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18 March 2004
Reluctant farmer
A former factory worker has found a new life as a farmer, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.
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Vegetables earn more for Samji's family.
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Samji Bhabhor Thavra and his seven brothers were factory workers, or had other labouring jobs. On average, they each earned about Rs. 30 ($NZ1) a day. To get by they would borrow money from the factory owner and moneylenders. Accrued interest on these loans kept the brothers in a spiral of debt.
When Dahod Area Development Programme (ADP) staff tried convincing Samji to grow crops for a living, he always refused, despite assurances that World Vision would help him get started.
“I am satisfied with my job,” he would say.
Confident that Samji could increase his income by growing crops, each time they visited him ADP staff mentioned the benefits of having his own farm. They also took him to see a demonstration garden plot in another village.
Eventually Samji agreed to try. He and his wife learnt how to prepare their land, and plant, tend and harvest maize, rice and vegetables.
The first time Samji’s wife went to market to sell their vegetables she made more money than her husband earned at the factory. Suddenly horticulture seemed like a great idea. Samji’s brothers quickly followed suit.
World Vision installed a lift irrigation scheme in the village, which irrigates 50 acres (20 hectares) of land. Samji’s well was also deepened. Today there is a perennial source of water in the community, enough for irrigation, drinking water and domestic use.
Last year, Samji and his brothers each earned between $165 to $195 from their cauliflower crops alone. The men do not have to migrate in search of water, food and work in the dry season, and they have enough money to provide for their families without having to borrow from moneylenders.
Their success encouraged neighbours to grow vegetables too. ADP staff say that it is pleasing to see the once rather barren village slowly turning green, as people pass on their knowledge of cultivation to others.
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Dahod project profile
DAHOD STORY ARCHIVE
2007
A man with a vision
Snippets
Milking time
Counting down
2006
Country life
Snippets
Shining
Avian influenza
What a difference
2005
Snippets
2004
Snippets
Reluctant farmer
2003
Snippets
Signs of ownership
An answer to migration
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