Success Story of Dipa Bharti Magar
Village: Bangalipara
VCDC: Deuchunga VCDC
Block: Goreswar
District: Tamulpur, BTC
Dipa Bharti Magar of Bangalipara village under Deuchunga VCDC in Goreswar Block of Tamulpur District (BTC) is a strong example of how integrated livelihood interventions can lead to sustainable income generation and reverse distress migration.
Prior to the intervention, the family’s livelihood depended mainly on traditional agriculture with limited and seasonal income. Due to financial constraints, her husband was compelled to work outside Assam for livelihood. The situation gradually changed after the intervention of the DWIMU team, Goreswar, supported by effective convergence with allied line departments.
Adoption of Diversified Livelihood Activities
With continuous technical guidance, capacity building, and input support from the DWIMU team and allied departments, she successfully undertook the following livelihood interventions:
- Piggery:
Scientific piggery practices were introduced with support for improved breeds, proper
housing, feeding management, and veterinary care. Piggery emerged as a major source of
regular income. - Goatery:
Goat rearing was adopted as a complementary livelihood, providing quick returns and
acting as a financial safety net during emergencies. - Agricultural Cultivation: (Cereals, Pulses and Oilseeds, Seasonal vegetables)
Improved agricultural practices, timely input support, and advisory services enhanced
crop productivity and ensured household food security. - Mushroom Cultivation:
After receiving training and demonstrations, she started mushroom cultivation as a low-
investment, high-return activity, adding to her family’s income within a short period. - Bio-pesticides Preparation:
Training on preparation and application of bio-pesticides enabled her to reduce chemical
input costs, promote eco-friendly farming, and improve soil health.
Cost:Benefit
| Activity | A. Total cost of cultivation/rearing (Rs.) | B. Gross income (Rs.) | Net Profit (B-A) (Rs.) |
| Piggery | 48300 | 89000 | 40700 |
| Goatery | 1,500 | 30000 | 28500 |
| Vegetables | 2000 | 5000 | 3000 |
| Mustard | 5200 | 32500 | 27300 |
| Paddy | 19600 | 37500 | 17900 |
| Mushroom | 900 | 2375 | 1475 |
Role of Institutions and Convergence
Dipa Bharti Magar is an active member of a Pushpanjali Self-Help Group (SHG) and the Arunoday Producers Group, which played a crucial role in strengthening her financial inclusion, access to credit, collective learning, and market linkage.
The DWIMU team, Goreswar, provided:
- Regular handholding and technical support
- Necessary inputs and demonstrations
- Facilitation of training programmes
- Convergence with allied departments such as Agriculture, Veterinary, and other
extension services
Impact and Migration Reversal
As income from diversified livelihood activities increased and became stable, her husband returned home from outside Assam and actively engaged in managing and expanding the livelihood activities. His involvement strengthened the sustainability of the enterprises and reduced family dependency on migrant income.
Outcome
- Significant increase in household income
- Reduced livelihood risk through diversification
- Reversal of distress migration
- Improved family cohesion and shared responsibility
- Enhanced skills,confidence, decision making ability and leadership of Dipa Bharti Magar
- Improved overall standard of living and livelihood security
- Year-round income generation
Conclusion
The journey of Dipa Bharti Magar highlights the effectiveness of diversified livelihood promotion, strong institutional support through SHGs and producer groups, and coordinated convergence among departments. Her success serves as a motivational example for other rural households in the region to adopt sustainable livelihood models and move towards self-reliance.
