Model Village Development Project (MVDP) – Jamui, Bihar

Program Overview

The Model Village Development Project (MVDP) is an integrated rural development initiative implemented by Better World Foundation (BWF) with the support of JM Financial Foundation (JMFF) in the Khaira and Sikandra blocks of Jamui district, Bihar. The project aims to create sustainable, resilient, and self-reliant rural communities by improving agricultural livelihoods, strengthening food and nutritional security, and empowering rural families—particularly those from marginalized and tribal communities.

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the project promotes holistic development through model demonstrations, training, and technology-driven interventions across agriculture and allied sectors.

Key Objectives

• Ensure at least a 50% income increase for 1000 rural households by March 2026
• Promote sustainable agriculture and alternative livelihoods through improved practices and input support
• Strengthen nutritional & economic security through widespread adoption of Nutrition Gardens
• Enhance the quality of life of marginal, rural, and tribal communities through participatory and inclusive development

Our Approach

MVDP follows a community-driven, multi-pronged strategy that combines traditional knowledge with modern, climate-smart practices.

Training & Capacity Building

• Regular training and exposure visits on modern agriculture, natural farming, pest management, fertilizer application, and post-harvest practices

Seed & Input Support

• Distribution of high-quality foundation seeds (paddy, maize, wheat, mustard, gram, etc.)
• Establishment of model farms for live demonstrations and farmer-to-farmer learning

Nutritional Security

• Distribution of Nutrition Garden (NG) kits to strengthen household dietary diversity
• FY 2024–25 Nutrition Gardens generated ₹3.11 lakh for 628 farmers
• 270 NG kits planned for distribution in FY 2025–26

Sustainable Practices

• Promotion of organic farming through vermi-beds and composting
• Encouraging climate-resilient crops and water-efficient cultivation techniques

Horticultural Support

• Distribution of lemon and mango saplings to support orchard-based livelihoods

Impact & Outcomes

SRI Paddy Cultivation

64 farmers cultivated paddy on 23.95 acres using the SRI method, resulting in:

• 25–35% higher yield
• Reduced seed and water use
• 20–25% income increase for participating farmers

SRI Paddy Cultivation

64 farmers cultivated paddy on 23.95 acres using the SRI method, resulting in:

• 25–35% higher yield
• Reduced seed and water use
• 20–25% income increase for participating farmers

Training & Capacity Building

• 26 training sessions conducted
• Improved knowledge of organic farming, input management, and sustainable practices
• 45–55% rise in crop productivity across participating farmers

Seed Distribution

• Distribution of high-quality seeds at subsidized rates
• 20–30% productivity increase
• Improved germination and reduced input costs
• Greater self-reliance in local seed sourcing

Nutrition Gardens

• 6,916 families engaged
• 418,206 kg of vegetables produced
• Improved dietary diversity and supplementary household income

Community Mobilization

• Regular village meetings enhanced collective ownership and transparency
• Stronger farmer groups and cooperatives resulting in better coordination and participation

Government Linkages

• 1,249 households connected to welfare schemes
• Achieved 103% of the targeted inclusion

Sustainable Agriculture

• Promotion of natural & organic farming improved soil health
• Reduced dependence on chemical inputs
• Strengthened climate resilience and diversified cropping

Overall Outcomes

• 50–60% increase in farmers’ income
• Improved food and nutrition security
• Strengthened community networks and collective engagement
• Clear shift toward sustainable, diversified, and climate-smart farming

Implementation Partners

The project is implemented in collaboration with leading academic, research, and development institutions ensuring scientific rigor and strong field-level impact:

• JM Financial Foundation
• ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
• KVK Jamui & KVK Ranchi
• RPCAU, Pusa
• Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour
• Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Ranchi
• National Seeds Corporation (NSC)
• Agriculture & Horticulture Line Departments
• Local NGOs
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
• Village Farmer Committees

Looking Forward

The project aims to deepen its impact and strengthen long-term sustainability through the following priorities:

• ➤ Expand training coverage to ensure knowledge reaches all farmers across target villages
• ➤ Strengthen market linkages through collective marketing, value addition, and buyer connections
• ➤ Enhance the equipment bank to improve access to mechanization for small and marginal farmers
• ➤ Promote climate-resilient crops by introducing drought-tolerant and short-duration varieties
• ➤ Integrated sustainability approach combining training, technology, and convergence with institutional programs