Last spring, we shared with you the sweet story of 22-year-old farmer Dipak BK and his wife Laxmi. The young couple faced a rocky beginning, as their families forbade them from marrying because they were born into different castes.
Yet love conquered all.
Shortly after they were married, Dipak enrolled in a training program through Lutheran World Relief that helps Dalit (low caste) and low-income farmers improve their livelihoods and their ability to lift themselves out of poverty.
Thanks to your partnership and support, Dipak and Laxmi rented a plot of land and established a small banana farm.
Our previous story ended just as their seedlings were beginning to grow.
Today we have good news to share...
Their first harvest was a wonderful success! When we first spoke with Dipak, he told us the amount he hoped they would earn after their first harvest.
Thanks to the couple’s hard work — and the connections Dipak made to buyers through Lutheran World Relief — Dipak TRIPLED his goal!
Following this success, Dipak and Laxmi reinvested about one-third of these profits into the production of their next harvest. These expenses include leasing the land and purchasing fertilizers, transportation and other supplies.
This time, since his farm is already established, some of their production costs are lower. That means, if all goes well, their profits will be even higher this time — setting them up to make progress toward their goals.
Your love opens doors to opportunity
Dipak and Laxmi have big dreams of growing their farm, buying their own land, building a home and being self-reliant. They work hard every day to make these dreams a reality so they can rise out of poverty and thrive.
You are a part of their success!
When they were cast out of their families and starting at zero, you gave them the tools, knowledge and opportunity to start something new.
Thank you!