Puran Rana, a 27-year-old youth from Krishnapur Municipality-9, Pachdhaki, once faced the daily hardships of rural poverty. In a joint family of eight members—including his grandfather, parents, brother, two sisters, wife, and himself—life was a constant challenge. The family's primary income source was traditional farming of paddy and wheat, which barely sustained them. Due to limited income, even purchasing basic vegetables became difficult, and accessing nutritious food was a rare luxury. For years, Puran had no hope of becoming financially independent. He lacked exposure to modern farming techniques and had never considered cultivating vegetables on his own barren land. Everything changed when Puran became a member of the Farmer Field School Group under the Skill Up! Empowering Vulnerable Youth through Competencies and Decent Income for Sustainable Perspectives project. Through this initiative, he participated in Leader Farmer Training, where he gained hands-on knowledge about improved agricultural practices. During the training, Puran learned:

• 1.Seed selection techniques,
• 2.Nursery preparation
• 3.Organic bio-fertilizer production (such as "Jhol Mal"),
• 4.Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tool, and
• 5.The importance of a balanced and nutritious diet.

Not only did he receive valuable knowledge, but he was also supported with vegetable seeds and bio-fertilizer kits, helping him  to take his first steps into vegetable farming. Motivated and better equipped, Puran began cultivating vegetables on his once-unused land. Within months, his fields transformed into a vibrant patch of green, flourishing with crops such as gourd, pumpkin, bitter gourd, okar, and cowpea.

In just eight months, Puran earned approximately twenty thousand rupees from selling vegetables. More importantly, his family’s eating habits improved, incorporating fresh green vegetables into their daily meals. His success became a beacon of hope for others, attracting the attention of youths from nearby areas who now visit to learn from his practices. Looking ahead, Puran plans to expand his farming further by introducing tunnel farming, which will help grow crops off-season and increase yield. He is also keen to train other youths, sharing the knowledge and skills that have changed his own life. Puran's story is a powerful example of how access to knowledge, training, and a bit of support can turn barren fields—and lives—into thriving sources of opportunity.