A Story of Hope and Resilience

In the heart of Boudh district, Odisha, Sulochana Sethi stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. As a dedicated farmer, Sulochana faced the tough challenge of growing crops without the luxury of irrigation facilities. Yet, her determination led her to embrace the “Brown to Green” campaign, an initiative aimed at transforming the lives of tribal and Dalit farmers through sustainable agricultural practices.

In 2023, despite the harsh conditions, Sulochana decided to plant a second crop of green gram on her 1.5-acre plot of land. Her efforts bore fruit—literally and metaphorically. The harvest yielded 130 kg of green gram, bringing her an additional income of Rs 13,000. This new source of income allowed Sulochana to make significant improvements in her life. She repaired the ceiling of her house and made valuable contributions towards her children’s education. Her story is a powerful testament to how sustainable farming practices can have a profound impact on the lives of marginalized farmers.

“I had never attempted a second crop before because we lacked irrigation facilities. But as a member of Aadim Adivasi Ekta Manch (AAEM), I was encouraged by my peers to try the Zero Irrigation Second Crop, a method that had benefited others in our community the previous year. I am thrilled I took their advice. The additional income from the surplus production not only allowed me to repair my roof but also contributed to my children’s education.”
– Sulochana Sethi, Kirasira,
Boudh, Odisha

The “Brown to Green” campaign, launched in 2024, is dedicated to motivate 7 lakh marginal farmers to cultivate a second crop in 2.8 lakh hectares of rice-fallow land to enhance food security and the economy of Tribal and Dalit farmers in Odisha. This ambitious campaign expanded its reach significantly, distributing free seeds to 3.4 lakh farmers across 16 tribal and rural areas. This expansion built on the success of a pilot project that had previously provided seeds to 23,000 farmers. A 2023 study highlighted the success of these efforts, showing that 88% of the initial beneficiaries continued to plant Rabi crops with their own seeds, resulting in an average income increase of Rs. 15,454 per farmer.

The success of the “Brown to Green” campaign was fueled by extensive stakeholder engagement. The campaign formed part of a larger legislative advocacy effort led by the National Consortium to Combat Malnutrition (NCCM). This involved critical discussions with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Agriculture, and state governments in Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh. These collaborative efforts resulted in budget assurances aimed at providing pulse seeds to 7 lakh farmers across these states.

With over 92,000 farmers benefiting last year alone, the “Brown to Green” campaign is on track to make an even greater impact. As the initiative continues to grow, it promises to turn barren lands into vibrant fields of opportunity and hope for the future.

Sulochana Sethi’s journey illustrates the transformative power of sustainable agriculture, showcasing how a dedicated campaign can uplift lives and create a brighter, more prosperous future for farmers across the region.