Urmila Rai: A Progressive Farmer Sustaining Livelihood Through Horticulture

Dr. ANJANA PRADHAN

Mrs. Urmila Rai, a resident of Khimsithang ward under Namli GPU, is a progressive female farmer whose primary source of income is horticulture. A member of the local Self-Help Group in Namli ward, she actively cultivates vegetables both for household consumption and as a means of livelihood. Many villagers visit her fields directly to purchase fresh produce, reflecting the trust and value she has built within her community.

She cultivates approximately 2.1 hectares of land, growing a variety of kharif and rabi vegetables, including cherry pepper, mandarin, potato, and chayote (iskus). She also grows flowers such as chrysanthemum, marigold, and rose at home.

In September 2025, she received fourteen varieties of flower saplings—such as Pink Beauty, Green Star, Pink Pearl, Camellia Pink, Evergreen, White Blossom, Scarlet Pink, Magenta, Candica, and Golden Yellow—along with a total of 750 saplings. These were provided by HDO Martam with support from HI, VLW, and the organic field assistant from Namli ward, Martam Block. She also received inputs, organic biopesticides, and technical guidance. The saplings were planted in her greenhouse, where each plant produces one stick with 5–6 flowers. She has sold 55 sticks so far at Rs 10 per stick and expects increased sales in the coming days.

Mrs. Rai also planted 60 bean seeds, selling 10 kg within a week at Rs 60 per kg and using another 10 kg at home. She cultivated 20 seedlings of cherry pepper for home use. From three chayote plants, she harvested 20 kg and sold them at Rs 15 per kg. Additionally, she has grown leafy vegetables, selling 150 mutha at Rs 20 per kg so far.

Her production costs are minimal, mainly limited to manure and labour. She uses cow dung and compost from her own household and hires 1–2 labourers for a day at a cost of Rs 1,000 per growing cycle. This ensures that her expenses remain low compared to her earnings.

Urmila Rai is a dedicated and efficient farmer who has poured her efforts wholeheartedly into her field. Farmers like her deserve continued support through seedlings, inputs, and technical guidance to help improve their livelihoods and strengthen local agricultural development.