“Earlier, we were dependent only on seasonal crops and struggled to earn sufficient income,” says Sonde Chandraiah. Today, poultry and fish farming run alongside his crops, changing that story.
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“Earlier, we were dependent only on seasonal crops and struggled to earn sufficient income,” says Sonde Chandraiah. Today, poultry and fish farming run alongside his crops, changing that story.
Sonde Chandraiah owns a little over two acres in Dabbanuthala village. For years, seasonal crops were his only source of income, meaning long stretches with no earnings at all. His land and water resources stayed underused most of the year, money was always tight, and even basic needs like his children’s education and healthcare felt like a stretch.
Under the Integrated Farming System model, Chandraiah took up poultry and fish farming alongside his regular crops, with a proper unit built on his land to make better use of the space and water he had. He was trained in managing poultry and fish, taken on an exposure tour to see the model in practice, and given ongoing support and guidance. Farm waste from one activity was recycled into another, cutting his costs while keeping all three streams running together.
His poultry and fish units now bring in steady income alongside his crops, giving him earnings through the year instead of only at harvest. Beyond income, having multiple sources of livelihood means Chandraiah is no longer riding on a single crop’s fortunes. His family now manages food, education, and healthcare more comfortably, saves more, and relies far less on loans than before.
Chandraiah plans to expand his poultry and fish units, take up vegetable cultivation, and share what he’s learned with other farmers.
Read how communities across the tribal belt are building new livelihoods.
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Aghanmoti Rathia’s one acre used to lie fallow every Rabi season. This year it grew groundnut, sunflower, greens, and gourd.
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Bimla Rathia had given up goat rearing after disease wiped out her herd. Training and support rebuilt it into her family’s most reliable income.
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Ram Pyari once earned about ₹23,040 a year growing paddy. Within one watermelon season, she nearly matched that in profit alone.
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Aghanmoti Rathia’s one acre used to lie fallow every Rabi season. This year it grew groundnut, sunflower, greens, and gourd.
·
Bimla Rathia had given up goat rearing after disease wiped out her herd. Training and support rebuilt it into her family’s most reliable income.
·
Ram Pyari once earned about ₹23,040 a year growing paddy. Within one watermelon season, she nearly matched that in profit alone.