The 100 families of Bhikha village in Bhandru panchayat of Dumka block and district depend on bamboo craft for their livelihood; rain-fed mono-cropping is another occupation. Widespread illiteracy, superstition, lack of unity in the village, poor health and the poor status of women caused them much misery.
Fortunately, two women’s Self-Help Groups already existed. Samaj Vikas Sanstha, Dudhani, Dumka, linked them to Praudh Shiksha (adult education) to improve literacy, and the women learned to read and write. Seeing their success, Samaj Vikas Sanstha, Dudhani, Dumka, formed two men’s Farmers’ Clubs — the Sagaenasakam Farmers’ Club and the K.V. Samiti Farmers’ Club.
Mr. Lakhan Hansda, a member of the Sagaenasakam Farmers’ Club, was trained in making bamboo products. In turn he trained 15 others to make lamps, flower pots, pen stands, corner boxes and dustbins from bamboo, and they began selling them in the market. Today the members of the Farmers’ Club fix the prices of their products themselves and easily sell them at ₹400–700.
His efforts have brought tremendous change to the village. Villagers are now keen to send their children to school, and six children of members of these Farmers’ Clubs are studying in English-medium schools. Recently 15 families have started kitchen gardens, 15 families have cultivated vegetables and 16 families have planted trees.
