact Story -10

Gour Khatuya: A Journey from Poverty to Self-Reliance in the Sundarbans

In the tranquil village of Purba Sripatinagar, nestled within the lush embrace of the Sundarbans, resides Gour Khatuya—a testament to the transformative power of resilience and determination. At 65 years old, Gour’s life was once defined by insurmountable challenges, but his unwavering spirit and the support of the Natun Pata Farmers’ Group propelled him towards a path of empowerment and self-reliance.

Under the visionary initiatives of Climate Adaptive Natural Farming and the Amplifying Community Voices Project, Gour embarked on a journey of revitalization. Through group training, capacity building, and sheer determination, he revitalized his 2.5 bighas of land, embracing indigenous crops and adopting innovative agricultural practices. With meticulous care, Gour cultivated vegetables thrice annually and established a thriving vegetable nursery, generating a commendable profit of Rs. 14,000 in 2023 alone.

Fuelled by his success, Gour ventured into livestock rearing and compost manure production, further bolstering his family’s livelihood and contributing to a sustainable future. His unwavering confidence and steadfast dedication serve as an inspiration to his community, demonstrating that resilience and empowerment are attainable even amidst adversity.

Gour’s remarkable achievements did not go unnoticed. In a fitting tribute to his hard work and dedication, he was bestowed with the prestigious Best Farmers’ Award during the 42nd Foundation Day Celebration of BTS in January 2024. This recognition not only honors Gour’s individual journey but also celebrates the collective resilience and determination of the Sundarbans community.