Case studies 2016

Success Stories in NE States | 0 Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 1 Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 2 Dr. K.M. Bujarbaruah Vice Chancellor Assam Agricultural University Jorhat -785013 FOREWORD It is a pleasure for me to know that keeping the trend of publishing success stories of inspiring agricultural extension initiatives, the EEI(NE Region), AAU has documented and compiled 50 successful cases covering states of NE region in 2015-16. ‘Success breeds successes’. Publishing success stories of agricultural extension initiatives has gained high priority as an extension tool in the present age of Information Technology. This compilation of selected success stories of achiever farmers and Farmers’ organization would mainly serve three-fold purposes: Getting published a success story, an achiever farmer as well as Farmers’ organization obviously gains a great deal of motivation, due recognition as well as Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 3 encouragement to continue and upscale efforts towards higher success. The extension functionaries would obviously be inspired to gear up extension efforts towards socio-economic uplift of the farming community, particularly through entrepreneurial development. Further, these success stories would serve as an effective tool for extension functionaries for motivating potential entrepreneurs to replicate the successes attained in various parts of the NE region. The success stories in this compilation are spreading over 7 different sectors of agricultural development viz. Agriculture, Horticulture, Dairy, Piggery, Poultry, Fishery and Sericulture. I compliment the faculties and staff of EEI (NE Region) for their endeavour to bring out this publication as an integral part of the Institute’s mandate for capacity building of extension functionaries. I sincerely hope that it will serve its purpose, and contribute to agricultural development in the NE Region, and would like to urge upon the extension personnel, extension systems and other stakeholders to reap the intended benefits from this publication. Date: 05.02.2016 (K.M. Bujarbaruah) Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 4 Preface Success stories of farmers encourage all the stakeholders of agricultural development right from national level to grass-root level for continuing extension support with greater enthusiasm and commitment. Training institutions and field functionaries have been using success stories in motivating farming community for taking up agriculture as profitable enterprise. An achiever farmer gains higher degree of motivation, recognition as well as encouragement to upscale and bring betterment of his/her enterprise when achievements get published. On the other hand, success story of a single farmer can serve as a great source of inspiration for many other farmers to take up similar enterprise. Keeping all the above utilities of success stories, EEI (NE Region) has taken up this project as an integral part of its mandate of capacity building of Extension functionaries in NE-states on extension and behavioral approaches, methods, tools, techniques, attitudes, skills and qualities for agricultural development. The 48 success stories of the compilation are spreading over seven sectors including, Agriculture, Horticulture, Dairy, Poultry, Piggery, Fishery and Sericulture, and covering both farmers and farm women. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 5 The information relating to the stories has been collected jointly by the faculties of EEI (NE Region) and extension functionaries of ATMA and KVKs of the Nine states. Data collection on success stories was an integral part of Off-campus training programmes of EEI (NE Region) conducted in the states during the year 2015-16. Our appreciation and heartfelt gratitude goes out to the farmers and farm women for sharing their stories and useful information regarding their road to success. We are grateful to the extension functionaries of the ATMA Scheme and KVKs of all the nine states for their active involvement, cooperation and supports in the project. (Dr Pradip Neog) Director, EEI (NE Region) AAU, Jorhat Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

CONTENT Success Stories in NE States | 6 SN Items Page no. 1 Floriculture blooms in West Khasi 13-14 Hills 2 Silk women from Mokokchung 15-17 village in Nagaland shining bright 3 Young boy becomes role model 17-19 among vegetable growers in Assam 4 Milk production gains momentum in 20-21 Mizoram 5 Intensive pumpkin cultivation in 22-24 Assam yields higher profits 6 Sustainable Integrated Farming 24-26 succeeds in Nagaland Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

CONTENT Success Stories in NE States | 6 SN Items Page no. 7 Success Story of Oyster Mushroom 27-28 Cultivation In Manipur 8 Successful intervention of KVK East 29-31 Sikkim enhances farm Income 9 Diversified farming in West Bengal 31-33 yields higher income 10 Lalamlynti SHG in West Khasi hills 34-35 empowers farmers 11 Educated Unemployed to Successful 36-38 Entrepreneur in Nagaland 12 Innovative paddy farming in Aizawl 38-40 district of Mizoram brings glory 13 Artificial insemination helping 41-42 farmer in Medziphema village of Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13 Nagaland

CONTENT Success Stories in NE States | 7 SN Items Page no. 14 SRI method boosting rice production 43-44 in Hoogly district of West Bengal 15 Successful cases of fish production in 45-46 Khowai district of Tripura 16 ‘Manikee Madhuri’ turns into 47-48 employment creator 17 SHG gains momentum under KVK, 49-51 Thoubal of Manipur 18 Fish-cum-Duck Integrated Farming 51-53 Enriches Rural Youth in South Tripura 19 Successful poultry giving handsome 53-55 earning in Khurkhul Village in Manipur Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

CONTENT Success Stories in NE States | 8 SN Items Page no. 20 Massive tomato production 56-58 encountered by SHG in Assam 21 Successful Persara Self Help Group in 58-60 Mylliem Block of Meghalaya 22 ‘Kiwi’ brings prosperity in Nagaland 60-62 23 Massive squash cultivation in 63-64 Mizoram 24 Successful cases of fish production in 65-66 Tripura 25 Toria variety TS-36 boosting farmers’ 67-69 income in Tinsukia district of Assam 26 Integrated farming gaining momentum 69-71 in Mizoram Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

CONTENT Success Stories in NE States | 9 SN Items Page no. 27 Rice seed producer In Manipur 71-73 becomes role model 28 ATMA support transforms 74-76 subsistence farming to agribusiness in Assam 29 ATMA converts a cop to a 76-78 commercial growers in Tirap district of Arunachal pradesh 30 A progressive farmer from Longleng 78-80 of Nagaland inspires people 31 Milk production succeeds in Kolasib 80-81 district of Mizoram 32 A role model from Kokrajhar District in 82-83 Assam inspiring commercial Growers Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

CONTENT Success Stories in NE States | 10 SN Items Page no. 33 Homestead Farming System brings 84-86 rays of hope in Tripura 34 Self Help proves the Best help in 86-88 Nagaland 35 Ensuring livelihood through Fishery 88-90 in Arunachal Pradesh 36 Mushroom cultivation flourishes in 90-92 Karbi Anlong of Assam 37 Agriculture- ensuring a life of dignity 93-94 for all times to come in Arunachal Pradesh 38 Fishery thrives well in Mokokchung 95-96 of Nagaland Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

CONTENT Success Stories in NE States | 11 SN Items Page no. 39 Goat farming gaining momentum in 97-98 Goalpara district of Assam 40 Fishery yields additional income in 99-101 East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh 41 Integrated farming ensuring 102-104 livelihood in Kokrajhar district of Assam 42 Massive orange cultivation in Assam- 104-106 Meghalaya border brings prosperity 43 SRI gaining momentum in Arunachal 107-108 Pradesh 44 Strawberry cultivation setting high 109-110 hopes in Saiha of Mizoram Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

CONTENT Success Stories in NE States | 12 SN Items Page no. 45 Polyculture and Breeding succeeds in 111-113 Arunachal Pradesh 46 Sericulture at Thuampui – an 113-114 emerging economic venture 47 Goatery Farming changes it all in 115-116 Mizoram 48 From Ex-Army to successful 117-118 Agri-preneur 49 Promoting organic farming and 119-122 entrepreneurship through Farm to Food organization 50 Massive Organic Farming Movement 122-124 in Biswanath Chariali of Assam through dynamic leadership Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 13 1. Floriculture blooms in West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya Situation: The cultivation of Carnation was first initiated by Smt. Eslinda Kharbani from Mawthungkper Village. Carnation gained popularity amongst farmer on account of its easy culture, wide adaptability, attractive colour, shape, size, and good keeping quality. Lack of technical knowhow of scientific flower cultivation among the growers and high level of losses, lack of awareness on market opportunity, lack of timely and precise price information are their hindrance. Response: Smt. Eslinda Kharbani has faced many problems regarding knowledge for raising flowers and other financial crisis. So after seeking and availing the help from the District Horticulture Office she has overcome all difficulties as mentioned above, The District Horticulture Officer West Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 14 Khasi Hills, Nongstoin extend a helping hand through a Poly-house as well as different training programmes related to production, Post harvest and Marketing aspects for growing flower i.e Carnation under Technology Mission 2008-09, sponsored by the Government of India operated in the Department of Agriculture. Result: Now, Carnation has become major source of income for Ms Eslinda Kharbani. Since she is having 6 (Six) year of experience in carnation farming, she says that, she has undergone and adopted most of the technologies under the supervision of District Horticulture Officer, West Khasi Hills. Therefore, because of the adoption of advance technologies, she got the yield 10-13 t/ha. Evidence: Now, she has constructed a new house well equipped with the all living facilities out of her profit she earned from the farming. She has been a source of inspiration for local people in and around the village. Looking at his success more number of unemployed educated youths have been motivated to take up floriculture as enterprise. Courtesy -DHO West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 15 2. Silk Women from Mokokchung Village In Nagaland shining bright Situation: In rural and semi urban areas, a large number of women folk are engaged in various activities related from soil to silk. Ten (10) females from Mokokchung village who were engaged in sericulture activity were struggling to meet their ends meet. Response: It all started in the year 2010 when they got together to form Esalok Self Help Group in Mokokchung village with the support of Sericulture department. The members had no knowledge about sericulture and its value addition. The members were trained on silkworm rearing, reeling and weaving by the sericulture department who also provided them with motorized spinning machines and reeling machine along with a financial assistant of Rs.10000/- as seed money. Apart from the departmental assistant, their group members also started their fund raised by Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 16 contributing Rs.100/member/year as a membership fees and maintained a saving bank account in Nagaland State Co-operative Bank. Result: In order to run their unit, the group members regularly cultivate tapioca crop in an area of about 2-3 acres for silkworm rearing. The trained members are actively participating in their assigned routine task from rearing to reeling to spinning, weaving, tailoring and finally to various silk products. They generate their group income by selling their beautifully weaved products such as shawls, coats, kurtas, neckties, pouches and bags, foot wears and flowers etc. with a price range of Rs.350/- to Rs.2000/-. In addition to the yarn products, the group also prepares pickle out of the left over pupae and sells it in the nearby local market thereby making full use of the resources. On an average the group income per month ranges approximately from Rs.7000 to 10,000/- Evidence: The group also participated in various state and national exhibition and expo during which they sell their products apart from Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 17 their active participation in various competition organized by the district during farmers mela. Their hard work, dedication and excellence in their field have earned them recognition in the district, state and national level. They are also nominated for best block farmers’ group this year i.e. 2015. In the near future, Esalok Self Help Group plans to extend their activities from a production unit to a full-fledged training unit for the unemployed youth and women folk’s in order to generate employment and uplift the status of the women in society. Courtesy-ATMA, Mokokchung, Nagaland 3. Young boy becomes role model among vegetable growers in Assam Situation: Mr Abhijit Gogoi of Borduarmukh Village under Nazira Subdivision of Sibasagar District had to maintain 4 nos of family including his mother, elder sister and younger brother. After the death of his father who was a teacher, he was struggling in earning livelihood. Although his mother got pension but it was not sufficient to run the family. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 18 Response: After completing his graduation in 2010 he has nothing to do but has the wisdom to do something. At that time, Sub-divisional Agril. Office started one 'Krishak Vidhalaya' in January 2012 under the guidance of Dr. Arun Changkakoti SDAO Nazira. The Vidhalaya targeted the educated youths to uplift their Knowledge, skill and attitude towards commercial cultivation for 3 months of period. Abhijit has become a student and this was the turning point of his life. The scientific knowledge and skills he has acquired from the intervention inspired him to do commercial vegetable cultivation. Result: With the hard work and dedication, he diversified himself to the vegetable cultivation along with rice. At first, he tried commercial cultivation of 'King Chilli' with the active supervision of ATMA Nazira and all other Extension Functionaries of Dept. He made a successful cultivation and gained a total profit of Rs 60,000/ from 0.1 ha of land. Followed by the success, he has started pumpkin cultivation in 0.2 ha of land from where he able to harvest approx. 4000 nos of pumpkin which he sale on an average Rs 30/- and earn a total income of Rs 1,20,000/- His farm was selected as FARM school for Bitter gourd demonstration under ATMA, Nazira Dev. Block where he participated and learn the cultivation Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 19 practices on Bitter Gourd. Though, in the initial year he didn’t get much profit out of it, but in the next year he cultivated it on 0.2 ha of land and able to get a bumper harvest of 10 qntl/0.13 ha and by selling it at average Rs 30.00 he earn Rs 28,000/-. He earned Rs 40,000/ from his piggery unit last year. He also interested in honey bee rearing and he has 3 nos of honey boxes which produce 6 lits of honey yearly. Evidence: Mr Abhijit is now an active member of ATMA BFAC, Nazira block. He purchased one power tiller which he not only used in his farm but also used it for custom hiring. He got his sister married and also helping a physically handicapped cousin brother. The State Agri. Minister also made one visit to his Okra demonstration plot which is a great matter of inspiration to him and for the locality. Courtesy- Mr. Nilanjan Saikia, BTM,ATMA, Nazira, Assam Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 20 4. Milk production gains momentum in Mizoram Situation: Mr H. Dokhuma of Aibawk block of Aizawl district started his dairy farming in 1 ha of leased in land. He started his farm with 3 cattles (2 female and 1 male) to meet the family expenditure by selling the milk in the market. Response: In the year 2000, he took bank loan of Rs. 3 lakhs from State Bank of India to start dariy as commercial enterprise. Out of the loan, he utilized Rs 1.7 lakh in purchasing high yielding cattle while the rest, he used it for the construction of cattle house, water tank and terrace. Results: Owing to his hard working and tireless effort, he has expanded his farm upto 12 cattles out of which 7 are female, 1 is male and 4 are calves. He practiced both natural and artificial insemination in the farm. The Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 21 animals were also given locally available feed and fodder. During milking period, the cow gave milk around 35 litres per day. The milk was sold to MULCO society at the rate of 35 per litre. Now, he started doing crop cultivation along with the dairy. Growing of off seasonal vegetables like cabbage, tomatoes, mustard, and bean have been reaping him Rs 30000.00 per annum. He is earning Rs 420000.00 per annum by selling milk and even, selling of left over cow dung also giving him additional Rs 20000.00 per annum. Evidence: Now, he bought the land of the farm and owned by himself. He has been a source of inspiration for local people in and around the village. Looking at his success more number of unemployed educated youths have been motivated to take up dairy farming. However, this success has been achieved distinctively over the short period of time in a sustainable manner through hard work and dedication. Courtesy -ATMA, Aizawl, Mizoram Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 22 5. Intensive pumpkin cultivation in Assam yields higher profits Situation: Mr Troilukya Handique of Sagunpara village of Golaghat district of Assam was cultivating rabi crops like cabbage, cauliflower, Knolkhol, potato, mustard, pea in an area of 1.4 ha of land out of his 4 ha of land situated on the bank of the river Doyang. He was making his living by selling whatever he produced as rabi vegetable and in the rest of the year he was earning as daily wage earner. Response: In the year 2011, his land was selected for a demonstration under CSS ATMA. He was given a demonstration on pumpkin cultivation in 0.5 ha of his land. Another 0.5 ha of his land were selected for a Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 23 mustard demonstration for M-27 variety. In the same time, he was also given technical backstopping on scientific management of farm for commercialization of pumpkin and mustard cultivation. Result: In the year 2012, he has grown pumpkin in an area of 4 ha of land from which he earned around Rs 7 lakhs of profit. In the following year, he had extended his pumpkin cultivation to an area of 5.2 ha of land with leased in land from which he earned around Rs 10 lakhs of profit. He also started growing potato and cabbage as intercrop from which he has earned additional income. At present, he is growing crops like sweet potato, okra, and pointed gourd along with other cole crops. He is rearing 4 no of milch cows, 30 no of goats, hens and ducks along with few pigs. Evidence: He has purchased one tractor on his own costing Rs 7 lakhs. At present, his yearly income from all sources is not less than Rs 8 lakhs. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 24 Now pumpkin has become a major crop in the locality after his success. He is giving employment to 4 nos of permanent labours and few causal labours for the whole year. A farm school on pumpkin was initiated during the year 2012 in his field. Courtesy- Mr.K.R Saikia, ADO, Golaghat, Assam 6. Sustainable Integrated Farming succeeds in Nagaland Situation: Mrs. Neivizonuo aged 38, of Bade village from Dhansiripar Block of Nagaland is a progressive farm lady by destiny. Her inherent quality has made her success in organic farming. Her astonishing achievement in farming is worth a story to be shared with other farmers. After completing her higher studies outside the state, she was engaged in a private company for a brief period until she got married in the early 1990’s. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 25 Response: Following her marriage, she found interest in farming and discovered that her husband has a large fertile land to suit her requirements. Pulled by her interest, she participated in many training, demonstrations and workshops organised ATMA equipping her with amble farming knowledge and innovative ideas. Results: She is now managing 20 hectares of farmland growing varieties of crops such as paddy, maize, ginger, turmeric, banana, citrus, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, tomato, chilli, brinjal, potato, knol-khol, carrot, onion and tapioca. She sells her agricultural produce in surrounding weekly market and the remaining surplus is exported to other neighbouring states. Her annual turnover from paddy grains and vegetables crop is around Rs. 6 Lakhs. She is one among few who make good use of the knowledge and innovative ideas acquired during trainings making her one of the most successful farmer in the entire district. Besides food crop cultivation, this progressive lady farmer is maintaining a poultry farm unit with a capacity of 5000 birds and 10 Piggery units. At present, she is rearing 3000 birds and 40 Pigs as Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 26 secondary activity. She is also undertaking propagation of flowers and horticultural crops by cutting, budding and grafting to earn additional income. In total, her annual earnings from her entire farming activity is approximately Rs.10.80 Lakhs. Evidence: In recognition of her dedication and hard work towards integrated organic farming, ATMA-Dimapur of Dhansiripar block opened a “Horticultural Farm school” in her farmland in 2012. Since then, Smti. Neivizonuo and her husband have been closely working under ATMA- Dimapur as a resourceful farmer-teacher duo sharing their practical experiences and motivating other fellow farmers. In addition to it, a number of on-field trainings and demonstrations on organic farming of vegetable crops were organized by ATMA at the farm School for dissemination of agricultural innovations. Courtesy-ATMA, Dimapur, Nagaland Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 27 7. Success Story of Oyster Mushroom Cultivation In Manipur Situation: Shri Konthoujam Sanaton Singh, 50 Yrs. (M) is a matriculate from Haorang Sabal block of Manipur west district. He was struggling with 5 members of his family to attain a good standard of living. He was searching for the means of earning livelihood that can help him to maintain his family life. Response: He was motivated by one adopted farmer of KVK Imphal West. Being adoptive and laborious Shri Sanaton Singh started growing mushroom in 2007 with a mere 120 bags. Under the Horticulture Mission (MM-I), KVK took up one demonstration programme on Oyster mushroom cultivation and production unit. Drums, Sprayer, Tarpaulin, polythene sheets, polybags, polypropylene bags, master spawn, spawn, etc. were given as inputs. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 28 Result: He multiplied master spawn for his own use and the excess was sold out to other mushroom growers. His production capacity increased to 2800 bags at the end of 2013. He could manage to get 4 croppings in a year with a net profit of Rs 116000.00. In summer, he is maintaining 3 cropping with short duration varieties of Pleurotus eous, P. flabellatus and local strain while in winter 1 cropping with P. ostreatus only. Evidence: He is totally involved in mushroom cultivation throughout the year and from this income he is maintaining his family including children’s education. He easily manages the financial requirements for his daughter’s study in 2nd year B.Sc Nursing at Bengaluru. He extended training and guidance on mushroom cultivation to 4 farmers in his locality and neighboring villages. Courtesy -KVK Imphal West, Manipur Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 29 8. Successful intervention of KVK East Sikkim enhances farm Income Situation: Mr. Gokul Rai from East Sikkim was confined to only single crop of rice or maize during kharif; leaving the field fallow during rabi season. The returns from farming were very nominal and were struggling to manage his family life. Response: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, East Sikkim, Ranipool intervened with the different activities under NICRA to increase the water use efficiency and productivity. He constructed a water harvesting structure for rainwater harvesting in which the runoff from the village streams was harvested and judiciously used as supplemental irrigation to grow organic cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and vegetable seedlings under low cost structures and manage mid-season drought. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 30 Response: Increased availability of water encouraged Mr. Rai to diversify the cropping system with organic cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli cultivation and vegetable seedlings production under low cost structures during the rabi season. Efficient use of farm pond water to irrigate rabi crops during dry spells with micro-irrigation systems (sprinkler and drip) made vegetable production a profitable venture for him. It increased the cropping intensity from 100 to 216 per cent and the net returns multiplied manifold from Rs. 16,500/- to Rs. 85,250/- from his 0.45 ha of net arable land. Mr. Rai is now a successful rural youth farmer showing the path to other farmers to manage mid-season drought through farm pond technology. Evidence: He has become an effective techno-agent and supplies quality seedling. He disseminates technical know-how which he constantly updates with the help of scientists and officers of KVK, East Sikkim. Mr. Gokul Rai was felicitated by Sh. D. N. Takarpa, Hon'ble Minister, Food Security and Agriculture Development Department, Government of Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 31 Sikkim as Best Rural Youth Farmer on the 38th Foundation Day of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong in 2013. Besides, he also manages Farm Field School on Vegetable Seedlings Production under Low Cost Structure sponsored by ATMA, East Sikkim. Courtesy -KVK, Ranipool, Sikkim 9. Diversified farming in West Bengal yields higher income Situation: Mr. Samit Maity of Shyam Sundarpur village of South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal was an electrician at Bahu Bazzar area at Kolkata under one Company. At that time he was earning Rs.4000/- per month. Moreover, he could not find time for his family. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 32 Response: In the year 2006, he got one month training from the district agricultural department under bio- village project. One month later of this training, he started doing farming in his 0.7 ha of land. Lateron, he extended his farm to 1.3 ha of land by leasing in another 0.6 ha of land. He continued his farming by keeping touch with the agriculture and allied department for need based input and technical advice from time to time. He attended 3 days orientation training programme at Narendrapur on seed production programme for fisheries. He also went to exposure visit on National level Fair on ‘Krishi Vasanta’at Nagpur. Result: Mr. Samit Maity is earning 3.95 lakhs rupees annually from his 1.2 ha of farm land. He has a diversified farming system of vegetables cultivation, Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 33 fish production, milk production, paddy cultivation and custom hiring of powertiller. He cultivates vegetables all around the years including almost all the vegetables during summer, kharif and rabi season which gave him 2.10 lakhs annually. Apart from the vegetable production, he has 3 nos. of pond having 0.3 ha water areas each. He also sells both fingerling and full grown fishes in the market which gave him additional Rs 22000.00 annually. He has 8 (eight) nos. of milching cow. He has purchased 2 nos of power tiller and 1 no. of Pumpset for Irrigation. He gave his power tillers for custom hiring which gave him a profit of Rs 1.50 lakh annually. Besides, the selling of paddy gave him an additional amount of Rs.13,000.00 per annum. Evidence: Mr. Samit Maity is now a self-employed person who also gave employment to his family. He is great source of inspiration for his neighbors . His initiative helped him to form a CIG group named ‘Bhumi’ in June ’14 under ATMA. Courtesy -DAO, South 24 Pargana, West Bengal Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 34 10. Lalamlynti SHG in West Khasi hills empowers farmers Situation: The cultivation of tomato was first initiated by Shri. Thing Lyngkhoi form Nongjlak Village, presently known as Mawkamoit village. Most of the farmers in that locality were struggling for better life and unable to find out better livelihood opportunities. Response: In the year to 2004-05, farmers from the village approach the Horticulture/Agriculture at Nongstoin for purchase of vegetables seeds and others inputs. They also came to know about the initiative taken by the government to form SHGs. Consequently, Ialamlynti SHG” under the leadership of Shri. Grossful Pariong, came into being in the year 2010. The main objective of the SHG is to mobilize farmers to increase the Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 35 production of tomato and its marketability. Right from the year 2009-10 till date the District Horticulture Officer, Nongstoin have been patronizing and assisting the group in their journey. To overcome constraints of transportation, the members of the SHG approached the District Horticulture Officer, Nongstoin and after thorough deliberation the District Horticulture Officer, Nongstoin, decided to provide 50 % financial assistance of Rs. 3.00 (Rupees Three Lakh) only through RKVY 2009-10 for purchase of pick up vehicle. Result: Today area and production stands at 6.5 hectares and 1625 quintals. They dispose their produce to neigbouring places like Mairang, Mawkyrwat, Nongstoin and right distant places like Boko in Assam. Evidence: At present, the SHG has more than 100 members. Each the members contribute Rs. 10/- per month. The bank balance at present stands at Rs. 45,000.00 from a humble beginning of Rs. 500,00. The net profit of the group stands at Rs. 1000.00 per day and Rs. 20,000.00 per month. Courtesy -DHO, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 36 11. Educated Unemployed to Successful Entrepreneur in Nagaland Situation: Mr Tiatemsu, a thirty six year old graduate from Akumen village of Japukong range was very disappointed with his life as like most of the youth of the state he too could not get a stable and secured job. Giving up all his hope of finding a suitable government job he returned to his native village with a vision to start farming on his ancestral land and earn a name of his own. In consultation with his family members he started vegetable farming on 2 Hectare land where he grew both summer and winter vegetables rotated with rice cultivation. Response: The initial years of farming were quite challenging for him as he had to incur a lot of expenditure on labour in clearing the thick jungles. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 37 However, not giving up hope on himself he continued his farming with hard work and dedication. His enthusiasm for farming doesn’t just end up with generation of income as his zeal to learn more could be seen in him never missing the opportunity to attend various programmes and trainings organized by Agri. and Allied Departments in order to excel and improve his farm. Results: The fruits of his labour finally paid off when he was able to produce vegetables not just for self-consumption but was also able to sell it to his villagers. With his continuous hard work he has managed to increase his vegetables production and is now able to supply his vegetables to whole sellers in Assam. Also, at the end of the year the harvested paddy is sold which fetches him a good return. In addition to the above, he also rears poultry in his farm which are sold to the village when it attains a marketable weight. With all his hard work he is now able to earn a net income of Rs. 2 lakhs from all this activities in a year. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 38 Evidence: Mr. Tiatemsu is now a well-established and contend entrepreneur satisfied with his life. However, he himself been in the shoe of unemployment in the past he could not stop but think of helping other. This though and concern has motivated him to plan to start tea cultivation so as to enable him to not only earn more income but employ local youths. Courtesy -SAMETI, Nagaland 12. Innovative paddy farming in Aizawl district of Mizoram brings glory Situation: Ms Kaphliri of Bungkawn village of Aizawl district of Mizoram started farming since her childhood. She used to help her father in farming activities since school days. Since then, she was involved in farming activities and step by step she extended her faring into an enterprise with expected return and visible economic upliftment. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 39 Response: By dint of perseverance and hard working, and with active support from the department of agriculture, in the form of training and demonstration, she has made farming into successful enterprise. Results: Today, Ms Kaphliri is the pride owner of of 9.7 ha of agricultural land. She is well supported by her family member in farming activities. She adopted SRI method on 0.6 ha of land and used varieties of paddy like KRH1, CAU-1, DRRH-II from which she got an yield around 24 quintals. In addition, she got inspiration to cultivate tomatoes in high tech poly houses in an area of 500sqm to get an annual yield 30Q/ ha. Presently, Ms Kaphliri has around 20 numbers of litchi tree in her farm where she used to have an annual income of Rs 3, 00,000.00. Also, since 2013, she started Oil Palm cultivation in 1 ha of land. She also adopted crop rotation practice in a year starting with paddy followed by pulses and vegetables. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 40 Evidence: She was adjusted National Level farmer Award by the Government in the year 2010 at New Delhi. She was also awarded several times by several organizations in the field of agriculture. Courtesy -ATMA, Aizawl, Mizoram Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 41 13. Artificial insemination helping farmer in Medziphema village of Nagaland Situation: Ms Atsole, a progressive pig breeder in Mediphema village has four children. She is a mere vendor by profession in the nearby town. Her husband works in a contractual government department as grade IV staff with meagre income to sustain the family. All the children are school goers of class VII to class XII in 2014. Response: Things began to change for her when she started artificial insemination for raising her piglet with the active support of the veterinary department of the state. She being a very cooperative and innovative client had designed a separate room for the piglets as creep area with outmost sanitation. She followed all the technical Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 42 knowhow of animal health care and promotional procedures with great zest. Her sow had farrowed thrice with 6 piglets, 8 piglets and another 8 piglets in successive year. It is for the first time for the state that, the third farrows was achieved with the successful introduction of artificial insemination. Result: As reported, the piglets were sold @ Rs 2500.00 and are higher than the earlier price. Now, she could manage the livelihood of her family besides paying the school fees and purchase of feesd for the pigs. Evidence: she had extended her farm to accommodate more numbers of sow with additional piglets. She is a source of great inspiration for the fellow farmers in the village. Courtesy -ATMA, Medziphema, Nagaland Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 43 14. SRI method boosting rice production in Hoogly distrct of West Bengal Situation: Mr Manjit Ghosh, a marginal farmer of khalsi village of Hooghly district of West Bengal is educated up to class VIII. He was suffering from poor economic constraints after the death of his father which compelled him to develop interest in farming activities. Response: In the year 2014, he attended 2 days training programme organized by FIAC, ATMA, Hooghly district where he came to know about how to cultivate paddy by SRI method. There he learned technical aspect of increasing yield by investing minimum inputs. He was motivated and by the help of useful advice and technical support from the ATMA official, he cultivated paddy in 1 ha of land with MTU 7029 variety of boro rice. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 44 Result: He worked hard and followed the guidance of ATMA unit to grow rice by SRI method. He became successful to get 30-40 % more yield at the cost 30-40% less investment. He was able to get yield 70 Qts/ha by SRI method compared to 40 Qts/ha by conventional method. His net profit was nearabout Rs 40,000.00 per ha with which he was planning to purchase SRI marker, Cono paddy weeder and paddy thresher. Evidence: He won first prize in Block Krishi Mela and made an example of inspiration of success to every farmer. Now, 40% of the farmers in the locality are following SRI method for cultivation of rice to get higher yield with lesser investment of cost. Courtesy -ATMA, Hooghly, West Bengal Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 45 15. Successful cases of fish production in Khowai district of Tripura Situation: Mr Abhicharan Debbarma S/O late Padma Kr Debbarma of Gayaanmari ADC Village of Khowai district of Tripura belongs to a BPL family. He had a land of 0.16 ha of pond which he used it for rearing fishes to sell as well as to consume at home. He was struggling for living with his 5 numbers of family members. He, somehow managed his livelihood through daily wage earning and from whatever he sells out of the fish he had in the market. Response: During 2012-13, Mr Abhicharan Debbarma got a ten days training on fish culture from the department of fisheries Khowai. At that time he was selected as a beneficiary of the scheme “Composite Fish culture” in the year 2013-14. He was also given assistance in the form of fish feed and Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 46 fingerlings for scientific fish culture. He learned some scientific aspect of quicklime, mustard oil cake, application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Results: After 6-7 months of training, he sold around 300 kgs of fishes and earned Rs. 45000.00. Now, he is planning to go for integrated farming system with duckery and poultry keeping fishery as a main component. Evidence: Mr Abhicharan Debbarma is now very happy and leading a comfortable life with his family. He became economically self sufficient and become an idol for the nearby farming community. Courtesy -Department of fisheries, Khowai, Tripura Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 47 16. ‘Manikee Madhuri’ turns into employment creator Situation: Mr Dhantu Bora of Hapjan block under Tinsukia district is an educated farmer. He is energetic and took farming as his profession. But, he could not earn money to meet the needs of his five member family. Response: In the year 2013, he came in contact with the ATMA officials of Hapjan block who selected his farm as demonstration plot for one aromatic rice variety called ‘Manikee Madhuri’. During that demonstration, he learned the new improved technologies of raising aromatic rice. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 48 Result: A field day was organized at the day of harvesting with the active participation of the nearby farmer. It was reported to have 56 Q per ha yield which quite higher than the other yield of locally grown rice varieties of the area. Inspired by the result and with the help of technical knowledge he learnt during the demonstration, Mr Bora continued to grow ‘Manikee Madhuri’ in the subsequent years. Evidence: with the higher demand for aromatic rice in the market, Mr Bora is could manage all his family expenses with the profit he is making from the rice cultivation. Many of the farmers of that locality now showing interest to grow scented rice as profitable venture. Courtesy – Panchali Gogoi, BTM, ATMA, Mergherita, Assam Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13