The Background
In early 2020, like many migrant workers across India, Rajendra Goswami, a native of a small village in Champawat district, lost his private-sector job in New Delhi due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Returning home with limited options, he attempted open-field farming. However, the returns were highly inconsistent and insufficient to sustain his family.
With no stable income and rising uncertainty, his situation began to change in mid-2023, when he was selected as a beneficiary under the SBIF-LEAP project, implemented by BAIF Development Research Foundation.
Intervention Details
Infrastructure
Construction of a low-cost, bamboo-based polyhouse (600 sq. ft.) featuring UV-stabilized sheeting.
Resource Efficiency
Installation of a specialized drip irrigation system coupled with a Syntex water tank for optimized water usage.
Input Support
High-yield input kits provided, including cucumber and capsicum seeds, organic manure, and biofertilizers.
Capacity Building
Practical, on-ground training on polyhouse setup, protected cultivation, pest management, and market linkage.
Impact Analysis
| Indicator | Pre-Intervention | Post-Intervention |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Income | ₹10,000 | ₹65,000 (Gross) |
| Employment Type | Migrant, daily-wage worker | Self-employed agri-entrepreneur |
| Cropping Intensity | Seasonal, weather-dependent | 2 cycles/year (protected) |
| Market Access | Through middlemen | Direct sales |
| Community Role | Job seeker | Local agri-mentor |
The Journey of Change
Phase 1
Learning and Setup
Initially unfamiliar with the technology, Rajendra received practical training and regular handholding support from BAIF’s field team. With their guidance, he constructed the polyhouse near his home and began cultivating capsicum, tomato, and cucumber.
Phase 2
Early Success
Over the next 12 months, Rajendra implemented season-specific cropping patterns based on market demand. The polyhouse environment led to higher-quality produce and allowed year-round cultivation. Direct sales in local markets yielded higher returns than his earlier open-field farming.
Phase 3
Sustained Growth
Through two crop cycles, Rajendra earned an annual gross income of ₹60,000–₹65,000. By selling directly in local mandis and weekly haats, he eliminated middlemen. Today, he also serves as a mentor for other returnee migrants considering polyhouse farming.
Key Institutional Learnings
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Low-cost polyhouses offer high returns on minimal land and water requirements.
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Practical training and sustained field support ensure smooth adoption of new technologies.
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Protected cultivation heavily enhances climate resilience and yield reliability.
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Empowering returnee migrants can build local rural entrepreneurs and community changemakers.