Impact Story -8
BAIKUNTHAPUR TARUN SANGHAMaya Rani Khanra’s Resilience: Navigating Challenges to Thrive through Integrated Livelihood
In the serene village of Paschim Sripatinagar, nestled along the banks of Patharpratima Block, resides Maya Rani Khanra, a beacon of resilience amidst adversity. With a family of five and a marginal landholding of only 2 bighas, Maya Rani’s annual income of Rs. 36,000 barely sustains her household’s needs.
Despite the meagre resources at her disposal, Maya Rani embodies determination and ingenuity. With two sons seeking better opportunities in New Delhi, Maya Rani shoulders the responsibility of providing for her husband and sister-in-law. Living perilously close to the earthen river embankment, which has borne the brunt of numerous tropical cyclones, Maya Rani’s livelihood is constantly threatened by natural calamities.
However, Maya Rani’s indomitable spirit refuses to succumb to despair. Alongside paddy and beetle vine farming on her modest landholding, she ventures into pond fishery, utilizing 7 kathas of her homestead pond. This multifaceted approach to livelihood sustenance reflects Maya Rani’s resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Recognizing the potential for integrated livelihood initiatives to uplift rural communities, BTS, with support from Oak Foundation, launched the Amplifying Community Voices project. As part of this initiative, Maya Rani received 2 kgs of fish lings and 2.5 kgs of fish feed, paving the way for her to embark on a transformative journey in pond fishery.
Despite initial challenges, Maya Rani’s perseverance pays off as she diligently nurtures her fishery venture. With the support provided, she anticipates a harvest of approximately 30 kgs of Indian Major Carps (IMC) within a year, translating into an estimated earning of Rs. 3,500. A portion of this bounty will be consumed domestically, ensuring nutritious meals for her family.
Despite the meagre resources at her disposal, Maya Rani embodies determination and ingenuity. With two sons seeking better opportunities in New Delhi, Maya Rani shoulders the responsibility of providing for her husband and sister-in-law. Living perilously close to the earthen river embankment, which has borne the brunt of numerous tropical cyclones, Maya Rani’s livelihood is constantly threatened by natural calamities.
However, Maya Rani’s indomitable spirit refuses to succumb to despair. Alongside paddy and beetle vine farming on her modest landholding, she ventures into pond fishery, utilizing 7 kathas of her homestead pond. This multifaceted approach to livelihood sustenance reflects Maya Rani’s resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
Recognizing the potential for integrated livelihood initiatives to uplift rural communities, BTS, with support from Oak Foundation, launched the Amplifying Community Voices project. As part of this initiative, Maya Rani received 2 kgs of fish lings and 2.5 kgs of fish feed, paving the way for her to embark on a transformative journey in pond fishery.
Despite initial challenges, Maya Rani’s perseverance pays off as she diligently nurtures her fishery venture. With the support provided, she anticipates a harvest of approximately 30 kgs of Indian Major Carps (IMC) within a year, translating into an estimated earning of Rs. 3,500. A portion of this bounty will be consumed domestically, ensuring nutritious meals for her family.
Maya Rani’s success in pond fishery not only secures her family’s livelihood but also serves as a testament to the potential of integrated livelihood approaches in rural development. By diversifying her income sources, Maya Rani mitigates the risks associated with agricultural uncertainties and natural disasters, empowering herself to weather life’s storms with resilience.
As Maya Rani looks towards the horizon of possibilities, her journey stands as an inspiration to her fellow villagers, encouraging them to explore innovative pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
