Hindu and Muslim farmers in Bankura, West Bengal, are promoting communal harmony by working on their farms together to ensure increased production for a better lifestyle.
Farmers in Natungram and Puniosol area of Bankura District have been involved in the planting and production of pumpkins for the last 23 years.
"People from all religious faiths work here. Be it Hindu, Muslim or Santhal. We work together and sell our products across the country. Whatever profit we have, we share it with our Hindu brothers," said Muslim farmer and businessman Ghulam Dastagiri.
The demand of pumpkin is high in Kolkata, especially during the festive season, as devotees use it as a substitute for banned animal sacrifice.
Trucks loaded with pumpkins are sent to different parts of the country.
"If we plant 1000 plants than we get back around INR 8000 to INR 10,000. We do not face any problem. We can also send our children for studies," a farmer, Yadulla Mandal.
The pumpkins are deseeded and sold for a higher price because of their nutritional value.