In many rural homes, getting fresh vegetables every day is not as simple as it sounds. Markets are far, incomes are uncertain, and oſten families have to manage with whatever is available. In such situations, a small kitchen garden can make a big difference. Even a little patch of land, when used well, can bring fresh, healthy food right to the doorstep.

This is something Chaupal has been working on with communities in Lundra and Lakhanpur blocks of Surguja. Instead of introducing something complex, the idea was simple: use the space around the house, grow seasonal vegetables, and make the most of what is already available. Through regular meetings with women’s groups, sharing local seeds, and continuous support, families slowly began to try it out. Over time, this has led to more than 6,000 seasonal kitchen gardens across these areas.

One of these stories comes from Amdi village, where Fulaso Bai lives with her family of eight. For years, managing daily meals was a challenge. With limited income from farming and wage work, buying vegetables regularly was not always possible. Many days, the family had to compromise.

Things began to change when she joined the women’s group supported by Chaupal. That’s where she first heard about kitchen gardening. It felt like something she could try. With some guidance, a few seeds, and the space in her courtyard, she decided to give it a go. It didn’t take long for the effort to show results. Within two to three months, vegetables from her own garden started reaching the kitchen. Meals became more regular and nutritious. At the same time, the money spent on buying vegetables was reduced, which mattered a lot for the household. What started as a small step soon caught the attention of others in the village. People saw the change and came to her to learn. Fulaso Bai shared what she had learned about how to prepare the soil, when to plant, and how to take care of crops. Today, 84 households in Amdi village have their own kitchen gardens.

It’s a simple change, but an important one. Families are eating better, spending less, and relying more on their own efforts. Sometimes, real change begins right in the backyard.