DDS has helped achieve food sovereignty and security for several thousand families, as also empower these women towards autonomy

“From housewives, they have become farmers, entrepreneurs and decision makers of their company.”

Food festivals, trail running and mini-marathons, yoga camps, story-telling sessions and bird-watching walks lead up to Mesar Van Kautik.

"The herbs that go into herbal concoctions used as as insect repellents and for veterinary purposes come from our own herbal gardens."

Naulas are fine examples of dry-masonry, stone architecture as well as the art and science of water purification

While promoting ecotourism, the villagers try to maintain a balance between conservation, livelihood and convenience

"We, the women of Balarampur, are determined not to let anybody touch our trees" says Chaturi Sahu of Balarampur village, Dhenkanal

Consumers support farmers upfront at the beginning of a farming season. In return, at the time of harvest, consumers are directly given farm products

Women are the custodians of seed diversity, including millets. Seed selection, an important part of the process, is also mostly done by women.