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Smt. Kalyani Naik, a progressive farmer from Pandua village, Keonjhar, has transformed her pulse farming journey through the ICARDA-OIIPCRA collaborative project. Once limited to cultivating lentil in 0.2 ha with aaverage yield of 60 kg (296.5 kg/ha) and income of ₹4,200, she was facing challenges like water scarcity and low productivity from traditional broadcasting methods. Her association with MaaArnapurnaProducer Group (PG) and Mahalaxmi SHG connected her to training on improved techniques - seed treatment with Rhizobium culture& PSB, INM, IPM, and market linkage through producer group. “Using a seed drill and adopting better pest and nutrient management made a huge difference,” as she shares.

Following the intervention, Kalyani expanded pulse cultivation to 1.2 ha and achieved impressive results. Blackgram yielded 285 kg over 0.40 hectares (712.5 kg/ha). Lentil, after intervention, had a yield of 90 kg over 0.16 hectares (562.5 kg/ha). Fieldpea cultivation practised by the farmer with the technical assistance under ICARDA-OIIPCRA project yielded 362 kg over 0.61 hectare (593.5 kg/ha). She received Rs. 27075 from blackgram, Rs. 6300 from lentil and Rs. 27150 from fieldpea. In total by cultivation of these pulses, the gross return was Rs. 60525, which boosted her overall earning to lead a better life.

"The financial growth has allowed me to build a new house and provide better education for my children," she proudly states.Her success has also had a ripple effect within her community. She was also glad that she was able to saveseeds for cultivation purposes for other farmers. "Five to six farmers have started following my techniques, and I have shared seeds with four to five farmers for cultivation purposes," she mentions.

The project has not only improved her own livelihood but also contributed to the sustainability and prosperity of her community. "The support from ICARDA and the PG has been invaluable. I am very thankful to the project staff for their assistance. This project has ignited a self-interest in farming, and I am excited about the future," she concludes with optimism.