Success Stories of NE States | 0 Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 1 SUCCESS STORIES 41 Success Stories through ATMA Scheme in NE States Published by: Extension Education Institute (NE Region) Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13 Telefax: 0376-2341227 Telephone: 0376 – 2340133(O) E-mail: [email protected] 2014 © Copyright Extension Education Institute (NE Region) Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13 Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 2 Compiled & Edited by: Dr.Pradip.K.Neog Dr.A.K.Bhattacharyya Dr.S.Borua Mr. Dharmindra Bortamuly Ms.B.Lalrosiami Khuhly Mr. Debajit Borah Mr.Pankaj Kr.Borah Printed at: Graphic Offset, Jail Road, Jorhat-785001 E-mail: [email protected] Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 3 Dr. K.M. Bujarbaruah Vice Chancellor Assam Agricultural University Jorhat -785013 FOREWORD It is a pleasure for me to know that the Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU has documented and compiled selected successful cases of 41 achiever farmers of 9 states of NE region. ‘Success breeds successes’. Publishing success stories of achiever farmers has gained high priority as an extension tool in the present age of Information Technology. Success stories of achiever farmers greatly motivate fellow farmers to take up agriculture as profitable enterprise. Getting published a success story, an achiever farmer obviously gains higher degree of motivation, recognition as well as encouragement to continue and upscale his/her enterprise more efficiently. Further, farmers’ success stories serve as highly motivating Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 4 information for extension functionaries and systems to gear up extension efforts towards agricultural development. 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. May the farmers, extension personnel, extension systems and other stakeholders reap the intended benefits from this publication. Date: 30.12.2014 (K.M. Bujarbaruah) Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 5 Preface Success stories as an extension tool has been gaining high recognition at increasing rate in recent decades. The superlative growth and spread of information technology is contributing significantly in applying the tool in superb standard and with much convenience. 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. Further, 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. 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. This compilation presents 41 success stories relating to outstanding achievements in various sectors of agricultural Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 6 development in 9 states of NE Region, India under the scheme entitled “State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms”. ‘ATMA Scheme’ is the popular name of this central sector scheme of the Directorate of Extension, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Govt. of India is popularly known as ATMA scheme. The 41 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. The information relating to the stories has been collected jointly by the faculties of EEI(NE Region) and extension functionaries of ATMA Scheme 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 2014-15. 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 of all the nine states for their active involvement, cooperation and supports in the project. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 7 CONTENT SN Items Page no. 1 Flourishing Floriculture in Mylliem Block 5-6 of Meghalaya 2 Rags to Riches: A story of a successful 7-8 farmer from Gaurnagar, Tripura 3 Group farming is taking momentum in 9-10 Bishnupur, Manipur 4 Successful Integrated Farming in 11-12 Bargachiya, West Bengal 5 A shining star in the name of “Morning Star 13-14 War” from Lawsohtun, Meghalaya 6 Profitable vegetable cultivation in 15-16 Bishalgarh area of Tripura 7 Dairy farming succeeds at Aibawk in 17-18 Aizawl, Mizoram Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
CONTENT Success Stories of NE States | 0 SL Items Page No 8 SRI Technique in Magrahat: A Boon for 19-20 West Bengal 9 Improved breed of Poultry rearing in 21-22 Bechimari, Assam 10 Farmers Friendly Technology for boosting 23-25 up Production in Jowai, Meghalaya 11 Off season Cauliflower production in 25-26 Bishalgarh, Tripura 12 Successful Spine gourd production in 26-27 Lakhilunga area of Tripura 13 Diversified farming is becoming profitable 27-29 in Shyam Sundarpur, West Bengal 14 Successful dairy farming in Bishnupur area 30-31 of Manipur Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
CONTENT Success Stories of NE States | 1 Sl No Items Page No 15 Akbar Miya: A Dairy deity in 24 31-32 Parganas of West Bengal 16 Status upliftment through scientific 32-33 poultry farming in Serchhip, Mizoram 17 Innovative activities for Silkworm 34 rearing in Serchhip, Mizoram 18 Successful Piggery at Gaurisagar of 35-36 Assam 19 Successful cases of Fishery in Dholai , 37-38 Tripura 20 Anthurium cultivation dazzles in Aizawl, 39-40 Mizoram 21 Integrated Farming Practices: A success 40-41 story from Longmantra, Nagaland Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 2 CONTENT Sl no Items Page no 22 Outstanding Ridge gourd yield in 42-43 Udalguri ,Assam 23 Composite fish farming in East Siang, 43-44 Arunachal Pradesh 24 Successful case of Floriculture based 45-46 Farm School in Mohonpur, Tripura 25 Successful Goatery production unit in 47-48 Singai, West Bengal 26 Story of Makhamali Women SHG of Sikkim 48-49 27 A Journey from landless to a successful 50-51 farmer from Mayong, Assam 28 F. Sangkhuma – a progressive coffee 52-53 grower of Lunglei, Mizoram Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 3 CONTENT Sl no items Page no 29 Florist Pranbir: An idol in Pachim 53-54 Mednipur of West Bengal 30 Profitable paddy cultivation in Nagaon, 54-56 Assam 31 Successful case of farmer’s club in 57-59 Babpur, West Bengal 32 Improved livelihood through scientific 59-60 cattle rearing in Vartak, Mizoram 33 Successful venture on Integrated 60-61 Farming in Bishnupur, Manipur 34 Diversified farming in Sankarpur, West 62-64 Bengal 35 Profitable watermelon cultivation in 64-65 Udalguri, Assam Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 4 CONTENT Sl no items Page no 36 Rearing of sheep getting momentum in 65-66 Tripura 37 Successful ridge gourd grower In 66-68 Amguri, Assam 38 Profitable off season vegetable in 68-69 Bishalgarh area in Tripura 39 Scented lemon cultivation in Madhupur 70 area of Tripura 40 Off season vegetable cultivation: A 71-72 success story from Dhupabor, Assam 41 Successful Mix farming in Kamalkpur, 73-74 Tripura Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 5 1. Flourishing Floriculture in Mylliem Block of Meghalaya Situation: Fifty-two years old Ms. Biloris Warjri of Mawkriah village under Mylliem Block was a marginal flower grower who started floriculture to get some additional income. Response: It all started in the year 2001 when Warjri came in contact with the agriculture officer, who advised her to take up floriculture as business entity. In the same year she was allotted with a small low cost polyhouse. In the year 2007, she was benefited with 3000 nos. of gerbera seedlings from Horticulture Department. She attended many training organized by ATMA, Mylliem Block. Result: Now, floriculture has become her passion and she has successfully converted it into a flourishing business. It was a blessing for Warjri because it was from that moment that her Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 6 floriculture flourished till date. She has many seasonal flowers in her farm with Gerbera, Alstreomeria and Lilium as major sources of income. Presently she has a net monthly income of Rs.90,000/-. Evidence: Now, she is a proud owner of 3 more polyhouses and all thanks goes to the Horticulture Department and ATMA, Mylliem Block. She also employs 5 labourers in her farm including the entire four family members. She has a shop at Police Bazaar, the heart of Shillong City, where she has to pay Rs.17,000/month as rent. Thus, through hard work and dedication, she becomes one of the most successful florists in Meghalaya. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 7 2. Rags to Riches: A story of a successful farmer from Gaurnagar, Tripura Situation: Mr. Krishnapada Bhawmik, a class VII passed out vegetable farmer of Gaurnagar area of Tripura started cultivating vegetables in 0.2 ha area. He was somehow managing his vegetable farm by growing local varieties in a traditional way. Response: He attended a training organized by ATMA on the use of fertilizers, pesticides and high yielding varieties. There he learned how to plan and grow vegetables early to catch the higher price in the market. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 8 Result: With the technical guidance and support from ATMA, he started cultivating pumpkin, ridge gourd, brinjal, squash, rajma and rice in a scientific way. The early squash that he produces fetched him a lot of money as it could catch the early market in Shillong and Aizawl during the season. On an average, he is earning Rs. 25,000/- per month with the engagement of family labours and two permanent labours in his farm. Apart from vegetable cultivation, he is having 2 nos. of cross breed cows and 6 nos of local breed cows which gave him not only additional income but also lower down the fertilizer cost needed for his farm. Evidence: He bought one power tiller, one sprayer, one paddy weeder and purchased 0.4 ha of land out of his profit. Because of his success in the farming, ATMA official appointed him as Farmer’s friend in the area. He has become a great source of inspiration for the fellow farmers in the area. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 9 3. Group farming is taking momentum in Bishnupur, Manipur Situation: A group of young unemployed youths of Bishnupur area were earning their living only through paddy cultivation. They grew only sali paddy and left the land fellow in rabi season. They started doing rice cultivation in a community basis which was not sufficient to make remarkable profit. Response: Things begin to change for them when they came into the contact of ATMA Officials of Bishnupur district and learned about the benefits of offseason vegetable cultivation. With the initiatives taken by the agricultural department, a total of 15 nos. of farmer from Khoijuman village of Bishnupur area coming up all together to form one farmer’s group (Viz. Farmers Association for Improving Reformation, FAIR). Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 10 Result: As a result of the farmer association and technical guidance from ATMA, they started growing off season vegetable like tomatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, cowpea and chillies in an area of 5 ha along with rice. Last year, 480 quintals of tomatoes were plucked from 0.5 ha of land and was sold at the price of Rs. 15- 40/kg. They produced 240 quintals of cabbage from 0.5 ha of land which they sale @ Rs. 4/Kg in the last year. They also sold 180 quintals of cauliflower @ Rs. 18/kg in the last year. Evidence: Now, the group has become source of inspiration to many other groups. The area has become a vegetable belt for entire Manipur. Many groups in the locality have come up to do farming in a community basis following the success of this group. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 11 4. Successful Integrated Farming in Bargachiya, West Bengal Situation: Mr. Arunava Datta of Bargachiya village of South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal is a Post Graduate in Botany and worked previously in Oracle India. He left the job and started doing farming on his own. Response: He started scientific farming under the guidance of ATMA of Sonarpur block of South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal which helped him to construct 1000 sq feet of polihouse for off season cultivation of fruits and vegetables. He attended various training programmes organized by ATMA and horticulture department of the state. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 12 Result: with the support and guidance from ATMA, Mr. Datta has developed a integrated farm comprising of crops and livestock commodities. Mr. Arunava Datta is earning Rs. 6 lakhs per annum from his integrated farm activities. He has 0.2 ha of fishery, and a poultry unit which can produce upto 40,000 nos. of birds per annum. He is having 3 nos of high yielding milch cow and 3 nos. of vermi-compost units. The vermi-compost units gave him an additional annual income of Rs 6000/- . He has a 1 ha of garden with vegetables, fruits and field crops. He has 50 nos. of different types of guava varieties, 50 nos. of areca nut plants and 20 nos. of coconut plants which gave him additional Rs. 1 lakhs annually. Evidence: Government of West Bengal awarded him Krishi Ratna in 2014. He is a source of great inspiration for the fellow farmers in the village. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 13 5. A shining star in the name of “Morning Star War” from Lawsohtun, Meghalaya Situation: Lawsohtun is one of the villages located in East Khasi district with just a few km (approx. 15 km) from the capital city, Shillong. This village is otherwise renowned for the production of organic vegetables and less is known about orchid production of local species. Mr. Morning Star War is 71 years old and has an operational land holding of 1 ha. His interest, enthusiasm and passion for orchids take roots long before he retired from his service as a driver of PHE department. He started involving himself in orchid cultivation and preservation of the locally available orchid just after his retirement in 1992-1993. Next year he participated in the Orchid show organized by the Shillong Agri-Horti Society but could not achieve much success. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 14 Response: Mr. Morning Star War came to know the technical knowhow of Orchid cultivation from the experts of Horticulture departments. With the support from ATMA, East Khasi district, he learned different aspects of scientific management of orchid production by attending many training programmes. He learned different methods of cultivation, propagation, management and marketing. Result: Since then, the work of Mr. Morning Star War got recognition not only from the local people but also from the outsiders. He was invited to participate in the different flower show, exhibitions, trade fairs organized at different levels by the state departments, societies, private firms etc. His participation in 1996 bagged him the title of KING OF THE SHOW on orchids organized by Agri–Horti society. Since then there was no looking back and he started to earn not only name and fame but also an additional income of Rs. 1-1.5 lakhs/annum. Evidence: After 22 years of taking his hobbies into a trade and after 18 years of bagging his first award in the trade, the success of Mr. Morning Star War is clearly visible till today where his farm is full with orchids. His farm is no less than a hub for local orchids and a repository of the local germplasm of orchids. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 15 6. Profitable vegetable cultivation in Bishalgarh area of Tripura Situation: Mr. Paresh Debnath of Gitanagr panchayat of Bishalgarh area of Pachim Tripura was struggling for earning livelihood with his young brother. He cultivated paddy in a traditional way without any scientific intervention to meet the family expenditure halfway. Most of the time, both the brothers earned additional money by selling firewood they collected from forest. Response: Things begin to change for him when ATMA of Bishalgarh block assisted him both financially and technically in doing farming activities. He got training on scientific cultivation of banana and his 0.2 ha of land is used for the demonstration on Banana cultivation. He received one foot pump sprayer and one shallow tube well under ATMA and some financial aids to reinvent Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 16 his backyard pond to accommodate fish. He also attended one training on preparation of organic and inorganic manures by using local waste which he used in his farm later on. Result: Now, he is cultivating banana in 0.2 ha of land, rice in 0.3 ha of land and colocasia in 0.1 ha of land. Cultivation of banana is giving him a good source of income during festive season especially during ‘Durga’ pooja. Apart from rice and banana, he is also growing chilli and bitter gourd which is an additional source of income for him. Evidence: Mr. Debnath is a happy man now and leading a comfortable life with his brother and his family. He has become a source of inspiration for other youths of the locality. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 17 7. Dairy farming succeeds at Aibawk, Mizoram Situation: Mr. H. Dokhuma, a progressive dairy farmer of Aizawl district started doing farming on the land which was not owned by him. He started dairy farming only with 3 cattles (2 female and 1 male) which he has extended year after year. Response: Things began to change when he took loan in the year 2000 from SBI which he utilized for purchasing high yielding breeds as well as for construction of cattle sheds, and water tank. With the active support of veterinary officer under ATMA, he has received various assistance and support in preparation of feed, fodder and trainings on scientific management aspects. His dairy farm was also selected for organizing dairy farm school under ATMA, Aibawk block. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 18 Results: Presently, he is having 12 numbers of cattle in his farm with 1 male, 7 females and 4 calves. He is earning around Rs. 4.70 lakhs from milk and additional Rs. 20,000/- from selling of cow dung per annum. The cow in his farm can give milk around 35 litres of milk per day which he sold to MULCO society at the rate of Rs 35/litre. Now, he possessed 1 ha of own land, 1 cow shed, 1 water tank, 1 store house and 1 farm house. Along with the dairy, he cultivates seasonal crops like cabbage, tomatoes, mustard and bean with the help of the by-product of his dairy farm. The vegetable cultivation gave him additional income of Rs.30,000/- per annum. He purchased one ‘Mahindra Pick Up’ van for transportation of his farm produce to the market. Evidence: He has been a source of great inspiration for local people in and around the village. Looking at his success more number of unemployed educated youths has been motivated to take up ‘dairy farming’ as a source of income. However, this success has been achieved distinctively over a short period of time in a sustainable manner through hard work and dedication. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 19 8. SRI Technique in Magrahat : A Boon for West Bengal Situation: Mr. Jagadish Chandra Bar of Ujilberia village in Magrahat block of West Begal was an educated unemployed youth who had completed schooling upto class IX standard. He showed interest in farming owing to his poverty and family burden and started farming with limited resources. Response: He was selected as beneficiary farmer by FIAC, Magrahat which help him to attend various trainings, meetings, demonstrations and exposure visits conducted under ATMA. He got training on ‘off season vegetable cultivation’ and ‘importance of organic farming’ organized by the district agriculture department. Recently, he participated in a training on ‘high yielding paddy cultivation technology’ under the scheme, BGREI, with 25 other farmers. In that training programme, he along with the participating farmer conducted a germination tests on their own and learned different techniques like, seed treatment with Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 20 Trichoderma spp, Skip- row transplanting of paddy and Use of bio- pesticides. Result: Now Mr. Bar has become progressive farmer who uses modern technologies for vegetable cultivation following organic method to catch the higher prices of early market. Mr. Bar’s socio- economic status has been uplifted and now has upgraded his farm, where other farmers come to acquire technological knowhow and information on different developmental activities. His farm has been utilized for various ATMA related interventions and he has given the responsibility to form a farmers club and identify other farmers for group formation. He used to adopt new technology very promptly because of which his farm was selected to conduct different trails under different developmental schemes. Evidence: Mr. Bar was facilitated by the Agriculture Department as a successful farmer showing outstanding performance in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. He was awarded “KRISHAK RATNA AWARD” with a certificate from the Honourable Chief Minister, th West Bengal on the day of 14 March which was celebrated as KRISHAK DIBAS throughout the state. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 21 9. Improved breed of Poultry rearing in Bechimari, Assam Situation: Mrs. Regina Begum of Baruajhar village of Bechimari development block in Darrang district was a poultry farmer who had 10 nos. of local breed chicks in her farm. She was struggling to earn livelihood as poultry was her sole source of income. Each and every household of that locality has a minimum of ten to twenty (10-20) numbers of local chicks. The village has a great scope for developing poultry as a business entity. But the local breeds are not profitable due to high mortality, lower weight gain and less egg laying capacity. Response: ATMA Darrang district along with BTT members of Bechimari development block decided to provide ‘Chabro’ breed to the women farmers of the village under ATMA allied demonstration Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 22 programme. ‘Chabro’ breed is an improved breed with higher disease resistance, quicker weight gaining capacity upto 8-10 kg and egg laying capacity upto 250-300 nos. per year. A special orientation programme was given to the women farmers regarding special care to be taken for rearing ‘Chabro’ breed. Under allied demonstration programme, initially ‘Chabro’ breed was given to Mrs. Rgina Begum and other three women farmers. Result: Mrs. Begum started selling eggs to neighbouring women farmers for the purpose of hatching and replication. She sold around 90 nos. of eggs for the purpose of hatching @ Rs. 12 and male birds @ Rs. 600-800 depending on the size. Evidence:. The rearing of improved breeds are giving Mrs. Begum a sustainable income by lowering mortality rate, disease occurrence and increasing egg laying and quick weight gaining capacity. A large numbers of neighbouring women were coming up to take up the improved breed rearing of chicks. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 23 10. Farmers Friendly Technology for boosting up Production in Jowai, Meghalaya Situation: Lyngkiein valley is the ‘Rice bowl’ of Shangpung, a village located at a distance of about 25 km from Jowai, the head quarter of West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya. The inhabitants of this village are tribal belonging to the ‘Pnar’ community, a sub-class of the khasi race. Almost all the households depend directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihood. The main crops grown in the village are Paddy, Maize, Turmeric and many seasonal vegetables etc. Turmeric occupies most of the upland of the cultivable area in the village, while paddy remains the only crop grown in the low land. The farmer used the traditional local varieties and it is a hot spot for rice biodiversity as well as a gene bank for turmeric. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 24 Response: The Programmne Coordinator, KVK, Jaintia Hills with the support of ATMA arranged an awareness campaign in the village on System of Rice Intensification (SRI). He informed the farmers on the benefits of this approach of Rice production system and how it could increase their production if the same could be adopted in the village. After this campaign, the village headman and chairman of the Lyngkien Valley Farmer Management Committee met the PC, KVK and 25 farmers were selected for an intensive training. The training started in the field of one of the contact farmer and the other farmers were asked to replicate what they learned in their fields. These farmers were trained on different aspects of SRI and trainings were synchronized with the crop stages started from the nursery raising, transplanting, weeding, plant protection, harvesting and culminated with a field day. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 25 Results: With the help of the village headman, a grand programme was held in the village where all the farmers were invited. The Programme Coordinator spoke on the occasion on how the little intervention could bring changes to the hope, aspiration and live of people. He lauded the service of the Headman and praised the 25 farmers who shed off their inhibiting and came forward and tried the technology in their field. Evidence: Almost all the farmers in the area has adopted SRI and have refined it themselves to suit the local situations as prevailed in the area and this approach has its own local name –“Ka Rep Prat”. 11. Off season Cauliflower production in Bishalgarh, Tripura Situation: Mr. Ashotosh Pal of Bishalgarh block of Tripura was earning his living from rice cultivation and occasionally raised vegetables for his home consumption. He was struggling with his farming activities due to lack of scientific practices. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 26 Response: In April 2011, he attended a Farm School organized by ATMA, Bishalgarh block where he got technical training on scientific management, fertility management and protection measures needed for off season production of cauliflower. Result: He applied the learning in his field and now, he is earning 3.5 lakh rupees annually from his vegetable farm. He cultivated off season cauliflower in an area of 1 ha which he sells at the rate of Rs. 120-130 per kg in the Agartala market. Evidence: Mr. Pal is a successful farmer and leading a comfortable life through his farming. 12. Successful Spine gourd production in Lakhilunga area of Tripura Situation: Mr. Pronil Ray of Lakhilunga village of South Tripura was a marginal vegetable farmer of spine gourd which he used for home consumption. The Lakhilunga area of south Tripura is famous for vegetable production where Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 27 all the farmers of the locality cultivate vegetables all around the year. Response: Mr. Ray attended a training programme few years back on vegetable cultivation organized by the ATMA. There, he learned different techniques needed for commercialization of vegetables. Result: Following the learning he received in the training, he started commercial cultivation of vegetable giving prime importance to spine gourd. He has an area of 0.20 ha which he used for spine gourd and cow pea production. Evidence: He is now leading a comfortable life and a source of great inspiration for the youth of lakhilunga village. 13. Diversified farming is becoming profitable in Shyam Sundarpur of West Bengal Situation: Mr. Samit Maity of Shyam Sundarpur village of South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal Earlier was an electrician at Bahu Bazar area at Kolkata under one Company. At that time he was Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 28 earning Rs.4000/month and hardly gets time to spend with his family. Response: In the year 2006, he got one month training from the district agricultural department under ATMA. He started doing farming in his 1 ha of land and 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 an ‘Exposure visit on National level Fair’ on ‘Krishi Vasanta’ at Nagpur. Result: Now, he has a farm of 1.5 ha of land from where he is earning around Rs.6 lakhs annually. He has a diversified farming system of Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 29 vegetables, fish, livestock and rice. He cultivates vegetables all around the years including almost all the vegetables which gave him Rs.2.10 lakhs annually. Apart from the vegetable production, he has got a fishery of 0.7 ha area from which he earned Rs. 40,000/- annually. He has 8 (eight) nos. of milch cow which gives him a net profit of Rs.2 lakhs per annum. He purchased 2 nos. of power tiller and 1 no. of Pumpset which he utilizes for custom hiring that gives him a an income of Rs. 1.50 lakh annually. He is also selling paddy to get an additional income of Rs. 13,000/- per annum. Evidence: Mr. Samit Maity is now a successful self-employed person. He is great source of inspiration for his neighbours. His initiative helped him to form a CIG group named ‘Bhumi’ in June’ 14 under ATMA Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 30 14. Successful dairy farming in Bishnupur area of Manipur Situation: Mr. L. Binay Singh of Bishnupur area of Manipur has started ‘dairy’ with two nos. of local milch cow and earning his living by selling milk. His economic condition was not good and could not accommodate new innovation in his farm. The area was well known for milk production and all the farmers were engage in dairy activities. Response: The official of local veterinary officials under ATMA suggested the farmers to form one development association and promised to give all technical supports from the department. The farmers of the locality formed ‘Lakhimi cooperative society’ and Mr.L. Binay Singh was made secretary of the society. The dairy development department gave two generators and one cold storage to the society which they used for storing milk during evening to sell in the next day morning. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 31 Result: Because of the cooperative society and technical supports from the Veterinary Department, the farmers of the locality are earning a uniform return without any wastage of milk. Now, Mr. L. Binay Singh is having 4 nos. of high yielding milch cows and the average production of milk from one cow is 15 litres per day which he sells @ Rs. 30 per litre. The society collects 90-100 litre milk per day from neighbouring farmers. Evidence: The society is helping farmers to get remunerative price for their produce by strengthening their bargaining power. 15. Akbar Miya: A Dairy deity in 24 Parganas of West Bengal Situation: Akbar Miya, a dairy farmer of South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal was somehow managing his family expenditure from his farm of two local breeds of milch cow with limited infrastructural facilities. He could produce only 8-10 litre of milk per day which was not sufficient to meet the family expenditure. Response: He got one training on dairy production in 2009 under ATMA. From there he could learn about the rearing of high yielding breeds and techniques of value addition of milk. He purchased one high yielding milch breed with whatever money he kept as saving for future purpose. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 32 Result: Now, he is a proud owner of ‘Akbar Dairy Farm’ which is earning a profit of Rs.25,000-30,000 per month. He is having 18 nos. of cattles in his 720 square feet of yard which produced 200- 250 litres of milk per day. Evident: Inspired by the success of Mr. Miya, 6 nos. of families staying nearby started rearing of goatery, duckery, poultry and dairy. He is now leading a comfortable life with his uniform rate of income and profit. 16. Status upliftment through scientific poultry farming in Serchhip, Mizoram Situation:Mr.Lalhmunlian a of Serchhip district of Mizoram was a traditional farmer whose sole income comes from paddy and vegetable cultivation. With 5 members of his family including 3 childrens, he was finding it difficult to manage the family requirements from his 1 ha of land. To get some additional income Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 33 he started a small scale poultry farm in a traditional manner to face several problems like diseases and high rate of mortality specially in case of young brooding chicks. He almost forfeits poultry farming as he thought it is not economical and unprofitable. Response: The farmer was selected as a beneficiary of demonstration on ‘Scientific management of broiler chicks’ under ATMA Serchhip block during the year 2012-13. He then attended several training programmes which comprises of all the requisite management practices like lightning system, feeding procedures, vaccination, ventilation and management of diseases which were mandatory for setting up of successful poultry farm. He was also given seed money under the activity for buying chicks and medicines. Result: Following the leanings, he acquired from the training, the farmer instantly got result and became an owner of successful big poultry farm. His problem in poultry farming, which was ‘high chick mortality’, was solved. Evidence: Comparing the situation between before and after taking up of ATMA activity, the farmer income level has raised to 75%. Now, he is leading a comfortable life and has become a great source of inspiration for others. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 34 17. Innovative activities for Silkworm rearing in Serchhip, Mizoram Situation: Mr. Huntawngliana, a sericulture farmer of Serchhip district of Mizoram was struggling for earning livelihood with the limited infrastructural facilities to run the business which cause him reduced rate of return from his business. Response: He attended innovative activities implemented under ATMA for getting regular hatching of silkworm eggs to increase the production of quality commercial cocoons. He adopted black boxing of silkworm eggs under innovative activities of ATMA which increase the number of production of quality cocoons as a result of scientific hatching. Results: Now, He has 1 ha mulberry plantation in his farm. He is earning about Rs. 44,000/- from four crops in a year. Evidence: The increase in yield is giving higher income which helps him to lead a sustainable life. . Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 35 18. Successful Piggery at Gaurisagar of Assam Situation: Sri Ahindra Saikia of Akatani village under Gaurisagar development block in Sivsagar was a piggery farmer who started his farm with 6 pigs of local breed. He didn’t consider it as a business entity as his major income came from rice. Response: Dr. Challang, a BTT member of FIAC, Gaurisagar has suggested him to upgrade his breeds and accordingly one demonstration on breed up gradation of pig has been taken in the farm. FIAC Gaurisagar has provided him 2 nos. of 3 months old piglets (1male & 1 female) of White Yorkshire breed in September 2011. He brought up the piglets very carefully following all scheduled activities including vaccination under proper guidance of Dr. Chelleng. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 36 Result: Now his farm has grown up successfully. He has crossed five female Hampshire pigs with the Yorkshire. He has 58 nos. of piglets in his farm which are ‘’Yorkshire – Hampshire’’ crossed breed. The new breed of piglets is having lesser percentage of mortality, higher growth rate and higher demand in the market. Mr. Saikia is earning more than Rs. 1 lakh per annum from his piggery unit. He has already sold 35 nos. of piglet @ Rs. 2000/- and earned Rs.70,000/- from it. He has another batch of 21 nos. of piglets which will give him an expected income of Rs. 42,000/-. Evidence: Now, Mr. Saikia is very happy and satisfied with the new breed of pigs and willing to expand his farm. He is leading a comfortable life with his family and become a source of inspiration for other neighbouring farmers. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 37 19. Successful cases of Fishery in Dholai ,Tripura Situation: Mr. Anil Mohon of Dakhin dhumasara area of Dholai district of Tripura is a progressive fish farmer of the area. The entire dhumasara area is well known for fishery and most of the farmer associated with it. The agro- ecological condition and persistent of large water bodies in that area which is also known as ‘Bogibeel’ is famous in the district for fish production. Most of the fish requirements in the state have been made from this area. In spite having potential for the fish farming, most of the farmers are not following scientific management practices of fish which is the main cause of low production. Response: Mr. Mohon received several training and demonstration under ATMA, Dholai district on scientific pond management, scientific rearing and feed formulation. He applied the technique of Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 38 feed formulation by mixing cowdung, molasses, dry fish and mustard oilcake which he successfully applied in his fishery. He adopted 3 tyre rearing system of fish by incorporating poultry above the pond to add additional income. Result: Now he is having 3 fishery ponds covering 0.8 ha water area where he rears Mrigal, catla and carp. He is producing on an average 40 qtls of fish in a year which gives him about Rs. 4,00,000/- per annum. He is well supported by his wife who helped him a lot to do his farming activities. The poultry unit above the pond is also giving him an additional income and in the same time helps in lowering downs the cost of feed for fishes. Evidence: Mr. Mohon is very happy with the increased income and leading a comfortable life with his family. He has become a great source of inspiration for the fellow farmers to go for scientific management practices. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 39 20. Anthurium cultivation dazzles in Aizawl, Mizoram Situation: Ms. Thuamliani of Aizawl district of Mizoram was earning less from her floriculture farm and could hardly meet the family expenditure from it. Response: She started cultivation of ‘Anthurium’ under the guidance of Horticulture department and support from ATMA. The horticulture department helped her in construction of green house and water harvesting structure to accommodate more numbers of ‘Anthurium’ flowers. The department also made provision of a loan of Rs.5,00,000/- from Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 40 the horticultural board. The horticulture department also helped her in marketing the flowers from Aizawl to ‘Zo- Anthurium society’ in Delhi. Result: Presently, she is earning around Rs.2,40,000/- per annum from her 1 acre of anthurium cultivation by exporting it to ‘Zo-Anthurium Society’ in Delhi. She harvest weekly during summer and bi-weekly during winter which gave her an average income of Rs. 20,000/- per month. Evidence: She was awarded best farmer by the state of Mizoram and received the certificate from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India 21. Integrated Farming Practices: A success story from Longmantra, Nagaland Situation: Jurinthe Sangtam is a progressive farmer from Longmatra village of Sitimi block under Kipheri ATMA. He owns five acres of land and supports a family of five school going children. Though he has not completed his high school education, he is one of the most innovative cultivators around because of his zeal to learn and adopt the latest farming technologies. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
Success Stories of NE States | 41 Response: ATMA, Kiphire in recognition has identified him as a farmer-teacher of Rice Bean Farm School. With this he makes ardent effort to follow the technical knowledge learned from trainings, demonstrations and exposure tours which in turn motivates his fellow farmers to do the same. Result:He has adopted an integrated organic approach incorporating wet terracing SRI method in 2 acres, maize cultivation in another 1 acre, Kholar (French bean), rice bean, banana, vegetables to the remaining. 2 acres and backyard poultry farming. This year he has introduced pineapple cultivation in his farm. He discourages the use of chemicals and strictly adopts the right time of sowing/planting and timely intercultural operations which is why he has been successful in all his ventures. As narrated to ATMA officials before adoption of these techniques his annual income was Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000 which increased three fold to Rs. 1.5 lakhs toRs. 2.00 lakhs after adoption. He stated of saving up to 70% in labour costs since the introduction of Innovation method of farming practices. Evidence: Jurinthe Sangtam is now a happy farmer and leads a comfortable life with his family. His success has been an encouragement for the fellow farmers in his village. Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAU, Jorhat-13
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