Concerted efforts by father and daughter resulted in a bumper crop and unprecedented income. Their net profit was the best of any farmer in the extension project area. A bus-load of farmers visited the family's chili fields to find out more.

Sidara is a typical tribal village of India where around 55 families live, suffering from poverty and malnutrition. Most of the people make out their livelihood by working as labourers in the agricultural fields belonging to farmers in neighbouring and more distant villages. But when the paddy transplanting season is over food becomes scarce.

Tulsiram came to know about the engagement of Pragati Pratisthan into agricultural development activities and through them contacted the Project Officer of Syngenta Foundation India who made him aware of the various possibilities of increasing the farm income by adopting improved agronomic practices.

In 2008, agriculture at MSS rose above subsistence level to become an income generating enterprise. Overall production increased over the previous year, with significant gains in fine grain rice and vegetables. The higher yields were directly associated with the improved irrigation, proper weeding and timely planting.

As SFI launched vegetables promotion program in around twenty villages, Pradip was the only one from Hanspahari to volunteer to try out hybrid tomato growing. He took seeds of two varieties viz, 'Anup' and 'Trishul'. Pradip kept in touch with SFI project people, followed their guidelines as much as possible and raised a very good crop.

In the heartland of India, near Chandrapur, in Maharashtra, a group of some 6,000 people, considered outcasts by local communities, have created a world where agriculture, horticulture, dairy farming and other vocations are allowing them to lead lives of self-sufficiency and dignity.