Case studies 2016

Success Stories in NE States | 49 17. SHG gains momentum under KVK, Thoubal of Manipur Situation: Few members from Tokpaching village of Thoubal district in Manipur were struggling for earning livelihood and finding difficulties to take care of the growing needs of their family. Before forming into group, they possessed 8 ha of cultivable land comprising gentle hill slopes, foothills, lowland and deep water area where integrated farming system of fishery, piggery,cattle farming, poultry farming and various horticultural and agricultural crops, Agroforestry that can be integrated successfully. Response: Keeping in view the economic importance of the area in respect to farming, Punshi Sintha SHG,was formed with a member of ten farmers under the guidance of KVK,Thoubal in the year 2008. Tokpaching village is located in the Kakching block of Thoubal district in the southern periphery neighbouring to Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 50 Bishnupur district. The group has taken up cultivation of different horticultural crops in an area of about 3.5 ha comprising watermelon (var–Mandakini), garden pea (var Arkel), King chilli on areas of 0.4 ha,0.25 ha & 8 ha respectively out of which king chilli is still being harvested. They have an additional area of one acre with fully grown Tapioca yet to be harvested. The subject matter specialists from the KVK have been monitoring their activities right from selection of variety, seed treatment, nursery management, transplanting, irrigation, fertilizer application, plant protection harvesting, grading, processing and marketing whenever necessary. The group has been taught the technique & methods of induced breeding of carp (Common carp) through a training and demonstration programme. Results: At present, the group has a bank balance of Rs. 50,000 as saving from their net income. The group has made a profit of Rs 1,73,000.00 in the last year from the vegetable production and targeting to get another profit of Rs 1 lakhs from King Chilli and Tapioca. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 51 Evidence: On seeing the sincerity, hard work, and enthusiastic endeavor, the group has displayed the Department of Horticulture, through perusal from the KVK, have agreed to install a deep irrigation system and also supply with a full length U.V. film for the construction of a low cost green/ plastic house under the Mini Mission II of Technology Mission. Courtesy-KVK, Thoubal of Manipur 18. Fish-cum-Duck Integrated Farming Enriches Rural Youth in South Tripura Situation: Sri Sudip Majumder from Bagma village of South Tripura district was a fisherman who had been struggling to manage his daily expenditure from his 0.2 ha area of pond. He was carrying out his fishery activity through his little scientific knowledge and traditional way. Response: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (ICAR), South Tripura established a successful IFS module on “Duck-cum-fish Integrated Farming“ at Bagma village of South Tripura district (undivided) under NICRA Project. KVK provided technological guidance to Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 52 a rural youth Sri Sudip Majumder along with some input material support to develop this unit. The total farming system area was 0.20 ha area (0.16 ha area pond water area and 0.04 ha area under duckery unit). Shri Majumder constructed a permanent duck house adjacent to pond area to keep 25 nos. (Male = 8, Female = 17) of Khaki Campbell variety of ducklings. Shri Majumder followed the technique of multiple stocking and multiple harvesting techniques in fish culture management. With the technique of multiple stocking and multiple harvesting the total revenue from fish production was recorded to be more worthy. Result: Shri Majumder could sale 601.6 kg of fish (amounting Rs. 60,160) and 1230 nos. of eggs (amounting Rs. 4920) besides substantial quantity (45 to 50 kg of fish) and 4 male ducks were utilized for home consumption. Home kitchen waste and rice (approximately 600 kg during farming year) were provided as feed to the ducks during the first three months with artificial feed. The total expenditure incurred for the demonstration unit was approximately Rs. 33,000 and the income from the unit was approximately 80, 000. A total profit of Rs 47,000 was realized from this entrepreneurial demonstration in 0.20 ha area in one farming year. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 53 Evidence: Inspired by the success, Mr Majumder continued the model in the successive years with the expansion of farm area which ensures higher income and profit. Such IFS model can help in minimising the cost of farming, farm risk, and increase income over the year - KVK, South Tripura, Tripura 19. Successful poultry giving handsome earning in Khurkhul Village in Manipur Situation: Smt. Kh. Kulapati Devi from Khurkhul village, Imphal West District, Manipur maintained about 50 non- descript/ local hens for egg production. It was estimated that the average egg Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 54 production of her hens to be 70 eggs/hen/year from that non-descript birds. Her earning was very meagre and not enough for day-to-day family maintenance. She faced a critical financial hardship for livelihood as her youngest son was also doing post-graduate studies. Response: In an interaction with our KVK staff during a vaccination programme, she requested for a health check –up for her local birds and expressed her desire to avail a vocational training programme to be conducted by our staff on Backyard poultry production. As desired, training programme on Management of small poultry units using improved variety i.e. Vanaraja was conducted and she was well-trained and given exposure to the rearing of Vanaraja, a dual purpose and multi- coloured chicken suitable for rural poultry farming with a potential to produce 100% more eggs of 13-15 g heavier weight as compared to non-descript/local breed under scavenger system of management. Regarding health management Tetracycline, Sulphadrugs, piperazine liquid at 2-3 months intervals was advocated under the supervision of Animal Science discipline of KVK. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 55 Results: After being trained, 40 Vanaraja grown up (6 weeks old) birds in a sex ratio of 1:5 were supplied to her at a minimal rate of Rs. 55/bird from the centre. Now her birds had completed 70 weeks. The birds were provided with locally available feed ingredients like rice bran, vegetables leaves (cabbage, cauliflower), waste rice, wild lettuce, and egg shell. The average body weight adult birds were estimated about 4.0 kg and 3.0 kg for male and female respectively. She also supplied hatching eggs to the interested poultry raisers @ Rs. 8/egg and also managed to incubate the hatching eggs and chicks so produced were sold to other mates @ Rs.22/ day old chicks. She disposed spent birds @Rs. 140/kg live body weight at her doorstep. Now she could earn an average income supplement of Rs. 1565.5/month. Evidence: Smt. Kh. Kulapati Devi is leading a comfortable and sustainable life. Now, she could manage all the expenditure needed to meet her family including the higher education of her son. Courtesy -KVK, Imphal West, Manipur Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 56 20. Massive tomato production encountered by SHG in Assam Situation: Lakhi Aditya Self Help Group was formed in Merapani circle of Golaghat district in the year 2013-14. It was realised by some of the people in that area to take up joint venture in vegetable cultivation to gained some profitable means of earning livelihood. The reason is well known for vegetable production, but still most of the vegetable growers was unable to find out a profitable means of earning livelihood. As a result of which, they have to earn their livelihood as daily wage earners. Response: Owing to their poor economic condition and lack of adequate technical knowhow, they approach to the concerned agricultural department for necessary guidance. The concerned ADO helped them and gave assistance from HMNEHS Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 57 scheme to take up better strategies for production, packaging and marketing of vegetables. A major initiative was taken to create a SHG who would prioritize marketing of tomato. A buy back agreement was settle between the tomato growers and Aditya SHG to offer minimum support price to the producers. Result: Initially the Lakhi Aditya SHG marketed the tomato bought from growers of Golaghat district to Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Guwahati and other places. The market explored by the Aditya SHG then expanded to Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, New Delhi and even to Bangladesh. Evidence: Now, the Aditya SHG is doing contract farming in Arunachal Pradesh especially Bomdilla and Kameng district to supplement the market demand throughout the year. The cost- benefit ratio maintained by the group is 1: 6 which is very congenial for Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 58 such type of joint venture. The group is not only giving remunerative price to the local tomato growers, but also helping many youth to to sustain their interest in farming as a venture of high profit making. Courtesy-DAO, Golaghat, Assam 21. Successful Persara Self Help Group in Mylliem Block of Meghalaya Situation: Persara SHG is a Self Help Group formed under the Department of Agriculture in Rangsyuin village located 7 km away from SAMETI, Meghalaya. The primary activity of this group is vegetable cultivation which was th formed on the 28 February 2005 with the intent to uplift the means of livelihood of the members. Earlier, traditional methods of cultivation without forming into groups had not given a significant increase in the yield. It should be noted that people in this area fall under the below poverty line (BPL) section of the society therefore it is a great achievement by the group. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 59 So, the people of this village took the initiative to form the group in order to enhance the economy for sustainable livelihood. Response: Loans are granted to the members of the groups for undertaking various activities. Proper grading of the activities of the group by concerned bank and the block officers have confirmed their diligence and efficiency. Recommended package of practice were completely adopted and on their behalf, various indigenous technical knowledge were applied to their field. An important indigenous tuber crop, Flamengia vestita locally known as “Sohphlang” has also been taken up this year by this group. It is an important delicacy among the people of Khasi hills and has vast medicinal properties which can also be used particularly for deworming. Results: Today, the group has a bank balance of over 19lakhs.. Through sheer hard work, dedication and following the recommendations of the Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 60 extension functionaries from the department, today they have increased their purchasing power of basic needs/amenities and have an improved standard of living. Evidence: This group has even purchased a Maruti van that tends to the members’ need based activities as well as the transportation of vegetable produce to the markets, whether distant or local. Besides, the SHG has recently started a workshop for smelting iron for the preparation of indigenous tools used in agricultural activities. Courtesy -ATMA Mylliem Block, Meghalaya 22. ‘Kiwi’ brings prosperity in Nagaland Situation: Mr. Neiphrezo Thorie, a young energetic man of 28 years from Kigwema village, Kohima is a well-educated and qualified person who has a diploma in Electronics and Telecom, Personal Computer Maintenance and Networking and Plastic Molding and Injection Molding from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Manipur, respectively. Even Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 61 after acquiring such high qualifications, he was still feeling a sense of emptiness inside him as to where and what to do. Response: Mr. Thorie came across ATMA, Kohima in the year 2009 whereby he was given an opportunity to attend training on Kiwi farming. During that time Kiwi farming was at its infancy and introduced in only in some areas of Southern Angami and its economic value was also not known at all to the people of the region. Mr.Thorie started his farm from the plot of land which he owns but was lying barren and wasted for years. As he was financially weak, he approached the Department of Horticulture for assistance who provided him with 500 kiwi seedlings. With these seedlings he hired labour of around 9-10 persons a day for 3-4 days for land preparation and plantation and in the first year, 2 hectares of land was used for plantation and year by year new seedlings were planted thus expanding the farm. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 62 Results: At present, the farm has a plantation covering an area of 4 hectares of land at Shȕrho Valley range of Kigwema Village with more than 1000 kiwi plants as standing crops. Plantation is done every year since the day it was established. More earnings are expected from the farm in the coming years. Mr. Neiphrezo Thorie was overwhelmed as his plantations began to bear fruit and gave him a source of income beyond his expectations as the demand for kiwi fruit increased with its nutritional popularity. th Evidence: Seeing his success and zeal, ATMA Kohima on the 29 of June 2015, inaugurated his farm as farm school and renamed it “KIWI FARM SCHOOL” and appointed Mr.Thorie as the farm school teacher as he can motivate his fellow farmers through his story and knowledge about kiwi farming. Mr.NeiphrezoThorie is one of the many farmers benefited by this technological intervention, setting an example to others to follow and achieve one’s goal. With his success on kiwi farming, Mr. Thorie now wants to go for intercropping by plantation other crops such as Plum, Orchard and Apple. Courtesy -ATMA, Kohima, Nagaland Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 63 23. Massive squash cultivation in Mizoram Situation: Shri Lalthardenga S/O Khaithuama (L) was born on August 16, 1954 at Nisapui. His family were a hard working and had used their whole area of land at Dam huan, Sihphir as their sole family income. He was a Village Council President for sometimes. Shri Lalthardenga was engaged in squash cultivation since he was chosen for NLUP beneficiaries since 2009. At the beginning he had a land of only 0.5 ha and on the next year he bought another land of 0.5 ha and started cultivating squash and other crops like Brocolli, Mustard and Cauliflower. Response: Shri Lalthardenga has also got special guidance form concerned Horticulture Field Officers & Staff by attending his land for Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 64 increasing productivity, designing and conducting training activities in the areas. He uses fertilizers like DAP, Urea, Slaked Lime once in a month and from time to time, he has been achieving improvements in his production. He took a bank loan and purchased 1 Mahindra Pick Up for his farm. His son look after his vehicle and supply their squash and other crops from their farm to the market. Result: As a result of his sincere effort, he has achieved improvements not only in squash but also in production of other winter crops like Brocolli, Mustard, Bean and Cauliflower making use of his area of land. His production / yield of squash per year has now reached 1200 Qtl / Yr. Shri Lalthardenga, family annual income was Rs.2,50,000/- Evidence: He has been a source of inspiration for local people in and around the village. Looking at his success more number of unemployed educated youth have been motivated to take up squash cultivation. 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 | 65 24. Successful cases of fish production in Tripura Situation: Ms Parveen Sultana, Wife of Abdul Motalek, an Anganwadi worker is resident of ward no 4 of boxanagar block of Sepahijala district in Tripura. There was only pond of 0.24 ha of water area when she came here as a house wife. She was struggling for making livelihood for her family as fishery was her sole source of earning. Response: At the end of 2005, she attended a training programme on scientific fish cultivation organized by fisheries department which helps her building up interest in fisheries. She started doing integrated farming system accommodating duckling with the enterprise. She scientifically applied all her learning’s into her pond like applying lime, mustard oil cake, raw cow dung, organic and inorganic maures to boost up the production. She also postulated one fish feed by Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 66 herself that is ‘application of boiled rice bran’ which is very delicious feed for the fishes. Results: During the year 2007- 2008, she won second prize in fish production at boxarnagar block. In the last financial year 2014-15, she produced about 800-850 kg of fish from 0.16 ha of land which gives an indication of a productivity of 5000 kg per ha. Followed by success and inspiration from the department of fisheries, she has constructed a pond of 0.2 ha of water area with her own money. Evidence: He has been a great source of inspiration for local peoples in the village as a result of which a great number of unemployed educated youth have been motivated to take up pisciculture. She is leading a comfortable life with a son, a daughter, her husband and with mother-in- law. According to her, there is no substitute of pisciculture, here in fish production, the profit is double than the expenditure. She has become an example to the society of women. Being an anganwadi worker and house wife and belonging to a caste of religious minority, Parveen Sultana has taken a leading role in pisciculture and has increased the productivity with success. Courtesy -Fishery Department, Boxarnagar, Tripura Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 67 25. Toria variety TS-36 boosting farmers’ income in Tinsukia district of Assam Situation: Sri Gopal Chetri is a progressive farmer of 3no. Rampur village under Tinsukia district of Assam. He has a small piece of land measuring about 2 ha where rice, maize, toria, summer and winter vegetables are grown. Toria is an important oil seed crop that farmers grow in Jagun. Sri Chetri has a sizeble area under toria. However, the yield that he harvests with local variety is not very encouraging. So, he was looking for a suitable toria variety to replace old varieties. Response: During the BFAC meeting of Margherita Block, Sri Chetri was identified as probable beneficiary for demonstrating a new high yielding toria variety (TS- 36). Accordingly, BTT members visited the site Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 68 and selected him as beneficiary. The team also met other farmers of the village and enlightened them about ATMA and the objective of the demonstration to be conducted in the village. For that a daylong training was also organized in the village. All the farmers participated in the training programme showed keen interest on ATMA and its objectives. As the season progress, BTM and SMS monitored the field activities frequently. Officers from the district HQ along with scientist from KVK, Tinsukia also visited the site and provide necessary guidance. th Result: A Field Day was organized in the site on 9 February, 2013 where about 60 farmers from four neighboring villages assembled. A joint field visit was made in the demonstration site where officers from district HQ and KVK also took part. All the farmers were happy with the crop stand, per plant pod number as well as pod size of TS-36. This yield was about 1.5 times more than the neighboring plot of M-27. Sri Gopal Chetry and fellow farmers expressed their satisfaction over the yield performance of TS-36. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 69 Altogether 42 farmers registered their name as probable growers of TS- 36 in the coming rabi season and successfully harvested the crop in the later part of 2014 to increase the profit. Evidence: Mr. Goapl Chetri became a successful farmer and role model for other oilseed growers in that area. He is leading comfortable life meeting all the expenses needed for quality life. Courtesy- Panchali Gogoi BTM, ATMA, Margherita, Assam 26. Integrated farming gaining momentum in Mizoram Situation: Shri Vanlalpeka, a progressive farmer has been doing farming in Sialsuk village since 1965. He himself is a very hard working farmer and also keen in adopting new technology which ever was taught by the department staff. The total area of their farm is 3 hectare and looked after by their family member. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 70 Response: He started doing Hi-tech vegetable farming with the help of agricultural department. He cultivated tomato under Hi-Tech Greenhouse which was the main source of their family income. Right from he was indulged in farming, they grew seasonal crops like maize, bean, cabbage, broccoli, orange, mustard all the year round. Moreover, the family reared 9 cattles and utilized cow dung for the crops. They started milking early in the morning and sold the milk to the village which served as additional source of income. They also construct fish pond nearby the field. Result: Owing to his hard working and tireless effort, he has earned Rs 2 lakhs during the year 2013- 14. Because of the integrated farming, he could minimise the farm expenditure by recycling the residues. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 71 Evidence: He has constructed one permanent cattle shed, one hi-tech green house, one farm house and 5 nos of fishery tanks He has been a great source of inspiration for local peoples in the village as a result of which a great number of unemployed educated youth have been motivated to take up vegetable cultivation. Courtesy -ATMA Aizawl, Mizoram 27. Rice seed producer In Manipur becomes role model Situation: Seed production of rice is an impressive technology in North Eastern States because most of the farmers want to use good quality seeds but cannot afford the huge amount to buy seeds from markets and related sellers. Shri Kh. Mani Singh, 54 years, undermatric from Imphal West District is one of the progressive farmers of the KVK, Imphal West. He can read and write Manipuri language only and belongs to Meitei community. He is a devoted farmer, a hard worker as well as a good learner of the demonstrated technology. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 72 Response: Under the Participatory Seed Production Programme of ICAR Seed Project, ICAR Manipur Centre, KVK, Imphal West SMS, Plant Breeder initiated 3.00 ha of land under seed production programme. His field is suitable for seed production because of the compact area and isolated situation away from other rice fields. Seed, fertilizers, plant protection chemicals and conoweeder were given as inputs. He has sown rice seed of rice variety RC Maniphou-10 on 20th June, 2013 as main kharif crop and transplanted after 20 days. Spacing for transplantation was maintained at 30 cm x 10 cm in line. All the agronomic practices were followed and no weedicide was used in the crop. Shri Kh. Mani Singh alone could weed one sangam (¼ of 1.00 ha) with the use of cono Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 73 weeder in the morning hours (6 am to 10 am) and save a huge amount of labour expenses for weeding the field. Result: He could harvest a yield of 16 tons from 3.00 ha of land and after winnowing, drying and saved seeds for next season he could get 15.5 tons. At the harvest season, ICAR Manipur Centre bought from him the yield @Rs.20/kg. Thus, he got an income of Rs. 3, 10,000.00. Generally in Manipur the cost of rice cultivation per hectare is approximately Rs. 40,000.00. In this way he earned a profit of Rs.1,90,000.00 ( Rs.3,10,000 – 1,20,000 = 1,90,000/- and BC ratio is 1.58). Evidence: Inspired by the success he got in rice seed production, he decided to replicate the same in the next season including more area under operation. Some neighbouring youths also showed interest to undertake seed production as enterprise. Courtesy- KVK, Imphal West Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 74 28. ATMA support transforms subsistence farming to agri- business Situation: Raju Singh, a very committed farmer from Borduarmukh under Nazira Development Block who has shown the example of dignity of labour with his hard working ability. After Class X, he couldn't study due to financial burden and low income of his father. He decided to give a financial assistance to his father adopting agriculture as income generation activity and started selling average 18 litres of milk per day from his seven cows. He also have 1.5 ha of land holding with 1 ha of upland and 0.5 ha of lowland. Response: He came into contact with the ATMA, Nazira Development block when a farm school was establish on his farm in 2013 on Bitter Gourd. He participated in this programme as an active group leader, where he could manage to harvest 9.46 Q/0.13 ha out of 0.2 ha of land which he sold at an average Rs 20/K.G to get a total income of Rs 37,840/-. He incurred Rs 6000.00 as operational expenses after getting seed, fertilizer, pesticides from ATMA Nazira Development Block. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 75 Result: Followed by the successes he attained in the demonstration, he became very interested to cultivate vegetables with the minimum or no use of chemical fertilizers and pesticide. He started growing ridge gourd, sponge gourd, ass gourd, pumpkin, spine gourd, cabbage, cauliflower, chilli, water melon, collocasia and other leafy vegetables. He began to cultivate paddy incorporating high yielding varieties in a 4 ha of land to get 88 Q of rice which is a surplus of 28 Q of rice in the previous year with local varieties. He also has a horticultural garden of 0.2 ha of Arecanut, coconut which adds an additional income of Rs 30,000/- annually. He expressed that his average monthly income from agricultural sector as Rs 15,000/-and Rs 14000/- from his dairy sector. The total income from agriculture and allied sector is around Rs 4 lakhs which is well sufficient to manage his family including one permanent worker. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 76 Evidence: He is a very hard worker and successfully managing his family from his only income from agricultural and allied sector. He has a wife, two son, with parents and his brother with a permanent labour. He had recovered a loan amount of Rs 30,000/ from SBI Simoluguri branch and applied for another amount of Rs 50,000/ to improve his farm. He has become secretary of a fish farming CIG. Courtesy –Mr. Nilanjan Saikia, ATMA Nazira, Assam 29. ATMA converts a cop to a commercial grower in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh Situation: Bewang Lowsang, hailing from Tirap District in Arunachal Pradesh, was a tough man. As part of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), he had been involved in many battles on the rugged Himalayan terrain and amply demonstrated his fighting spirit. The inhabitants of the area practiced shifting cultivation or 'Jhum', the process of selecting fresh forest patches for cultivation and then leaving it for regeneration. This practice of cultivation did not provide food Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 77 security round the year. It was also detrimental to ecology of the area. With burgeoning population pressure and requirement to conserve soil, Jhum was a regressive practice that needed to be discouraged. Response: He visited the nearby Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), where after a few interactions, he realised that organic farming and hybrid vegetable growing was best suited to the relatively small and stony land holdings ubiquitous in the area. Mr Bewang Lowsang resigned from CRPF, came home and enrolled for training at ATMA in Khonsa. After the training, he went to Tinuskia in Assam and purchased hybrid seeds of cauliflower, cabbage, brinjal, and tomato. What followed then was two months of rigorous labour to treat his field that was full of gravel. He also toiled hard to set up a manual drip irrigation system. However, Bewang was no stranger to hard work and soon his efforts paid off and his crop flourished. Result: Finally, Bewang managed to sell his vegetable crop for Rs 30,000. This gave him confidence to continue farming by using appropriate technologies. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 78 Evidence: Today, he is a trend-setter in this village and people of the Nocte' Tribe (of which he is a part) have started following his footsteps to take his pioneering effort further. Courtesy -ATMA, Tirap, Arunachal Pradesh 30. A progressive farmer from Longleng of Nagaland inspires people Situation: Mr Shetnyei Phom a simple and hardworking progressive farmer hails from Tamlu village of Longleng area. Since his childhood, he had a passion for farming due to which, after his retirement as a teacher in the year 1999 he started a farm which is located 70 km away from Longleng town. With a vision to reform the art of farming in his Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 79 native village he took the risk of investing his entire pension fund in his farm even though he did not have much technical knowledge. Response: Initially, he started farming by cultivating different horticultural crops in his 2 hectares land, however, he found out that the income he gets in comparison to his investment was not worthwhile. It was in the year 2012; he came to know about ATMA when he attended a training programme in one of the neighbouring villages. The ATMA officials did not let him down but they took keen interest and supported him with all the technical guidance and also recognised his farm as farm school and appointed him as farm teacher in 2013. Result: With his keen interest, dedication and eagerness to learn and help from ATMA, he could bring a significant change in his farm. Now, with an annual investment of around Rs.40,000–50,000 for different horticulture operations, he gets an income of around Rs.50,000 from oranges, Rs. 50,000 from betelnut, Rs. 70,000 from betalvine and Rs. 10,000 from banana thus fetching him a net profit of around Rs.1,40,000 annually. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 80 Evidence: After witnessing his achievement and the impact he brought about in the farming community Mr Shetnyei Phom was awarded the “Best Innovative Farmers Award” in the year 2014 by ATMA Longleng. After 13 years of dedication and hard work and now aged 79, Mr.Shetnyei Phom is a proud old man and has become an inspiration to all the farmers in Longleng district. Courtesy -ATMA, Longleng, Nagaland 31. Milk production succeeds in Kolasib district of Mizoram Situation: Smti Lalhmingmawii wife of C. Lalnuntluanga from Kolasib district of Mizoram having family of five members was struggling to get livelihood. Inspire of having 4 ha of farm area located at Kawnpui village at Kolasib District of Mizoram, she struggle to get profit to meet the growing family expenses. Response: She has started her farm with 2 milch breeds of cattle in the year1990 which she Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 81 procured from the ongoing ‘National Land Use Policy’ in Mizoram. She had a good source of irrigation from perennial stream which are supplied to different farm by a channel. The state department of agriculture provided her one power tiller under the subsidized scheme. Result: Now, Smti lalhmingmawii is selling 50 litres of milk per day at the rate of Rs. 40/- per litre. Presently, she is having 18 numbers of cattle in her farm comprising of 7 milchs, 4 heifers and 7 calves. Besides, production of milk she uses the by-products of cattle as manure for production of crops like mustard, tomato and capsicum in her farm. Followed by the success of dairy farming she started backyard poultry rearing of ‘Banraja’ breed which is presently meeting the family consumption need of meat and eggs. Apart from dairy farming, she had paddy cultivation in an area of 1.5 ha which gave her an annual yield of 45 quintal. She cultivated ‘RCM-10’ and ‘Tamphophou’ varieties of rice which she procured from nearest KVK and ICAR Kolasib. She was also having a fish pond area in the same farm along with Arecanut Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 82 and Rubber plantation around its bank which gave her additional income. Evidence: Presently, Smti lalhmingmawii had an annual income of approximately 7 lakhs from the dairy activity. She was selected as best farmer award from kolasib district of Mizoram which was conducted at Gujarat on 9-12 Sep, 2013. The income generated through selling of animal and plant products help them to build an RCC building and owned 3 numbers of heavy vehicle viz. 407 Truck, 207 Pick up van and Mini bus. The use of by product as manure in mustard cultivation gave her an additional income of Rs 8000/- per annum. All members of family are self employed whose only occupation was farming. Courtesy -DVO, Kolasib, Mizoram 32. A role model from Kokrajhar District in Assam inspiring commercial growers Situation: Md. Abdul Aziz Sheikh Son of Late. Abdur Rashid of village No. 2 Bajugaon under Kachugaon Development Block of Kokrajhar District is a Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 83 50 years old farmer who has educational qualification up to six standards. Instead of continuing his school education, he was interested to accompany his father for cultivation. He started to learn ploughing at the age of 14-15 years. Md. Sheikh inherited 3 ha of land where he practiced traditional cultivation of different crops. He never thinks of commercialization of agriculture by using scientific cultivation method. Response: Once, he attended one training programme on horticultural crops organized by KVK, Kokrajhar. He learned many things from the training and it gave him a chance to come close to the KVK scientist. As per the suggestion of KVK, he attended much training on different discipline like agronomy, horticulture, soil science, plant protection, fishery, animal science etc. Thus he gathered vast scientific knowledge from such training programme. Several OFTs and FLDs were conducted in the fields of Md. Sheikh under direct supervision of Scientists of KVK, Kokrajhar. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 84 Result: With the proper application of his gained knowledge and improved skill he could enhance his agricultural production to a greater extent. At present, he has an integrated farm comprising of Areca nut, Banana, Rice, Jute, Rabi & kharif vegetables, Fishery, Dairy, Poultry and Goatery which gave him an annual income of Rs 3,80,000.00 Evidence: Now, he is leading a comfortable life and could manage all his family expenses from his farming enterprise. Inspired by his success, many unemployed youth showed interest in farming and sought information and advice from the KVK. Courtesy -KVK, Kokrajhar, Assam 33. stead farming system brings rays of hope in Tripura Situation: Sri Narayan Shukla Das, who lives in the village of Mogpuskarini of South Tripura, was at the lowest point of his life. He was 45 years old and his income as a Rickshaw Puller was irregular and insufficient, because of which, he and his children usually stayed half-fed with low-calorie food items. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 85 Response: Numbers of demonstration were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South Tripura for scaling up of existing homestead farms of South Tripura under Rural Innovation Propgramme of NABARD. Through homestead food production which was demonstrated by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), South Tripura, Narayan started rearing poultry, goatary, dairy and cultivates number of year-round vegetables, spices, tuber crops and fruit crops in his homestead model farm. Mr. Narayan Das got training and farm demonstration from KVK, South Tripura on year-round cultivation of vegetables, vermicomposting method, mushroom cultivation and poultry rearing. Results: After successful demonstration of homestead farming system by the KVK, Narayan earns more with a minimum of Rs.5000 per month, through selling vegetables, mushroom, eggs, poultry and other farm produces from his homestead garden. Narayan and his family members started taking vegetables and mushroom as their diet to supplement the malnutrition they were facing during the early days. Narayan has earned about Rs. 81000 per year by utilising just 0.20 ha of his homestead land. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 86 Evidence: He dreams of educating his children and planning to make a bigger goatary farm and buy a television, and land to build house with his savings. Though Narayan is illiterate, he is still a role model for other farmers of South Tripura to establish homestead gardens. A number of farmers from distance villages are visiting his farm and learning the system. A group of officials of Banks and other Financials organisations also visited his farm for realising the benefits of homestead farming. Courtesy-KVK, South Tripura 34. Self Help proves the best help in Nagaland Situation: Shri. Loku Semy from Kasha village under Tseminyu block, Kohima is an ardent farmer engaged in paddy and fishery. However, the income generated from the two activities could hardly meet his ends meet. This led him to venture into cardamom plantation in his terrace field around 2010 for an area of approximately one (1) acre. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 87 Response: Seeing his enthusiasm, ATMA Tseminyu block intervenes in 2011 wherein training and necessary guidance on cardamom were imparted. With the knowledge that he had gained through trainings and demonstrations, he worked hard with dedication; he extended his area under cardamom cultivation following the scientific method of cultivation. Seeing his enthusiasm and success, ATMA, Tseminyu Block th on 5 February 2014 started a farm school in his field where he act as a teacher. Result: Now, he has an annual turnover is Rs.1,70,200/- of which Rs. 1,47,000/- is from cardamom cultivation alone while the remaining comes from other activities viz. fishery (7pounds), Banana plantation, Khomosha tree plantation (4Nos) and paddy cum fishery farming which are also undertaken by him for additional income. He says that the annual operation cost he incurs is only Rs. 35000/- and explain that for weeding at the farm he hires the local laborers in exchange of about 60-70 Nos fingerling as wages per day. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 88 Evidence: Mr. Loku Semy now plans to expand his farm by planting more cardamom plants and his success has encouraged other farmers in and around the village who are frequently asking about the prospect of cardamom cultivation not only to Mr. Loku Semy but also to ATMA functionaries. Courtesy -ATMA, Kohima, Nagaland 35. Ensuring livelihood through Fishery in Arunachal Pradesh Situation: Mr. Ering is among one of the very few rich farmers of East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Being a progressive fish farmer of the region, he invested around Rs. 3.0 lakh in 1998 and1999 on digging pond of approx. 1.0 ha. area for fish farming. However, the reality was far away from his dream. He was upset by experiencing repeated failure in pisciculture. Response: During a research need survey visit to the Site, Mr. SM Hussain, SMS Fishery, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, East Siang came to know Mr. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 89 Earring’s problems. The problems that were identified on the farm are high stocking, high mortality, poor feeding and improper management practices. He tried to convince Mr. Erring by explaining that the technology like “Compost Fish Farming” could be a solution to this problem. He also proposed to take one FLD (Front Line Demonstration) on Composite Fish Farming in his pond of about 0.06 ha size which was carried out with full participation of the neighbouring farmers. The farmer could learn different scientific management practices like cleaning and liming of pond, selection of different fish spp, acclimatizing of fingerlings, beg feeding, manuring and maintenance of stocking density. Results: The whole FLD including costs of labour and other items were calculated to be approximately an amount of Rs. 6000/. The farmer could harvest an approx. 150 k g. after 10 months of rearing which he sold at Rs. 120/ kg in the local market and Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 90 got an profit of Rs.12,000/-. Having unexpected harvest of fish after repeated failures, Mr. Ering was very happy, and he distributed as well as sold all the fish harvest among the villagers and some local fish sellers. Evidence: Mr Ering is now a happiest person and is continuing with his fishing activities incorporating larger area under scientific cultivation. Courtesy – Mr S.M. Hussain, SMS, KVK East Siang, Arunachal Prades 36. Mushroom cultivation flourishes in Karbi Anglong of Assam Situation: Md. Abdul Marak from Diphu was doing a small job as daily wage earner in the Assam State Electricity Board at Diphu. His life was not dragged for long and the Board Authority absorbed him as a regular employee but was posted in a remote area in the Baithalangso subdivision of the District Karbi Anglong. He has acquired some 3.2 ha of farm land in the village Tinglijan which is a very suitable land for Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 91 rice cultivation. Being married to a Garo girl who is well accustomed with rearing of pigs, poultry etc. by tradition, he influenced his wife to start with rearing of both the enterprises. Response: Abdul Marak attended one training from KVK, Diphu, Karbi Anlong on Oyster Mushroom cultivation. He started the enterprise very carefully on experimental basis and within few days he managed to purchase the required spawn and started with 250 beds in polybags. Although, his first batch of mushroom was a failure owing to the problem of inadequate sterilization of bedding material. He was also suggested on the marketing part by the KVK to sell his produce to the vendors from Dimapur in Nagaland who caters the rising demand of mushroom among the food savvy tribals inhabiting the Dimapur city. Confiding to the suggestion and practical demonstration in second round of training Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 92 by KVK, Marak with a new zeal purchased the spawn from the Department of Agriculture, Karbi Anglong and raised his second batch of Mushroom successfully and marketed with ease to the vendors from Dimapur. Result: With the dedication and hard work, he could harvest 500 kg of fresh mushroom which fetched him a profit of Rs. 37000.00 in cash. Evidence: The farmer now engages his eldest son-in law Mr. Son Rongphar in the Mushroom unit which he has built newly with thatched roof with more plinth area. With technological backstopping from KVK, Karbi Anglong, the farmer’s interest and ability to invest is sure to go in a big way and make Marak a happier person in future. Courtesy -KVK, Diphu, Karbi Anlong, Assam Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 93 37. Agriculture- ensuring a life of dignity for all times to come in Arunachal Pradesh Situation: Yagrung is a remote village in district Pashighat of Arunachal Pradesh, nestled in the lap of lofty mountains and naturally endowed with an abundance of gurguling streams. This sleepy village can only be reached by crossing two rivulets and becomes largely inaccessible during the monsoon months. Amidst this natural splendour, quiet revolution is taking pace here as fifteen women reshape their lives. Response: When the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) launched their intervention for Self Help Groups (SHG) in the area, enterprising women of Api Bekang SHG participated in the project Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 94 wholeheartedly. They received training on cultivation of tomato, strawberry, passion fruit, soybean and flowers. They also learnt to prepare a soybean based health drink which tastes like Horlicks. In addition, they gained expertise in making pickles and sweets. They then participated in two exposure visits to Shillong and the North- East Kisan Mela at Mizoram. These were valuable trips that educated them about the immense opportunities available to them, and helping them to realise their potential. Result: The SHG started doing cultivation of high valued crops. With the dedication and hard work, they could manage to sell it to local market and other parts of the region. The women set up stalls for selling their products at Kisan melas and received tremendous response from visitors. It made them ambitious to become economically more self- reliant. Soon, they started a micro-savings programme and accumulated an amount of Rs. 45,000. This amount was used as a revolving fund to give small loans to the members for purchasing raw materials and for meeting other expenditures. Evidence: The members of the group started living quality life meeting all the expenses needed in their daily life. Courtesy -ATMA, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 95 38. Fishery thrives well in Mokokchung of Nagaland Situation: Imnatoshi Longkumer from Longkong village was no different from other persons in his village engaged in traditional jhum cultivation struggling to meet his daily needs until he took up fish farming. His Farm, located at his Village is just 28 kms away from Mokokchung Town, the district headquarter. Response: Unlike his peers he took the risk of giving up jhum cultivation and undertook fish farming. He attended a training programme on fish farming under ATMA and acquired knowledge on scientific rearing of fishes. Results: Today, he is a contend man being a proud owner of well- maintained fish ponds spread in an area of three hectares in his farm of about eight hectares. He rears Rohu, Mrigal, Catla, Grass carp etc. in his fishery and sells it in Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 96 the local market thereby earning about Rs. 2, 00,000 annually at present. With the success in his fishery, now he has started a piggery unit, a poultry unit and fruit orchard in his vast farm in order to earn more income thereby giving him an additional Rs. 1, 00,000 making his net income Rs 2, 80,000. Evidence: Mr.Imnatoshi. Longkumer is indeed an inspiration for the people of Mokokchung and Longkong Village in particular and the state in general to be self-employed instead of depending on Government jobs alone which are hard to come by these days. Today, he is one of the successful progressive farmer who has created a niche for himself and is a source of inspiration to others. Courtesy-ATMA,Mokokchung, Nagaland Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 97 39. Goat farming gaining momentum in Goalpara district of Assam Situation: Few villagers of Ambari area of Goalpara district were struggling for earning livelihood. It became very difficult to maintain the standard of living as reduced income from rice production doesnot support the increasing demand of their family. Response: Twenty nos of villagers from the locality formed a Self Help Group under the guidance of District Veterinary Dispensaries who has given a financial assistance of Rs. 50,000.00 (Rupees fifty thousand) only for Semi Intensive Goat farming under R.K.VY 2008-09 to start a Goat Farm along with Rs. 50,000.00 (Rupees fifty thousand) only of beneficiary’s share. The SHG started a mini goat rearing farm on 15th of July,2009 with proper guidance of nearest veterinarian in their own land with 20(Twenty) local female goats and 5(Five) nos of Black Bengal male goats . Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13

Success Stories in NE States | 98 Result: Members of the group worked whole heartedly to establish a mini goat farm . Parallel to the goat farm they started cultivation of Napier grass which reduces their recurring expenditure on fodder. At present, the Self Help Group is running the farm 22 Nos of female goats and 7 Nos of male goats and already they produced and sold total of 118 numbers of goats generating satisfactory earning to support their livelihood. Members of the group are progressive farmer and they have started Horticulture farming in their own land also. Evidence: The efforts of the Deptt. and members of the SHG has been appreciated and the secretary of the group Md. Abdul Halim has been awarded the “ Best Farmers Award” in all india basis for his achievement in the Agriculture and allied activities which he received from the Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Govt of India on 26th February/2010. Courtesy -DVO, Goalpara, Assam Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13