“From Shifting Cultivation to Sustainable Prosperity: The Journey of Ramsingh Majhi”
Ramsingh Majhi, a 45-year-old progressive small and marginal farmer, lives in Landaguda village under Sindhipadar Gram Panchayat in Thuamul Rampur block of Kalahandi district. He is a dedicated family man with two children, a son and a daughter both of whom are pursuing their education. Ramsingh’s own educational journey was not easy. Growing up in challenging circumstances, he faced several financial hardships that limited his opportunities. Despite these difficulties, he remained determined and completed his schooling up to Class 7 at Kumudabahal [image]school. Although he could not continue his formal education, the values of hard work and perseverance shaped his life and inspired him to build a better future for his family through farming.
In the early years, Ramsingh practiced shifting cultivation every year, growing crops such as Kandula, Jhudunga, Koshala, Kangu, Kueiri, Mandia, and other pulses, along with paddy cultivation. At that time, agricultural productivity was very low, and there was little market demand for these crops. As a result, farmers received only a small income from their produce. From Kandula cultivation, Ramsingh earned around ₹20,000–25,000 annually. However, cultivation expenses amounted to nearly ₹10,000–12,000, leaving only a modest income to support his family throughout the year. Shifting cultivation required intensive labour and considerable effort every season, but the returns were very low, making it difficult for him to meet his family’s needs year-round. [image]
A turning point came when a tree that was being cut in the forest nearly fell on Ramsingh and his wife while they were clearing land for shifting cultivation. The incident made him realize that shifting cultivation was not only physically demanding but also highly risky, while providing very little financial return. Determined to find a safer and more sustainable livelihood, Ramsingh decided to give up shifting cultivation in 2012 and thereafter focused entirely on settled agriculture.
Two to three years later, Ramsingh had the opportunity to receive training in improved agriculture and horticulture practices. Gram Vikas also supported him by providing vegetable seeds, encouraging him to take up vegetable cultivation. Motivated by the training and technical guidance, Ramsingh began growing vegetables using improved farming methods. During a field visit, the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Thuamul Rampur noticed Ramsingh’s sincere efforts and the progress he had made in vegetable cultivation. Recognizing the need for a reliable source of irrigation, Ramsingh requested the BDO to provide a hand pump so that he could expand vegetable cultivation and sell the produce in the local market. Appreciating his commitment, the BDO promptly sanctioned a hand pump.
With access to irrigation, Ramsingh expanded vegetable cultivation to about 2–3 acres of land. This enabled him to increase production and improve his income. After meeting all cultivation expenses, he started earning a net annual profit of around ₹20,000–30,000 from vegetable farming.
During the training period, Ramsingh began collecting grafted mango saplings whenever he attended district-level workshops and meetings. In 2017–18, he established a mango orchard by planting 20–30 improved varieties, including Amrapali, Banjamari, Alphonso, Banganapalli, and Dasheri. With proper care and management, the trees grew well and started bearing fruit. Today, he earns an annual income of around ₹80,000–90,000 from nearly 30–35 mango trees, making mango cultivation an important source of livelihood for his family.
He attended many training sessions after that through the fishery department, horticulture department. He received an award from the chief minister of Odisha Sree. Naveen Patnaik. He started Fishing cultivation in 2018 in support of Govt. scheme Mo Pakhari Yojana, he received a grant of 50,000 and started fishing cultivation. Right now every year 40-45,000 amounts get as a benefit of fishing. He used to spend very little amount for the dana of fish 15-20,000 per year.
Alongside farming, Ramsingh also started a small poultry unit with 15–20 chicks. By regularly selling eggs from his backyard poultry, he now earns an additional monthly income of around ₹5,000–6,000. As his financial condition improved, Ramsingh took responsibility for supporting his younger brother’s education after the death of their father. With Ramsingh’s support, his brother completed a degree in Civil Engineering followed by postgraduate studies. He initially worked as a Data Entry Operator in the Block Office and later qualified for the Odisha Civil Services. Today, he serves as a Civil Engineer in Koraput district.
At present, Ramsingh successfully manages diversified farming activities, including horticulture, agriculture, a farm pond, and a poultry unit. His dedication to adopting improved farming practices has earned him recognition as a progressive farmer in Kalahandi district, and he has received several awards for his achievements.
