Medkuliya’s Farm: A Model for Climate Resilient Agriculture

Medkuliya Kushwaha, a woman farmer from Shah Pahari village in Uttar Pradesh, India, has overcome many challenges to achieve success in agriculture. She and her husband, Rati Ram, used to migrate to Delhi for a few months each year to find work, but they always dreamt of being able to earn a living from their land.

In 2020, Medkuliya learned about the ViSTAR (Village Strengthening through Adaptation and Resilience) project, which is being implemented by IGSSS in 60 villages of the Mahoba district in Uttar Pradesh. The program promotes climate-resilient agriculture practices in seed and crop management, soil nutrition management, water management, and energy management.

Medkuliya and Rati Ram took a lead role in the project, and with the support of the project team and convergence with government schemes, they have implemented a variety of interventions on their farm, including:

• Construction of a dug well, farm pond, and bunds
• Installation of a solar water pump and drip and sprinkler irrigation system
• Adoption of integrated farming practices, including crop diversification, livestock rearing, and agroforestry

As a result of these interventions, they are now producing a variety of vegetables, fruits, and grains throughout the year. They are also able to sell their produce at higher prices because they are producing organically.

She is an active member of the seed saver network and promotes the cultivation of indigenous varieties of millet and vegetables.  Recently, has also been awarded by the Agriculture Department for her work.

Their success is an inspiration to other farmers in the village. They are now a change leader in their community and have influenced around 15-17 more farmers to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices.