From sickle to the stall: A farm labourer turned ponk entrepreneur

In the region of southern Gujarat, seasonal farm labourers face low wages, unstable employment and limited market access. Through Krushi Mela, Khedut Shibir and ATMA/Line Department programmes, farmers/labourers were trained in scientific harvesting, post-harvest handling, value addition and market-oriented ponk production. The programme improved skills, promoted entrepreneurship, and enabled access to education and career opportunities. This demonstrates that combining traditional knowledge with science, value addition and market access can strengthen rural livelihoods, employment and growth.