The project’s overarching goal of promoting sustainable development in Dhungentar involved engaging the locals as stakeholders in their own livelihood betterment. Hence, helping a local build an agriculture model with an integrated farming system capable of generating income was deemed to be a suitable catalyst for wider community action and replication. Hira Lal Sunar, a project beneficiary residing in Mathillo Dhand, was identified as a champion who would be committed (financially and physically) to this venture.

The principal aim of building this model was to help others in the community realise the benefits of implementing innovative and tested methods of agricultural production, thereby encouraging them to adopt the same technologies. The 20 ana (6,845 sq. ft.) model farm used an integrated approach to livelihood improvement through increased and diversified farm yield and effective resource management.

This approach involves using the by-products of daily household or farming activities as inputs for other farming activities. For instance, harvested rain water and household waste water collected in a plastic-lined pond can be used for drip-feed irrigation. Hira Lal Sunar’s agriculture model exhibits different methods for the optimal use of water (plastic-lined pond, drip-feed irrigation) and recycling of farm waste for agricultural production. The model offers diversified sources of income, ranging from organic farming in a multi-crop system and floriculture to systematic fishery and beekeeping—which allow for economic security and further growth.

Sunar’s agriculture model will hopefully act as a springboard for community-wide implementation of innovative, modern agricultural technologies that can improve livelihoods and help build a resilient mountain village.