Malho Marndi: A changemaker and a rising hope for mechanized direct-seeded rice in Odisha

Malho Marndi proudly recounts her journey as she returned to her village in Odisha, India to engage in farming and became a progressive farmer in her area. People described her as “mad” because she was quick to embrace agricultural innovations. Most farmers typically avoid them because of the uncertainties of the outcome of implementing modern practices. Now, seeing her success, her fellow farmers come to her for advice. “Unless we farmers try, we will not be able to decide on what will help us improve our productivity. Leaving land fallow is not the solution, if there is new technology let’s try!” she said.

“Being a woman, I have a lot of additional work to do; hence the machine helps me in many ways to ease my life as a farmer!” said Malho Marndi from Angarpada Village of Kusumi Block in Mayurbhanj. Married with three children, she proudly recounts her journey as she returned to her village and did agricultural work, and became a progressive farmer in her area.

“I define myself as a passionate farmer,” Mrs. Marndi said. “I decided to come back to my village after eleven years and started farming with new improved technologies.”