LocationsRooted in Change: A Family's Journey Towards Sustainable Farming in Madhya Pradesh
June 16, 2026
Farming Under Pressure
In Khandkhudai village, about 27 kilometres from Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, farming has always been a way of life. But in recent years, it had become increasingly difficult. Rainfall turned unpredictable. Soil fertility declined. The cost of fertilizers continued to rise. For many families, farming was no longer a reliable source of income.
For Bhaiyalal and Pooja Pal, this uncertainty was part of everyday life. "We were spending more, but earning less," says Pooja. "Sometimes we had to leave part of our land uncultivated because we couldn't afford the inputs." Like many small farmers, they relied heavily on chemical fertilizers. Over time, production costs increased while soil health deteriorated. Crop failures became more frequent, and confidence in farming began to fade.
A New Beginning
The turning point came through a simple conversation. During a meeting of a women's farmers' group, Pooja joined a discussion on reducing farming costs while protecting the land. There, the couple learned about training sessions at a Farmer Field School and Bio-Resource Centre established under a community-led initiative supported by the Small Grants Programme (SGP). The programme provides financial and technical support to community-led projects that address global environmental challenges while improving local livelihoods. Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), it empowers grassroots organizations.
The approach focused on working with nature rather than against it. "At first, we were unsure," Bhaiyalal recalls. "We didn't know if these methods would work in today's conditions." Despite their doubts, they decided to give it a try.
Learning to Work with Nature
The family began on a small scale. On half an acre of land, they established a nutrition garden using organic farming practices. Through training, they learned how to prepare natural farm inputs such as Jeevamrut, a microbial solution made from cow dung and other natural ingredients that helps improve soil health, and Neemastra, a neem-based bio-pesticide used to manage pests naturally. They also learned how to use compost more effectively.
The results did not come overnight. Growth was slow, and there were moments when they questioned their decision. But they persisted.
Gradually, the changes became visible. Vegetables grew healthier. Soil quality improved. Input costs started to decline. Encouraged by the results, they expanded their efforts. Using bamboo structures and ropes, they adopted multi-layer farming. Climbing vegetables such as gourds grew above, while leafy vegetables and spices were cultivated below. This allowed them to make better use of limited space and increase productivity on their land.
Restoring Water, Restoring Possibilities
Water remained one of their biggest challenges. Over time, the family's well had dried up, limiting cultivation during the summer months. Rather than accepting the situation, they decided to restore it themselves.
Over five days, the family worked together to clean and deepen the well, removing accumulated silt and increasing its storage capacity. Their efforts paid off. Water returned, enabling them to grow vegetables for longer periods and reducing their dependence on increasingly uncertain rainfall.
Trusting Knowledge and Experience
The real test came during the Kharif season.
With forecasts predicting heavy rainfall, many farmers in the village were uncertain about which crops to plant. Concerns about potential losses were widespread. Drawing on both training and traditional knowledge, Bhaiyalal chose soybean, a crop better suited to waterlogged conditions.
The decision proved successful. While many neighbouring fields suffered damage, his crop performed well. By combining organic inputs with informed crop choices, he achieved a healthy harvest and demonstrated that productive farming is possible without heavy dependence on chemicals.
From Survival to Stability
As farm productivity improved, so did the family's income. They began selling vegetables in nearby markets, promoting them as fresh, local and chemical-free. "At first, we felt shy," says Pooja. "But when people started trusting our vegetables, we gained confidence."
Within a few months, the family earned around Rs. 8,000 from vegetable sales. At the same time, they gained access to healthier food grown on their own farm. Their success soon attracted attention. Neighbours began visiting to learn more about the methods they were using and the results they were seeing.
Creating a Ripple Effect
Today, Bhaiyalal and Pooja's journey extends beyond their own farm.
More farmers in the village are beginning to explore similar practices, reducing chemical inputs, improving soil health and managing water resources more effectively. Women's groups continue to play an important role in sharing knowledge, encouraging experimentation and supporting peer learning. What started as a small change on one farm is gradually contributing to a broader shift across the community.
Looking Ahead
Today, Bhaiyalal and Pooja feel more optimistic about the future. They are cultivating a diverse range of crops, continuing to improve their soil and planning to expand vegetable production. They are also sharing their experiences with other farmers in the village.
"We have learned one thing," says Bhaiyalal. "If we take care of the soil, it will take care of us."
Their story is a reminder that meaningful change does not always require large investments. Sometimes, it begins with small decisions, local knowledge and the willingness to try something different. And in that lies hope, not only for one family, but for many others facing similar challenges.