Supporting farmers with disabilities in rural India
CBM, along with local organisations, has enhanced livelihoods and income for dairy farmers and farmers with disabilities through sustainable and inclusive farming practices.
In the rural areas of Betul in Madhya Pradesh and Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, poverty is a prevailing issue, particularly among persons with disabilities. Milk production is the main source of income for marginalised farmers.
However, despite a growing demand for dairy products, farmers have been unable to improve their income and often lack the necessary knowledge, infrastructure and resources to produce and market dairy products effectively. These communities can also lack the means to collectively represent their interests and access government support programmes.
Since October 2021, CBM has worked with two partners, Purvanchal Gramin Seva Samiti (PGSS) in Uttar Pradesh and Naman Seva Samiti in Madhya Pradesh, to improve livelihoods, income, and access to government support for 2000 dairy farming households, including 400 farmers with disabilities, by introducing sustainable and inclusive structures.
The projects have focused on building community-based inclusive groups such as organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), inclusive self-help groups (iSHGs) and inclusive farmer producer organisations (iFPOs). Through the iFPOs and iSHGs, dairy farmers have gained direct access to the local milk market, enabling them to market milk and milk products more profitably.
At the same time, persons with disabilities are now actively engaged in decisions related to dairy farming practices and community development. This has enabled the communities to incorporate modern farming practices such as veterinary services, cattle management, cattle insurance and vaccinations, enhancing dairy production and quality. Capacity-building programmes were conducted for the OPDs formed through the project, who became active members of the iFPOs, iSHGs and their communities.
Both projects have brought about significant positive change, enhancing livelihoods, fostering community inclusion, and linking participants to various government support schemes. The increased income has positively affected participants’ standard of living and meant they can provide better food and education for their children. Importantly, the projects have significantly enhanced the quality of life of persons with disabilities, with a particular focus on women and girls who have reported increased access to services, livelihood opportunities and assistive devices.