Budhubari lost her husband about six years ago. With three children to feed and no fixed source of income, she hardly had the time to mourn his passing. Life suddenly became very tough and her ability to provide two square meals a day was a challenge.

With no land of her own, the only choice available to Budhubari was to become a wage labourer. Reflecting on the experience Budhubari stated, “When food was a daily struggle, education for my kids was next to impossible”.

Through the Odisha Tribal Empowerment and Livelihoods Programme intervention, Budhubari received legal title to homestead land measuring four decimals and farmland of 2.8 acres.

Life has since changed for Budhubari. Turned into a proactive entrepreneur with land, Budhubari has been able to break free of hunger. She is now focused on growing drumstick, maize, broad beans, and papaya in her home garden to feed herself and her children and supplement her income.

Looking at her patta (land documentation) Budhdubari looks proud. She says; “It has given a new meaning to my life. I don’t have to worry myself to death thinking about the future of my children anymore.”

This story was submitted by NRMC and originally appear in “Land answers the poverty question – Comprehensive Programme on Land to the Landless” which was published by Odisha Tribal Empowerment and Livelihoods Programme (OTELP) with the support of IFAD.