Niwari, earlier a part of Tikamgarh district, was observed as a separate district, with effect from 1st October, 2018. It has 127 village panchayats. However, in terms of area covered and population, it is considered the smallest one. Niwari covers an area of 1,170 square kilometres, with a population of approximately 4,04,807. The main occupation of the people living here is agriculture and animal husbandry.

Development Alternatives (DA) for 30 years, has been providing support and guidance for sustainable development in this district. DA believes in strengthening local community institutions to enhance livelihoods of people. In the year 2015, DA helped set up a ‘Niwari Farmer Producer Company Limited’, in this district funded by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). The main purpose of this institution was related to seed production, input management and better price realisation of the farm produce through aggregation, grading, value addition, packaging, branding and market linkage. This ensured the producer company earns profits through reduced input cost, better price of produce and seed production. Further, the operational management, was taken care of by the ten elected Board of Directors of this company and one CEO. Among these Board of Directors, one of them holds the Managing Director position. Table 1 states the number of members of the company. Figure 2 is a graphical representation of the same.

Niwari often faces problems arising out of dry spells and droughts. This is a challenge for the company. When in 2015-16, the district was hit by drought, the company decided to get into some ventures to keep it functioning. For this purpose, vegetable seeds, cattle fodder and dry snacks made by women, were sold to sustain the company business. Further, the company felt the need of collaboration with other organisations to move forward. Partnership building has taken place with Green India Foundation, National Seeds Corporation, Pragati Seeds and Sakshi FPO for purchase of seeds, herbs and vermin compost and sale of the same to the community. Table 3 gives a detailed description of the same.

Post this, one bigha of land was taken on rent (12,500 rupees per annum) for making income by practicing innovative farming methods. First, fenugreek was grown and then papaya plants were planted, under the agroforestry model. This further assisted the company to expand and sustain its business in to new high. ■

Gyas Ahmed
gahmed@devalt.org