Basudev’s Story: Elevating His Farm and Community

ODISHA, INDIA – Over the last 2 years, Basudev Santra has embarked on a journey to revolutionize his farming practices. His adoption of improved vegetable farming techniques has enhanced his yields—and has inspired a community of farmers to follow in his footsteps.

Learning by Doing

Basudev, a 48-year-old from Palasia village in Balasore district, had always followed traditional farming practices for vegetable cultivation. However, in 2023, with the support of the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation (EWS-KT) team, he set up a 240-square-meter demonstration plot for hot pepper. At his demo plot, he learned new techniques like producing seedlings in containers, raised-bed cultivation, mulching, and integrated pest management (IPM).

Through intensive guidance from EWS-KT and firsthand experience with his demo plot, Basudev gained a deeper understanding of the benefits of improved techniques for vegetable cultivation.

For instance, he learned the importance of maintaining seedling health through careful seedling production and a protected nursery. He came to understand the role of IPM, like using sticky traps to manage thrips and reduce crop damage. He also learned about the advantages of improved varieties, such as better fruit quality, disease resistance, and suitability for long-distance transport.

Basudev’s experience with improved techniques and varieties transformed his approach to farming. 

From Farm to Community

Basudev’s hot pepper demo plot was a huge success, with a total production of 1.7 metric tons and a return of 49,560 rupees (US$579) on an investment of 3,800 rupees (US$44). Basudev’s wife and son played a crucial role in the success of the demo plot, helping him with all the activities.

His demo plot not only benefited Basudev but also inspired other farmers in the village. Before EWS-KT’s work in Palasia, farmers there grew vegetables like hot pepper, eggplant, cauliflower, and okra using traditional methods. However, after seeing the success of Basudev’s demo plot, many farmers adopted enhanced farming techniques and started growing improved varieties of hot pepper.

Basudev soon became a resource for other farmers, sharing his knowledge and experience with them. Seeing his willingness to help other farmers, the EWS-KT team offered him the chance to become a Rural Extension Worker. In this role, Basudev supports farmers in his part of Balasore district, providing them with guidance on improved vegetable farming techniques. 

Expanding Opportunities in Agriculture

Basudev has not stopped at being a successful farmer and Rural Extension Worker. He also started producing high-quality seedlings using improved ground nursery and seedling-tray methods, and he sells these seedlings to other farmers. In addition, he helps farmers market their produce, connecting them with buyers in Delhi and Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand state. This ensures that farmers receive a fair price for their produce, improving their livelihoods.

From a humble farmer to a Rural Extension Worker, seedling producer, and market connector, Basudev is an inspiration to many.