Juna Maya Rai is a 55-year-old resident of Jyamire in Aiselukharka Rural Municipality, Khotang district. Her journey highlights the transformative impact of targeted agricultural support. As an active member of the Nawa Pragatisil Farmers’ Group, she has embraced modern farming techniques and community collaboration to enhance her agricultural productivity.
Managing a household of ten, including her elder son who lives with a mental illness, Juna Maya has faced significant challenges. Nevertheless, her dedication to farming has not only improved her family's livelihood but also contributed to the local economy. Her story underscores the importance of empowering rural farmers, showing how access to resources and community support can lead to sustainable development and personal resilience.
Before joining dZi’s agricultural program, Juna's relied on traditional subsistence farming. She primarily grew millet and maize, which provided just enough food for her family and generated little to no income. Life was difficult, and she had limited capacity to invest in her farm, or her son's healthcare.
Everything began to change when she joined the Nawa Pragatisil Farmers’ Group and became involved in a broader agricultural improvement program. Through the program, she received vital agricultural training focused on organic farming practices, soil health management, tunnel farming, and more. These trainings equipped her with the knowledge to adopt modern, sustainable, and economically beneficial farming methods.
In addition to technical training, Juna received practical resources such as seeds, tools, composting materials, and support for building plastic tunnels from dZi. With these tools, she began cultivating a diverse range of crops, including oranges, ginger, onions, radishes, and carrots. This marked a dramatic shift from her previous dependence on cereal crops. With improved yields and greater variety, Juna began selling her produce at the local market at Deurali Bazaar in Aiselukharka. Her organically grown vegetables and fruits attracted a steady stream of customers, helping her earn a consistent income for the first time in many years. This agricultural income has become the main source of livelihood for her family, helping her cover daily household expenses and offering her financial stability.
Juna's transformation from a subsistence farmer to a successful agri-entrepreneur has inspired others in her community. She is now seen as a role model for women and smallholder farmers in the region, particularly those facing economic and social hardships. Her active involvement in her farmers’ group has also strengthened social ties and encouraged knowledge-sharing among peers, contributing to a more resilient agricultural community in Jyamire.
"I never thought farming could change our lives like this," Juna says with a smile. "Before, we just survived. Now, we are living with hope and dignity."
Juna’s story highlights how well-planned and community-driven agricultural interventions can uplift rural households. The integration of training, resource support, and market access can create a comprehensive support system that allows Juna and others like her to thrive.
