Strategy Design
Zero
Brief
A non-profit from Assam, India had a few acres of land. They wanted us to find a solution to generate income from that land. Constraints were - no availability of labor for maintenance, no major investment, lack of transport.
We came up with a crop strategy that outwitted all the constraints and promised a steady income.
Thinking
Is it impossible to generate income from land without investing a lot of money and labor, and without transport? Can we find some clues or opportunities?
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Solution
Citronella plantation was the solution for all the constraints and generation of steady income.
A citronella oil extracting mill, located very close to the non profit, was looking for more farmers to plant citronella. The mill would provide saplings. All it needed was land, water, plantation of saplings, and cutting off the citronella grass. The region is blessed with a fertile soil and ample rainfall. So no separate irrigation was required. The mill would then arrange for pickup of the cuttings.
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This was a win-win situation for the non profit, the mill, and the locals. A zero investment and zero maintenance yet steady earnings indeed!
