Twelve Power Tillers Handed Over to Landless Dalit Families in Siraha to Promote Farming Self-Reliance

In Navarajpur Rural Municipality of Siraha, 12 power tillers worth NPR 842,953 have been distributed to landless Dalit families to empower them towards self-reliance in agriculture. A total of 304 landless members have benefited from this project, which is a collaborative effort between the local rural municipality, Dalit Welfare Youth Club, and the Mennonite Central Committee. Additionally, eight groups from four wards of the neighboring Wariyarpatti Rural Municipality received power tillers worth NPR 561,968. (28 Jestha, Siraha)

The distribution of 12 power tillers to landless Dalit families took place in the southern border region of Navarajpur Rural Municipality, Siraha, to promote agricultural self-sufficiency. This initiative is part of the ‘Integrated Livelihood and Agricultural Improvement Project,’ which targeted 12 out of 38 farmer groups from five wards with the provision of power tillers. The project is a collaborative partnership between the rural municipality, Dalit Welfare Youth Club, and the Mennonite Central Committee.

Umekumar Visunke, president of the club, shared that power tillers valued at NPR 842,953 were provided for 304 members across 12 groups to use on a rotational basis. He added, “Along with the power tillers, engine and gear oil as well as diesel fuel have also been supplied.” Under the project, landless Dalit families have also received support to lease land for growing grains and vegetables, and have been assisted in establishing grocery and mobile clothing shops to generate income.

According to social mobilizer Santoskumar Visunke, farmers were trained on operating the power tillers, and one operator has been assigned per group. Local resident Sulena Sadaya reported that through the project, 10 landless families have cultivated over two bighas and five katthas of leased land at an annual cost of NPR 41,100. She noted that farming has not only contributed to their families’ food security but also allowed them to begin saving money. Likewise, Lalprasad Pokharel, project coordinator, informed that power tillers worth NPR 561,968 were also distributed to eight groups across four wards of the neighboring Wariyarpatti Rural Municipality. He stated that cultivating leased land enables the landless Dalit families to improve their economic conditions.

Vinodkumar Yadav, ward chairperson of Wariyarpatti-3, highlighted that efforts are underway at the ward level to ensure secure housing, education for children, sanitation, and social development for landless Dalit families.