For years, farming meant hard work and modest returns for Umeshbhai, a farmer from Gujarat. With 1.5 acres of land, he struggled to make ends meet. Today, he has transformed his traditional farming practices with techniques that yield more without depleting the soil. This change came through CBM India Trust's community-based inclusive development project. Under one of its livelihood components, the program builds farmers’ capacity to boost productivity through organic methods, efficient land use, and better access to resources.
Born with a locomotor disability, Umeshbhai has been cultivating his land for the past 17 years. Farming is his family’s main source of income, but low productivity kept his earnings modest season after season. His determination to improve his farming outcomes led him to participate in CBM India’s project, which introduced him to modern farming methods.
Through an exposure visit organized as part of the program, Umeshbhai learned about multilayer farming, a sustainable method of growing diverse crops at different heights and depths on the same plot, to maximize sunlight, soil use, and resource efficiency, leading to increased yields, better biodiversity and soil health, and higher returns. During the visit, he also learned how to prepare and use organic pesticides, which reduce costs and improve soil quality.
Through the project, Umeshbhai received seed funds to implement the techniques he had learned. Eager to implement his new knowledge, he began cultivating cluster beans, eggplants, tomatoes, chilies, and flowers on his farm. The results were encouraging: his productivity and income improved significantly in the first year itself. Encouraged by this success, he attended an advanced training in Madhya Pradesh organized by CBM India Trust and further expanded his cultivation. By reinvesting his profits, Umeshbhai was able to grow a wider range of vegetables and increase his yield per acre.
These improvements not only boosted his earnings but also helped him adopt a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to farming. The use of organic pesticides and multilayer methods improved soil fertility, reduced pest attacks, and optimized land use.
To improve his mobility, CBM India facilitated customized boots for him, which made it easier for him to move around and work on his farm. With better mobility and increased confidence, Umeshbhai is now able to manage his farm more efficiently and independently.
When asked about his experience, Umeshbhai said, “We’re happy for the support we have received. We’ve learned new farming techniques, and our earnings have improved. What we’ve learned will stay with us and help us build a better future.”
What began as a struggle has turned into a success for Umeshbhai. He now grows diverse crops, earns a better income, and has adopted organic practices that protect the soil. His experience shows what's possible when farmers receive consistent support, training, and resources to try new approaches.
