Small farmers in tribal pockets of the project districts have shown keen interest in cultivation of cash crops like cumin and ginger. They needed technical guidance and proper counseling, which came to them easily from the MPRLP field functionaries. The poor farmers having small land holdings have shed conventional farming to take crops, which give them maximum benefits. Three farmers of Dhehri village of Jhabua district who have grown cumin amply demonstrate the fact that that increased level of awareness in tribal areas would constructively transform entire economic scenario. These three farmers earned hefty profits.

Shri Umesh Vaghela from Kaththivada cluster reports that other farmers have also drawn inspiration from these farmers. Darshan Guhaluda, Harsan Sohahyada and Sevji Chataria from Rayadi helmet in Ddhehri village of the cluster were informed about the benefits of cumin cultivation. They had been taking conventional crops. It was a new experience to sow cumin. They cultivated four hectare. They purchased seeds worth Rs. Five hundred and got Rs. 44000 as income. Later they cultivated five kg. seeds and produced 80 kg cumin. Encouraged by the profits, these farmers wish to continue cultivating profitable cumin crop.

In addition, some farmers in Manavar cluster of Dhar district have grown Saunf or fennel seeds using organic manure. Some of them had participated in the Vindhya national herbal fair popularly known as Van Mela at Bhopal with their Saunf and sold it Rs. 100 per kg. Visitors appreciated the organically grown fennel seeds and purchased in a good volume.

Shri Maheshdas Sadhu of Tirla cluster in Dhar reports that Mohan of Dhinglipura village has cultivated ginger and expects good crop. He got Rs. 6000 from the Gram Sabha. He was attending regular meetings of Gram Sabha. In a meeting Gram Sabha started deliberating issues relating to latest methods of farming and benefits of new crops. Mohan got up and requested for a loan to purchase seeds for ginger cultivation. Gram Sabha appreciated his proposal and his interest in cultivation of ginger. Mohan received technical guidance from the PFT members.

With Aajeevika Generator facility and advantage of nearby flowing river made his job easy. Vegetable cultivation could also be taken up easily Mohan Singh hopes that two quintals seeds would yield 20 quintals crop valuing at Rs. 60,000. He says he knew the benefits of ginger cultivation but could not do it for want of technical knowledge and paucity of money for purchasing seeds. "My dream would come true with the timely help and guidance from the project, he says.

In Pondi village of Manora cluster of Anuppur district, some women have come forward to take up ginger cultivation. They have received handsome profit. The Gram Sabha identified at least 30 women farmers for cultivation of ginger and provided them quality seeds on their request. Economically emboldened by the return of their produce, they have repaid their first installment to the Gram Sabha.