Kitchen gardens have emerged as a simple yet powerful solution to address nutrition, food security, and livelihood challenges in rural communities. By growing fresh vegetables at home, families are able to access healthy and diverse food throughout one or two seasons while reducing their dependence on markets. These small patches of land not only improve household nutrition but also encourage better use of available resources and promote sustainable, organic practices.
Recognizing this potential, Chaupal has played a crucial role in promoting kitchen gardens across Lundra and Lakhanpur blocks of Surguja district. Through regular engagement with communities, especially women’s groups, Chaupal has provided practical guidance, local seeds, and continuous handholding support. This consistent effort has helped families confidently adopt seasonal kitchen gardening in their own spaces. As a result, over the years a total of 6,183 seasonal kitchen gardens has been established across these blocks, strengthening nutrition security for hundreds of households.
One such story is that of Fulaso Bai, a 46-year-old woman from Amdi village in Lundra block. For years, she struggled to provide regular and nutritious meals for her family of eight. With limited and uncertain income from seasonal farming and daily wage labor, buying vegetables from the market was often difficult, and her family frequently had to compromise on nutrition.
Her journey began to change when she started participating in Chaupal-supported women’s group meetings. There, she learned about kitchen gardening as a practical and achievable solution. With encouragement and support from the field team, she decided to use the empty space in her courtyard. She received local seeds and guidance on preparing the soil, using organic manure, and managing seasonal crops.
With dedication and care, and support from her family, she developed her seasonal kitchen garden. Within a few months, the results became visible. Fresh vegetables became a regular part of her family’s meals, leading to better nutrition. At the same time, the need to purchase vegetables from the market reduced significantly, helping the family save money.
Her efforts soon inspired others in the village. Neighbors observed the positive changes and approached her to learn from her experience. Fulaso Bai openly shared her learnings through group meetings and personal interactions, motivating others to adopt seasonal kitchen gardening. Today, 84 households in Amdi village have established their own seasonal kitchen gardens, reflecting a growing community-wide shift. Fulaso Bai’s story highlights how the right support, knowledge, and encouragement can bring meaningful change. With Chaupal’s continued efforts, kitchen gardens are not just improving diets they are building confidence, self-reliance, and a healthier future for rural families.