Bahraich’s Bamboo Market & Multi-Layer Farming Boost Incomes in UP
Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district is emerging as a shining example of grassroots economic empowerment, transforming rural livelihoods through innovative initiatives. Two such schemes, a bamboo-based B-2 market and multi-layer farming, are not only providing a sustainable source of income for women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs) but also bolstering farmer incomes.
The bamboo market, also known as the B-2 market, is an initiative of the Bahraich district administration in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC). The market is a unique platform where bamboo products, such as baskets, mats, and other handicrafts, are sold directly to consumers. This approach not only helps local artisans and farmers earn a decent income but also promotes sustainable forest management.
The B-2 market is being managed by women-led SHGs, which have been empowered to take control of their economic futures. These SHGs are responsible for collecting bamboo products from local artisans, processing them, and selling them to customers. The market has not only created employment opportunities for hundreds of women but also helped them develop entrepreneurial skills.
The second initiative, multi-layer farming, is another innovative approach that is reaping benefits for farmers in Bahraich. This method involves growing multiple crops together, such as Napier grass and gourds, which not only increases crop yields but also reduces the need for external inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. Farmers are able to earn a higher income from this method, which is also environmentally friendly.
The success of multi-layer farming in Bahraich can be attributed to the efforts of the district administration and the Farmers’ Producer Organization (FPO). The FPO has been instrumental in promoting this method among local farmers, providing them with training and support. The district administration has also provided financial assistance to farmers who have adopted this method.
In another significant development, the Bahraich district administration has signed an MoU with Patanjali, a leading consumer goods company, for the procurement of turmeric from local farmers. This partnership is expected to benefit thousands of farmers in the district, providing them with a stable market for their produce. The MoU is also expected to create employment opportunities for thousands of people in the district.
The partnership with Patanjali is a testament to the district administration’s efforts to link local farmers to big markets. This approach not only ensures that farmers get a fair price for their produce but also helps reduce the middlemen’s role in the supply chain.
Bahraich’s journey to becoming a model of grassroots economic empowerment is a testament to the power of innovative initiatives. The district’s success can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of the district administration, the UPSIDC, the FPO, and local farmers. The B-2 market and multi-layer farming initiatives have not only provided a sustainable source of income for women-led SHGs and farmers but also promoted sustainable forest management and environmentally friendly farming practices.
As Uttar Pradesh’s aspirational districts continue to set new development benchmarks, Bahraich’s story serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through innovative thinking and collaboration. The district’s success is a testament to the power of grassroots economic empowerment and a reminder that even the most remote areas can be transformed through innovative initiatives.
