Kaji BK, aged 45, from Devisthan with his tomatoes

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Authors

Warwick Franklin

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30/01/2015 , 03/12/2012

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en

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Transport

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Gravity goods ropeway scaling up 5000529

Abstract

CASE STUDY: Kaji BK (the latter a caste name in a community where surnames are rare) is 45 years old and has 6 children, the eldest of whom is 25 and the youngest, 6. Before the GGR was built he mostly used to work for others. He had a little land on which he grew some vegetables, and sold the surplus which amounted to 500-700 Kg per year. Now, he sells 2,500 Kg each week. His main crop is still tomatoes, but he is diversifying into cauliflower. Kaji is a member of the Devisthan co-operative. When the GGR was built in 2008, each member deposited 50 Rupees per month to establish the co-operative. With the success of his garden, Kaji has been able to increase this to 3,000 Rupees per month on which he gets 16% interest. Members can apply for loans at 20% interest when they want to improve their livelihoods, for example by buying more land. The money has made a huge difference to Kaji’s life. Before, he could not afford to send his children to school but now his youngest children both attend school. He can afford medicine for his stomach ulcer and is putting on weight as a result. He said: “The ropeway has saved a lot of labour and we can now get our crops to market very quickly. For me, it’s been very beneficial and I’ve been able to build my family a house with the proceeds.”

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