Agricultural Problems and Technology-Based Sustainable Solutions for an Impoverished Village of Bihar, India

Agriculture plays an important role in the livelihood and food security issues of impoverished communities that suffer from minimal development. This study is focused on understanding the challenges faced by an impoverished Musahar community in Ratanpur, Bihar, India. A naturalistic study was conducted which involved data collection methods through semi-structured interviews with villagers, field and observational analyses, meetings with key community leaders, and secondary data. Results revealed outdated irrigation techniques practiced by the small-scale farmers. Additionally, there is a lack of knowledge of how to create sustainable income for those dependent upon limited daily labour jobs for only few months of the year. But the overarching theme of the results indicated primary issues of lack of available resources that impact livelihood opportunities, which in turn affects economic and food security. These interconnected issues related to resource poverty can be addressed through the use of technological innovations that can compensate for lack of resources to support sustainable income generation activities and food security. Working in collaboration with villagers, we found out that novel kitchen gardens utilizing vertical farming methods can help to support economic and nutrition needs year-round. Also, innovative irrigation techniques could greatly help the village. Such interventions can contribute to poverty-alleviation and the sustainability of the village.