Transforming Rural Lives: Model Village Project at Chhotabanki

26 July 2025, Chhotabanki (East Singhbhum): With the vision of fostering inclusive and sustainable development, the Model Village Project at Chhotabanki under Golmuri Block, East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, is creating a lasting impact across 246 rural and tribal households. Supported by Cummins India Foundation, the project focuses on enhancing livelihood opportunities, improving food security and nutrition, and ensuring access to clean drinking water, sanitation, and healthcare.

A key thrust of the project is to promote sustainable income-generating activities and skill development through community participation. Ground-level interventions have included:

• Renovation of 2 village ponds, repair of a branch canal, and installation of 3 solar-based lift irrigation systems to support agriculture
• Goat farming promotion among 50 women for diversified income
• Drip patch farming and exposure visits for 58 farmers to learn improved agricultural techniques
• Access to clean drinking water via the establishment of a Water ATM

To further strengthen livelihoods, the project has facilitated vocational trainings such as a 6-week Jute Bag Production Training (in collaboration with the National Jute Board, Government of India) for 20 participants and a 5-day Mushroom Production Training (with the Horticulture Department, Government of Jharkhand).

An inspiring outcome is the formation of the Sunehari Jute Bag Production Center, run by 15 trained women entrepreneurs. The center manufactures 30+ eco-friendly jute products, enabling each woman to earn up to ₹400 per day, significantly boosting their economic independence.

The project continues to encourage community-led water conservation, irrigation, and educational initiatives, aiming to build long-term resilience and empowered local institutions.

This model village stands as a beacon of community-driven transformation, marking a significant step toward a self-reliant and prosperous rural Jharkhand.