“Empowering Marginalized Farmers Through Khasland Access: A Success Story”

Thakur Das Mondal, a landless resident of Paschim Patibunia village in Magurkhali Union of Dumuria Upazila, finally secured possession of 0.50 acres of khasland (government owned land) in his name under Deed No. 2623/2330. His journey from deprivation to prosperity unfolded against the backdrop of the sun-kissed fields of Magurkhali Union in Dumuria Upazila.

Thakur Das and his wife had long harbored a dream, a dream of owning a piece of land that would not just be theirs on paper but would also bear witness to their toil and aspirations. Their chance came in 2008 when the government allotted them 0.50 acres of khasland, a symbol of hope for the landless. However, the dream was dimmed by influential figures who blocked their rightful claim.

The turning point arrived in 2020 when the “Uttaran” organization launched the Asserting Marginalized Access to Rights (AMAR) project. This initiative aimed to empower landless marginal farmers in the region, opening avenues to government resources and services. Thakur Das Mondal’s story became a testament to the project’s significance as he finally secured legal ownership under Deed No. 2623/2330.

The collaboration between the Upazila Land Office and Uttaran was the catalyst that transformed Thakur Das’s dream into a tangible reality. With pride in his heart and the support of his wife, he now stands as the rightful cultivator of the once elusive land. Fruit trees dot portions of their newfound territory, promising a harvest of prosperity. As they meticulously prepare the remaining area for fish and paddy cultivation, the land breathes life into their dreams.Thakur Das Mondal’s triumph is not just a personal victory; it symbolizes the potential embedded in initiatives like AMAR. The access to government resources, such as khasland, emerges as a beacon of hope for landless individuals, offering them a chance to diversify their livelihoods. Beyond the plowed fields and planted saplings, this achievement paints a picture of a better future, with alternative income options for marginalized communities.The story of Thakur Das Mondal echoes through the winds of change—a story of perseverance, collaboration, and the transformative power of reclaiming one’s rightful place on the land they call home.