Success Stories 2017-18

SUCCESS STORIES Inspiring Agricultural Extension initiatives in NE StatesEXTENSION EDUCATION INSTITUTE (NE-REGION)Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Govt. of IndiaAssam Agricultural University, Jorhat

SUCCESS STORIESInspiring Agricultural Extension initiatives in NE StatesPublished by:Extension Education Institute (NE Region)Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of IndiaAssam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13Telefax: 0376-2341227Telephone: 0376 – 2340133(O)E-mail: [email protected]: www.eei-ner.org2018© Copyright, Extension Education Institute (NE Region)Compiled & Edited by:Dr. Pradip.K.NeogDr. A.K.BhattacharyyaDr. S. BoruaMs. Patrika SharmaMr. Hridayananda DasMs. Madhusmita DuttaMs. Kashmiri HazarikaPrinted at:AAU, Offset Printing Press, Jorhat-785013

Dr. K.M. Bujarbaruah Vice Chancellor Assam Agricultural University Jorhat -785013 FOREWORD I am pleased to know that the Extension Education Institute (NE Region), AAUhas documented and compiled 37 number of selected successful cases of achieverfarmers from 9 states of North East Region, India during 2018-19. Success stories of achiever farmers greatly motivate fellow farmers to take upagriculture as profitable enterprise. Getting published and exposed in a success story,an achiever farmer gains higher degree of motivation, recognition as well asencouragement to continue and upscale his/her enterprise more efficiently. Further,farmers’ success stories serve as highly motivating information for extensionfunctionaries and systems to gear up extension efforts towards agriculturaldevelopment. In the present day context therefore, publishing of success stories ofachiever farmers has gained high priority as an effective extension tool in the presentage of Information Technology. I compliment the faculties and staff of EEI (NE Region) for their endeavour tobring out this publication as an integral part of the Institute’s mandate for capacitybuilding of extension functionaries. The success stories in this compilation spreadover 7 different sectors of agricultural development viz. Agriculture, Horticulture,Dairy, Piggery, Poultry, Fishery and Sericulture. I sincerely hope that this publication will serve its purpose, and contribute toagricultural development in the NE Region to a great extent, and thereby woulddesirably benefit farmers, extension personnel, extension systems and otherstakeholders desirably.Date: 05/04/2018 (K.M. Bujarbaruah)

Dr. Pradip Kr. NeogDirector, EEI (NE Region)Assam Agricultural UniversityJorhat -785013 Preface Success story of a single farmer can serve as a great source of inspiration for many other farmersto take up similar enterprise. Further, success stories of farmers encourage all the stakeholders ofagricultural development right from national level to grass-root level for continuing extension supportwith greater enthusiasm and commitment. Success stories have been an effective extension tool tomotivate fellow farmers and extension functionaries across the country. Training institutions and fieldfunctionaries have been using success stories in motivating farming community for taking upagriculture as profitable enterprise. On the other hand, when achievements get published, anachiever farmer gains higher degree of motivation, recognition as well as encouragement to upscale,improve and develop his/her enterprise. Keeping all the above utilities of success stories, EEI(NE Region) has taken up this project as anintegral part of its mandate of capacity building of Extension functionaries in NE-states on extensionand behavioral approaches, methods, tools, techniques, attitudes, skills and qualities for agriculturaldevelopment. This compilation presents 37 success stories relating to outstanding achievements in varioussectors of agricultural development in 9 states of NE Region, India and spread over seven sectorsincluding, Agriculture, Horticulture, Dairy, Poultry, Piggery, Fishery and Sericulture, and covering bothfarmers and farm women. The information relating to the stories has been collected jointly by the faculties of EEI(NERegion) and extension functionaries of ATMA Scheme, KVKs and departments of the Agriculture andallied sector of the Nine states. Data collection on success stories was an integral part of Off-campustraining programmes of EEI (NE Region) conducted in the states during the year 2016-17. Our appreciation and heartfelt gratitude goes out to the farmers and farm women for sharingtheir stories and useful information regarding their road to success. We are grateful to the extensionfunctionaries of the Agriculture and allied departments, KVKs and ATMA staffs of all the nine states fortheir active involvement, cooperation and supports in the project. Dr.Pradip Neog

ContentsSl. No. Items Page No.1. Scientific rearing of pig in Udalguri district of Assam 1 2-42. From Vegetable to successful Floral and fruit garden 4-5 5-63. A successful mulberry grower 7-8 8-94. Pig Farming in Imphal boosts livelihood 9-10 10-115. Sustainable Farming through Crop Diversification 11-13 13-146. Prosperity through capsicum cultivation in Kamrup, Assam 14-15 15-167. Persistence pays dividends for women of Lohit district 16-178. Love for Lilium brings prosperity 17-18 189. The Soft Touch for a Blooming Success 19-2010. Organic turmeric cultivation prospers in Reiek, Mizoram 20-2111. Strawberry turns fruitful for famer of Kamrup district 21-22 22-2312. Bettle buck upgradation in Manikpur, Bongaigaon 23-24 24-2513. Bitter gourd cultivation with paddy straw mulching: An eperiment by a farmer from North Pulinpur, Tripura14. Silk Route of Manipur15. Paddy Preservation brings reward to farmer from Manipur16. Fish production and cultivation in Majuli, Jorhat17. Fish farming as an alternative to Jhuming: A Success story from Mokokchung, Nagaland18. Organic Pineapple Grower of Mualvum, Nagaland19. Journey towards successful dairy farming20. Story of Aloe-vera soap and vermicompost21. Cocoon to silk and soyabean

22. Oyster mushroom cultivation in Medziphema, 25-26 Nagaland 26-2723. Floriculture helps improve livelihood 27-2824. Fish breeding in Imphal West 28-3025. King Chili as an alternative to Opium in Arunachal Pradesh26. Dairy farming brings prosperity 3027. Cashew brings success for farmers of West Midnapu 31-3228. A self-sustained progressive farmer from Bokakhat, Assam 32-3329. Self-Employment through Poultry Farming in Nagaland 33-3430. A ray of hope for unemployed youth 34-3531. Success story of squash cultivation 35-3632. Ornamental Bird Rearing Empowers Rural Women in 24 36-37 Parganas, West Bengal 37-3833. Artificial Insemination in pig: Boosting the quality piglets 39 production in Nagaland 39-4034. Entrepreneurship through Nursery 40-4135. Double cropping in Arunachal Pradesh36. Success comes in many forms 4137. Black rice cultivation in Assam

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018 1. Scientific rearing of pig in Udalguri district of AssamSituation: Mr. Hitesh Deka from Fakidia village of Udalguri district, Assam used to bea traditional farmer having 8 bighas of land where he used to grow vegetables andrice. He always wanted to extend his farming into something new and profitable.Response: In the year 2013-14 heattended a demonstration on pig farmingconducted by the CSS-ATMA, Udalguri.He was also given 2 piglets as anassistance from CSS-ATMA. He later onjoined a SHG named Birkhang and sotogether they started rearing pigs. Mr.Saikia applied all the scientific techniques which he learned in the demonstration. Headvocates the necessary vaccinations. Also provides the pigs with all the necessaryvitamins and minerals. He got a lot of support from his fellow SHG members incarrying out the pig rearing.Result: The result of Mr. Saikia’s hard work started to show as the SHG was able tomeet the demand of pork in their local market. Also they started selling piglets whichthe other farmers wanted to use for pig farming. Their profit marging started toincrease as within a year they made a net profit of Rs. 51000.Evidence: His success is evident from the fact that other farmers in his village andnearby areas have seen his success and have started to follow his footsteps. Also he isnow leading a much better life with his desire of extending his farming businessfulfilled.Source: CSS-ATMA, Rowta Development Block, UdalguriExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 1

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018 2. From Vegetable to successful Floral and fruit gardenSituation : Shri Abelson Marbaniangpopularly known as Bah Ion hailsfrom a non-descript village inMawreng under MawphlangCommunity and Rural DevelopmentBlock .He started his farming as anordinary vegetable grower butgradually diversified to Floriculture.Today he is one of the most successful growers of flowers and fruits in the East KhasiHills District.Response: Being a lover of flowers he nursed an ambition of transforming his acresof prime agricultural land into a floral garden. Inspite of the idea being farfetched atthat point of time, he embarked on this journey of raising a flower nursery in the year1987.Later on, Shri Marbaniang approached the Department of Agriculture forassistance and technical guidance..It was in the year 1998 that the Department gavehim different types of flower seeds and he raised them successfully in his nursery.Theincome generated from the sale of flower seedlings enable him to construct a smallpolyhouse where he intended to multiply his plants asper modern package ofpractices. This initial venture was a runaway success and this boasted his confidenceto start growing exotic flower seeds, which the people of Shillong have never seenbefore. This venture also became very successful. The demand of his produceincreased and he could command a premium from the customers.Result: Through the Technology Mission Scheme on Horticulture Shri Marbaniangreceived assistance from the Department of Agriculture in the form of polyhouses,shade nets and planting materials. His sincerity, dedication and hardwork paid offwhen the Department assisted him with a modern pre fabricated polyhouse forExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 2

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018nursing carnations, orchids, gerberas,crysanthemum and others. He vigorouslyattended advanced training programmesin Kolkota, Delhi, Sikkim and Darjeeling.These exposure trips broadened hisoutlook and his confidence levelincreased. He became more enterprising while his desire to acquire the latest know-how and technology also grew. He began to take part regularly in the Autumn flowershow arranged by the Shillong Agri Horticulture Society and his exquisite pottedchrysanthemum bagged many prizes.In the year 2003-2004, Department assisted him in establishing a private nursery fortemperate fruits. He was trained by the Departmental Officials on various techniquesof grafting and rootstock multiplication. He managed to raise a large quantity ofplanting materials within a year. It was very interesting to note that he had alsodeveloped a good marketing network, where he market his produce such as flowerseedlings, potted plants saplings to vendors from Shillong and adjoining areas. Fromhis own resources Marbaniang succeeded in erecting several polyhouses. He is notonly a person with creativity and innovation, but a practitioner who does not mindsharing his skills with other fellow farmers desiring to erect such types of structures.Looking at his success more farmers and unemployed youths have been motivatedand inspired to take horticulture as an enterprise. Presently his nursery is generatinga net income of 1.5 Lakhs Rupees per annum from the sale of planting materials. Hemanaged to buy a new plot of land to expand his business enterprise.Evidence: The Department frequently invites him to share his experiences andsuccess story during various training programmes. Abelson credited his success to theuntiring efforts of the Departmental Officials who have motivated him right from theExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 3

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018beginning to start this venture. His dream is to make Mawreng a model village toattract tourists similar to flower growing states of India and abroad.Source: Deputy Director, MAMETI, Upper Shillong 3. A successful mulberry growerSituation: Sri Ningthoujam Surjit Singh has 5 acres of land which is adjacent tostream that originates from Kangchup hill. With no employment or job he was findingit difficult to earn a livelihood for him and his family from his traditional farming.Response: With hisintentions high he attended aTraining programme onMulberry Plantation by theDepartment of Sericulture,Govt. of Manipur and got theinformation about theminimum requirements forsericulture. Convinced with the advantages of mulberry plantation like low and onetime input cost, less water requirement for mulberry garden, high income return andless risk helped him decide to take up mulberry cultivation. He then discussed thematter with the Subject Matter Specialist of Sericulture, ATMA, Imphal West. Out ofthe 5 acres of land that he owned he utilized 2 acres for mulberry plantation. As aresult of his interest towards mulberry plantation he was selected as a beneficiaryunder the Special Plan Assistant Scheme of Department of Sericulture, Manipur in theyear 2013-14 and has been provided with assistance like construction of rearing houseand also the plantation cost.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 4

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Result: As a result of his sincere efforts and hard work he now has a full grownmulberry plantation in which he goes for 5 crops of mulberry round the year @ 100disease free layings per crop with a minimum yield of 55 kilograms per crop. He sellsaround 3 lakhs nos. of seedlings of mulberry plant to the beneficiaries of NERTPSscheme of Imphal West district. He also uses the land for intercropping like tomato,brinjal, cabbage, cauliflower,broccoli, onion, garlic, corianderetc. from time to time whichwhich gives him an additionalincome of Rs. 50000. He alsosells cocoons to private dealersof Khurkhul and Samurou. Atpresent he is earning a netincome of Rs. 3.04 lakhs form allhis activities.Evidence: His success is evident from the fact that he was awarded as the BestMulberry farmer of Imphal West district by Central Silk Board, Govt. of India, Manipur.He has also been able to improve his and his family’s livelihood and is nowdisseminating this technology to other fellow farmers.Source: ATM, Imphal West District, Manipur 4. Pig Farming in Imphal boosts livelihoodSituation: Sri N. Lokendra Singh of Tairenpokpi Mamang Leikai, Imphal West,Manipur is a hard working, laborious and enthusiastic farmer. He once read a articleon Pig Farming in India and so got the idea of starting pig farming in his homesteadland as his land used to remain fallow.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 5

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018 Response: With the help of Department of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture and Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Govt. of Manipur got the latest knowledge and technology on pig farming and integrated farming system.He started implementing the newly learned technology and started rearing three pigs.He owns a total of 152 numbers of pigs out of which 44 are piglets, 43 are sow, 12 areboar and 53 are for meat purpose. He also cultivates different types of field andhorticultural crops like rice, rapeseed, king chilli, tomato etc. using all the knowledgethat he gathered through consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Manipur.He is also using his knowledge of IFSfor fish farming.Result: He earns a net profit ofaround Rs. 5-6 lakhs per annumfrom the pig farming alone. He isalso earning additional income fromthe other components of his farmwhich is helping him develop hislivelihood status. His total earning hovers around Rs. 7-7.5 lakhs per annum.Evidence: His success is evident from the fact that he has been chosen as the Boardof Director of Kangleipak Farmer’s Producer Company Limited, Manipur which housesa total of 1200 farmers. Alongwith this other farmers look upto his success and getsmotivated to take up IFS as a useful way of doing farming.Source: Santosh Sinam, ATM (Patsoi), Imphal West, ManipurExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 6

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018 5. Sustainable Farming through Crop DiversificationSituation: Sri W. Kesho Singh of Nambol Khathong, Bishnupur district, Manipur wasbearing a huge burden of loan from local money lender and was facing too muchproblems in his conventional farming ways like high cost of inputs, very low netincome. His profits were narrowing down every passing year. It was getting difficult forhim to manage his house hold and his farming expenses. Response: He then started visiting farms of different progressive farmers during inter district and inter-state exposure visits. He also started attending training programmes under ATMA, Bishnupur. And so he planned for crop diversification with appropriate croppingsystem in his farm. He learned various plant nutrient management systems, watermanagement techniques, cropping patterns, crop rotation and inter and mixedcropping through awareness and training programs of the Department of Agriculture.He followed a cropping sequence of spring crops followed by rice in his farm of 1.82acres. He initially practiced thissystem for 5 years.Result: From the simple techniqueof crop diversification followingdifferent cropping system Sri. W.Kesho Singh is able to earn a netprofit of Rs. 2, 35,800 per annum.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 7

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018 Evidence: He is now leading a better life altogether and has been able to clear his loan within no time. He has become an inspiration for the farmers of his region. 6. Prosperity through capsicum cultivation in Kamrup, AssamSituation: An energetic young farmer namedShri Ramen Kalita, S/O – Purna Ram Kalita, agedabout 30 years hailing from Sundarisal village inKamrup district was looking for extending hiscultivated land.Response: So he decided to start Capsicum cultivation in about 5 bighas of hisowned land in the year 2015-16. He took up trainings and also attended severaldemonstrations to learn the necessary skills required for capsicum cultivation.Result: On success of the crop production Mr. Kalita earned a net profit of Rs. 1.5lakhs in the present cropping season. He has been able to increase his incomemanifold from when he started thispractice of capsicum cultivation.Evidence: He has now decided to extendhis area under capsicum cultivation as hehas seen the benefit and advantages ofthis practice. Also by observing the incomeExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 8

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018of Shri Kalita other farmers of that locality are also interested for cultivation ofCapsicum in the next season.Source: Government of Assam, Department of Agriculture & Horticulture, Directorate of Horticulture &Food Processing 7. Persistence pays dividends for women of Lohit districtSituation: Sengapathar village of Lohit district in ArunachalPradesh is one of the most economically backward village of thedistrict. It houses some of the poorest families of the region. Response: In an effort to increase the income of the families of the village and to improve the livelihood status of the people of that village the women of that village took a decision to form a SHG named Aiyojyoti Self Help Group. However forming a group doesn’t always turns out to be useful andeasy. They faced lots of trouble at the beginning. However, Beronica Indiwar andMarium Munda the President and Secretary of the SHG didn’t give up easily and aftercareful deliberations and discussion they came to a decision to take up pig farming asan enterprise. They approached the ATMA, Lohit district for skill development inAnimal husbandry specially pig farming.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 9

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Result: Seeing their interest andefforts a local Copperative societynamed LAMPS ( Large SizedAgricultural Multi-purposeCooperative Society) decided to fundthe SHG with an amount of Rs. 1,37,500 for getting all the necessaryinputs like buying piglets, waterpumps and feed, construction of sheds etc. with this efforts the piggery unit startedreaping profits within a year. The value of pig stock went up with 19 pigs valued at Rs.1, 25,000. The women also started loaning funds amongst themselves limiting theamount to Rs. 20,000. The total asset generated were valued at more than Rs. 1.5lakhsEvidence: Their success is evident from the fact that they have employed needywomen to work in the piggery unit. Also they are now planning to establish 2 newunits and proudly say that “to achieve a goal you need determination and zest to seekthe right help. Yes persistence pays”. 8. Love for Lilium brings prosperitySituation: Ms. Amenla J. of Chuchuyimpang village nearMokokchung town, Nagaland, was a normal working woman.She worked as a Laboratory Assistant in a college nearby andgot busy with household chores after office hours. One day shechanced upon the floricultural promotions in the area by theDepartment of Horticulture. It made her think that she had always been fond offlowers and loved to grow them, even as a child. So, why not turn her passion into abusiness venture especially with the horticulture department offering help? Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 10

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018 Response: Accompanied by her daughter, she made a visit to the Block Technology Team Office and met the Horticulture Inspector. She was told that a programme to promote floriculture had just been launched. The timing of her visit was mostopportune, for Amenla was readily included as a part of the project, and availed of thescheme to build the polyhouse in her backyard.Result: Helped by her daughters she started growing Lilium. When her crop of Liliumflowered, she once again sought the assistance of the Horticulture Departmentofficers to get a list of buyers to sell her flowers at the best price. She became familiarwith the trade and started selling directly to the Zopar Exporting Ltd. in Guwahati, inaddition to local buyers. Today, with a net income of Rs. 20,000every two months, sheis earning a tidy profit after having turned her hobby into a vocationEvidence: Her success is evidebnt from the factthat she has made her daughters gain confidenecethat they too can earn a good living without leavinghome by just cultivating flowers like Lilium. Also sheis now planning to diversify her cropping into KingChilli to which her daughter laughs and says, “Watchout for my mother, things are going to get hot around her”.Source: Compendium of ATMA success stories, Nagaland Episode 9. The Soft Touch for a Blooming SuccessSituation: West Garo Hills of Meghalaya is well known for its pleasant climaticconditions and therefore is suitable for Anthurium flowers which are in great demandas cut flowers. Hence, the Directorate of Horticulture had initiated a TechnologyMission for commercial cultivation of Anthurium through women’s group.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 11

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018 Response: The response for this programme was immense as the women of this region have an inborn zeal qand love towards floriculture. So 10 women came forward to enroll under the scheme. As one of the 10 women Merry Corella A. Sangma said- “Wethe women of Meghalaya had always come forward to take up the reins of the family.When the Anthurium cultivation scheme came along, we saw a great prospect ingrowing flowers. After all we, the women, love flowers which doubles our pleasurewhen this helps us earn income for our families”. Initaially 10 potential growers wereidentified under the Technology Mission and provided with quality planting materials,shade nets and other required inputs like cocopeat, sprinkler irrigation, pump sets etc.They were also provided with training on cultivation and maintenance of theirgardens.Result: Soon, different varieties of Anthurium were blooming in the gardens and thewomen started earning in the range of Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 2, 50,000 per annum. Thoughthe gardens of the individual growers were fairly small and ranged from 100 sq.metres to 525 sq. metres, they brought their cut flowers to a single collection centreand thus benefited from economies ofscale and collective marketing. Thewomen began to participate regularlyin various exhibitions, flower shows andbusiness meets where their flowerswere highly appreciated in terms ofquality and variety. At present they arealso in the process of forming aregistered society so as to tacklemarketing and input issues. Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 12

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Evidence: The success of these growers has inspired other women groups to take upsuch enterprise with financial assistance from the Directorate of Horticulture and alsoby accessing bank loans. They have become a role model for others. As Illa G. Mominanother grower says- “At last, we have found something we love to do which helps uslive with happiness and dignity”. 10.Organic turmeric cultivation prospers in Reiek, MizoramSituation: Reiek Multipurpose Cooperative Society which was formed in the year2001, was initially a SHG which was engaged in Piggery and Turmeric cultivation with28 members of the farmers from the village.Response: With the extension intervention of Horticulture Department ATMA,Mamit district the society took up scientific cultivation of Turmeric in a larger scalealong with few other seasonal crops locally grown. They experimented variousvarieties from various places and eventually selected the ‘Lakadong’ variety procuredfrom Meghalaya. Initially they set up the Turmeric Processing Plant run by electricity.They got a proper 3-phase power line and prepared the packet in attractive form froma Delhi based farm. Eventually the society received a great supported by ICIMOD, GIZ,FR of Germany, Norwegian Ministry, implemented by ICFRE, Dehra Dun and installed aSolar Dryer worth Rs. 20 lakhs. Now, the members have decided to shift to its newpremises where they have installed the Solar Dryer and also the Organic TurmericProcessing Plant together in a spacious area.Result: The annual turnover of thesociety is to the tune of Rs. 150 to Rs.200 lakhs and a profit of Rs. 15-16lakhs. The society wholesale price ofRs. 135 per kg and retail price of Rs.200 per kg.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 13

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Evidence: Their success is evident from the fact that they are able to get a goodmarket which helps them enjoy a good living and also many other young and aspiringyouths look upto them as an inspiration to take up such other enterprise. 11. Strawberry turns fruitful for farmer of Kamrup districtSituation: Mr. Krishna Kt. Boro, a farmer hailing from Bhogdabari village and Mrs.Gitu Bhagawati Pathak of Nagarberra village under Kamrup district are two energeticand hardworking farmers of the region. They decided to take up strawberry cultivationas because they saw a growing demand for strawberry in the region.Response: So they went up to theDepartment of Horticulture office andenrolled themselves under theHorticulture Scheme in 2015-16. Theyattended training on strawberrycultivation and then implemented thesame in their own fields. Mr. Borocultivated strawberry in his 1 acre land and Mrs. Bhagawati in her 1.5 acres of land.Result: They both sold their produce in the greater Guwahati area. Mr. Boro atpresent earns a total of Rs. 15 lakhs annually and Mrs. Bhagawati is earning around17-18 lakhs annually. Evidence: By observing the profit made by Mrs. Bhagawati Pathak and Mr. Krsihna Boro by selling Strawberry, presently other farmers of that locality are also interested for cultivation of Strawberry in the next season. Presently, both Mr. Krishna Kt. BoroExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 14

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018and Mrs. Gitu Bhagawati Pathak are cultivating Papaya from the profit earned byselling those Strawberry cultivation in about 20 (twenty) bighas of land jointly withfive other farmers of that villages.Source: Government of Assam, Department of Agriculture & Horticulture, Directorate of Horticulture & FoodProcessing 12. Bettle buck upgradation in Manikpur, BongaigaonSituation: Rumi roy D/O PurnakantaRoy belongs to Aowlaguri village ofManikpur Block. She belongs to a poorfarmer family. The major source of theirincome is goat rearing. The herd was verypoor in breeding, giving birth to only onekid in one year or even in two yearsresulting in poor income.Response: CSS-ATMA conducted a demonstration and she was selected by the BFACmember of Awolaguri village as one of the beneficiaries of CSS-ATMA. The CS-ATMAintroduced improved breed of Beetle buck for Breed upgradation of the existing herd.One Beetle buck was provided to Rumi Nath under CSS-ATMA demonstrationprogramme. She also received proper training for breed upgradation and alsoimproved her knowledge through joint field visits with other beneficiaries of thescheme.Result: At present she is earning more than Rs. 40000 per annum from gottery. Nowthe goats are giving birth to two to three kids every year and the kids are attainingweight very fast.Evidence: It has been observed that the introduced beetle buck has resulted in goodperformance and adaptability. Some more farmers in that area are also came to knowExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 15

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018about the success of Rumi Roy and they have shown good interest in breedupgradation through Beetle buck.Source: Prankrishna Das, Assistant Technology Manager, Manikpur Dev Block, Bongaigaon 13.Bitter gourd cultivation with paddy straw mulching: An eperiment by a farmer from North Pulinpur, TripuraSituation: Mr. Kali charan Debbarma is a farmer of village North Pulinpur. His familyincome was only around Rs. 15000 by growing monocropped paddy only in his 0.8 haland. It was difficult for him to run his household and also maintain the farm activitieswith the shortage of money.Response: He then decided to address the issue and came in touch with KVK and hewas provided with sufficient training followed by a small demonstration in his kh arifpaddy fallow land on cultivation of bitter gourd with paddy straw mulching during2012-13.Result: As a result of the training Mr.Debbarma decided to go for bitter gourdcultivation. He followed the techniquesand practices that were being taught bythe KVK scientists. After around oneyear he was able to get some profit outof his cultivation and purchased someland and so his total land ownedincreased to 1 acre. Using straw mulching and balanced doses of fertilizer. Mr.Debbarma was able to reap good benefits. He was able to earn a net profit of Rs.85800/- from his 1 acre of land which earlier used to remain totally fallow after kharifpaddy.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 16

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Evidence: Seeing his success in farming now most of the farmers of the village haveaccepted this technology under water stress condition. He served as a motivator forthe fellow farmers of his village.Source: Mr. D. Nath, SMS (Agricultural Extension) and Programme Coordinator (I/C), KVK, West Tripura 14.Silk Route of ManipurSituation: For Ms. Chingangbam Tarunbala Devi, becoming an entrepreneur wasaccidental, and once she sensed the opportunity, it was not difficult to achievesuccess. With a PGD in sericulture, she started her career as a part-time lecturer. Sheused to teach students about silk worm rearing and silk yarn extraction from silkcocoons. During one of the practical sessions, two students made silk cloth with verybeautiful designs. Impressed with the design, she showed the silk cloth to neighboursand friends who also liked the cloth and placed order for more clothes with differentdesigns which prompted her to start her own business. Response: Initially, she started collecting silk cloth with varied designs from weavers and selling the same at her residence. As initial sales were encouraging, she started a small emporium in January 2009. To enhance her knowledge andentrepreneurship skills, she attended the AC&ABC training program during January-March 2009. Subsequently, she envisioned expansion of her business and startedcollecting silk yarn/ cocoons from farmers, and supplying the same to weavers forproduction of silk cloth. The designs for the cloth are suggested by her as percustomer requirements.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 17

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Result: She started her venture with an investment of Rs. 20,000 and within eightmonths the turnover reached Rs. 1.5 lakhs. At present her income has doubled andshe is planning to expand her business.Evidence: Presently, her venture offers direct and indirect employment to about 65weavers and farmers.15. Paddy Preservation brings reward to farmer from ManipurSituation: Like thousands of farmers in India, 60-year-old Devakanta too toils in the paddyfields for long hours. What makes him different from other farmers is his passion toconserve a wide variety of rice in his organic farm, including a black rice variety withmedicinal properties, called ‘chakhao poireiton’, and other drought-resistant varieties.Response: He has travelled all over Manipur, collecting different types of rice – fromdrought-resistant white rice (crop which needs less water), brown rice and black rice.He has adopted smart and eco-friendly methods of farming to ensure his harvest issatisfactory year after year.Result: He has so far succeeded in preserving 100 traditional varieties of paddy and iscultivating 25 varieties of rice in his lush green farm. He also cultivates five varieties ofthe rare and highly nutritious variety of black rice, called ‘chakhao poireiton’. The mostimportant thing to be mentioned here is that he has done all this in a organic manner.Evidence: His success is evident from the fact that he was awarded with the PPVFRA(Protection of Plant Varieties and farmers Rights Act.) award in 2012. He now inspiresother farmers of the state to stay organic in their approach towards agriculture. Atpresent he is also running an NGO called All Manipur Medicinal and Aromatic PlantGrowers’ Consortium. Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 18

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018 16.Fish production and cultivation in Majuli, JorhatSituation: Mr Kamal Payeng a progressive farmer from 2 No. Borgoyan village ofMajuli is earning his living with his family through fish cultivation and production fromthree unit of fisheries in his farm. He is an ex Executive Member of “MissingSayattashasita Parisad”Response: Mr. Payeng started his fish cultivation in 2 bighas of land from 1984. Aftersuccessful production of fish upto 1992 he extended his production unit to another 1ha of land in the year 1993. This pond is situated near the. He made an extensionhouse to the middle of the pond to provide feed to the fish cluster. He made anotherpond at the south side of this big pond for fishling production. Result: Mr. Payeng had earned a big amount from fish production since 1984. His successful earning amounting to more than lakhs from fish production from his 3 ponds of around 11 bighas has made others surprised. Mr. Payeng has big production of local fish and other breeds and has able to earn 7-9 lakhs annually. He hasplanted different fruit trees at the boundaries of his ponds for extra earning. He hasgiven engagement opportunity to 6 fisherman and another 4 businessman with hisfish production. He has been awarded byDepartment of Fishery,Govt of Assam,Jorhat and by Department of Fishery,Majuli Sub –division. Mr. Payeng hasorganized “Majuli Jilla Meen PalakSangstha” with the fish farmers of Majuli.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 19

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Mr. Payeng is planning for Blue Revolution in Majuli and has motivated farmers forfish production.Evidence: The intervention motivated other farmers in the village to start up such aventure to increase the economic status of the farmer 17.Fish farming as an alternative to Jhuming: A Success story from Mokokchung, NagalandSituation: Mr. Panjunglemba, a father ofthree children much challenged with thesole responsibility to look after his childrenafter the sudden demise of his wife in2004. Despite all the hurdles, determinedand hopeful for better times to come forhim and his family, he devoted his timeand efforts to toil his Jhum field. However he could barely earn enough to give hischildren a decent living.Response: Therefore to address the issue he decided to give up Jhum cultivation andtook up fish farming in the year 2010 to support his family. There were times when hisfellow friends remained skeptical abouthis idea of taking up fish farming as asustainable means of livelihood. Notdisheartened by all the skepticism, hewent to develop two ponds and startedinto this venture.Result: At present he has 5 numbers of fishery ponds with pond dimension of 160 ft.x 80 ft. to 140 ft. x 0 ft. under semi-intensive culture with fish like common carp, silverExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 20

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018carp, grass carp, catla and rohu. His fishery unit yields him about 2000 kgs of fish fromthe five ponds which is sold at nearby local markets at a rate of Rs.140-150/kg yieldinghim a total annual income of Rs.3 lakhs.Evidence: He became a self-sufficient farmer and a responsible father providing wellfor his children. He became an eye opener to many of his fellow farmers and soonmany started taking up fish farming. Considering the growth of fish farmers aroundthe locality, ATMA, Mokokchung has set a model Fishery Farm School with Mr.Pangjunglemba as the Farm School Teacher. 18. Organic Pineapple Grower of Mualvum, NagalandSituation: Mualvum is a small village of264 households in Medziphema BlockNagaland. It is located on a hilltop that isconnected to the highway by a rugged road.Majority of the residents are farmers. Themales of the village are more oriented toserving in the Indian Army while the womenfolk take care of the farm activities andthe farm operations. Mrs. Kimting is one such lady who is taking care of their 2.5 hapineapple farm where she grows Kiu variety of pineapple. She is 48 years old andtakes care of her family of four. For the past years, she had been taking up differentfarming activities including pineapple farming, duckery and piggery.Response: Mrs. Kimting hasundergone training from ICAR andCIH on pineapple cultivation andalso depend on her ownexperiences. She had beenencouraged take up organicExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 21

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018pineapple cultivation on a larger scale. Since the last five years, she had given full timein her pineapple cultivation with the help of a family friend. The installation ofpineapple processing plant in the nearby village at Medziphema has also provided agood scope for marketing her pineapples.Result: Mrs. Kimting has an annual turnover of about 4-5 lakhs from her pineapplefarm. She sells the pineapples at an average rate of Rs.12-13 for the bigger size and Rs.10 for the smaller ones. Her pineapples are collected from her farm by middle menwho take it to the processing plants or to the local markets.Evidence: Mrs. Kimting is a hardworking woman who is an inspiration for the otherwomenfolk in her village. 19.Journey towards successful dairy farmingSituation: Many educated feel that agriculture is meant only for illiterate people butnot so for a man named Aru Khate who have scripted success story in dairy farmingthrough sheer hard work and dedication. Aru Khate a progressive dairy farmeroriginally from Urra village under Dhansiripar block, Dimapur started off his journeywith the purchase of HF Breed from Shillong and ventured into dairy farming in theyear 1998.Response: In the year 2013-14 ATMA department established livestock farm schoolat his farm and appointed him as a farmer teacher. Departments of agri and allied,ICAR, KVK through ATMA continue to provide necessary scientific guidance to hisfarm. His enthusiasm won him departmental favour to participate in trainings andworkshops which made him acquire more farming knowledge and innovative ideas touplift his farm. He also began to grow fodder (Napier grass) to supplement theshortage on an area of 20 poras in his farm. Apart from dairy farming he grows maizeand vegetables with the manure readily available at his dairy and other organic waste.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 22

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Result: At present he has 70 number of cows out of which 14 is at milking stage, 26pregnant and 19 small calves. He supplies about 60 litres/day of milk to DIMULCompany and other 40 litres/day in the nearby local market and has been fetching Rs13,87020 annually .Evidence: His dream is to set up international dairy industry for Nagaland in thefuture. He has inspired many other farmers to put their heart and soul into thewhatever farming activities they carry out. 20. Story of Aloe-vera soap and vermicompost Situation: Khezheli Achumi, a lady of adventurous attitude has a passion to learn and take up new challenges no matter what the outcome. She took a keen interest in Aloe vera soap preparation and vermicomposting preparation.Response: She along with her friends attended various training and demonstrationconducted by ATMA and Agri. & allied department. ATMA has assisted her by givingseed money of Rs 10,000 in the year 2014 and made a good linkage with the CentralInstitute of Horticulture, Medziphema where she now gets Aloevera suckers forplanting at a subsidized rate.Result: She has started getting results aftervery short period of time. The total cost ofpreparation of 1 piece of soap is Rs. 7- Rs.10/piece and sold in the market @ Rs. 15-20/piece. A maximum of 6000-7000soaps/annum were produced by the societyExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 23

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018with a return of Rs. 90,000 to 1,40,000/annum.Evidence: She is now the chairperson of AKIVI MPCS Ltd. Under this society 3 tribesnamely: Khiamniungan, Yimchunger and Sumi combined to form AKIVI society. Underher leadership the society has gone far achieving many successes. 21. Cocoon to silk and soyabean Situation: G. Kahoto Zhimomi, age 60 of Ghotovi village under Niuland Block started Muga cultivation by planting 2600 saplings from which 2000 survived in the year 2003 on a 5 acre plot of land at Niuland town. Since then he has beenplanting Som and Kessure saplings every year and till date 93000 standing trees havebeen recorded along with two other farms at Ghotovi village covered in an area of 40hectares of land. He said that the survival percentage of saplings is (75-90) % and thesaplings attain maturity after 6 years.Response: In the year 2009 cocoon production started and 3000 nos of mugacocoons were harvested which increased yearly. ATMA intervention began in 2012and firstly Muga farm school was established with Kahoto as farm school teacherunder Niuland block and with the assistancereceived through honorarium, trainings andcapacity buildings the number increased to50000 in 2015.Result: From 2009 to 2015, a total of 88000cocoons were harvested and sold @Rs 3/cocoonExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 24

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018from which Rs 1/cocoon were expenditure incurred. Total net profit received till 2015was Rs 176000. In 2013 he started a reeling centre to produce quality silk yarn andmentioned that 15000 no of cocoons are utilized for reeling to produce 2000 gms ofquality silk yarn. The cost of silk yarn per kg is sold @Rs 10000 out of which Rs 4000comes as profit. He cited that once one is able to explore the national market of Serisilk yarn, percentage of profit would increase and said that in the coming years theharvest of cocoons would increase from 50000 to lakhs of rupees. He also opted forCommon Facility Centre CFC at farm school Niuland to provide training for ruralyouths, SHGs, unemployed, entrepreneurs and under privileged groups. In 2014Kahoto and his wife Catherine also cultivated Soyabean, after procuring 100kgs ofsoyabean seeds from SDAO Niuland subdivision which eventually yielded 960kgs ofsoyabean and sold @Rs 60/kg which generated an income of Rs 57000. Evidence: Kahoto received ATMA award for best progressive farmer from Niulandblock in 2013 and “best progressive eri farmer under eri cluster promotion programein Dimapur” awarded by Central Muga Eri Research & Training Institute, Jorhat on 15Feb 2011 and best farmer for Muga Silkworm rearing from Dimapur Nagaland atNagpur Krishi Vasant in 2014.22.Oyster mushroom cultivation in Medziphema, NagalandSituation: JentiRen SHG was started in2011 with nine (9) members, of AoKhashiram (Indisen), Medziphema blockDimapur. The group members initiallyunderwent training on saw dust mushroomcultivation on August 2011 through urbanExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 25

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018development. The group put their training in practice and started cultivating oystermushroom on saw dust substrate, eventually making mass production of oystermushroom.Response: ATMA Dimapur noticed these innovative group and encouraged theiractivity by providing seed money of Rs 10,000 in the year 2012&2014 to push forwardtheir venture. With this, they constructed a small bamboo shed (Mushroom house)and the production was significantly enhanced. Apart from cultivation of sawdustmushroom, this group is also involved in vermicomposting and the sale ofvermicompost also adds to the group income.Result: Total profit earned by the SHG through sawdust mushroom cultivation andvermicompost amounts to 1, 70,000. At present they have increased their income tomore than double.Evidence: ATMA Dimapur has on various occasions utilised the services of the groupin imparting training to other members of other groups through farmer-to-farmertraining programmes under the ATMA scheme to encourage other groups to take upthis profitable venture. 23.Floriculture helps improve livelihoodSituation: An energetic young farmer named Shri Prabhat Das, S/O – Late Lakkhi Das,aged about 40 years hailing from Kulhati village under ADO circle Gerua of Kamrupdistrict is an educated young farmer having a Bachelor’s degree in Arts (BA). He usedto cultivate different types of field crops in the same plot of land. But was not able toearn a good income out of it.Response: He then decided to enroll himself under the Horticulture scheme of thedistrict. He approached the Department and then started cultivation of flowers. Hecultivated different types of flowers viz. (1) Gladiolus, (2) Tube Rose, (3) Red GerberaExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 26

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018in about 12 (twelve) bighas of land of his own under Horticulture sector, 2014-15 &2015-16.Result: He has earnedapprox. Rs. 1.50 – 2.00 lakhsyearly by selling his producein the wholesale and retailmarkets of greaterGuwahati. At present byselling the flowers from thesame plot of land he is ableto earn a much higherincome than he was doingearlier with cultivation offield crops.Evidence: Mr. Das has now planned to extend the area for cultivation of thoseflowers in the coming season. 24. Fish breeding in Imphal WestSituation: The artificial breeding of Meitei Ngakra (Clarlas batrachus) at KodompopkiMamang Leikai in Imphal west district is expected to save endangered local fish frombecoming extinct. The breeding programme is being carried out by Naorem LashmonSingh, 51, son of N. Angouba. His whole family is involved in the breeding of the rarespecies of fish and he is the first fish breeder in the whole of Manipur to undertakethis programme. Lashmon has been in the business of breeding fishes for a long timeand earlier he had taken up breeding of hybrid fish and common carp. However, theExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 27

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018earlier venture was not too successful in terms of monetary returns. The presentventure had added the challenge of saving the Ngakra variety from dying out.Response: Mr. Lashmon has taken training in pisciculture at the S tomba and SonsIntegrated Semi-intensive Fish Farming Pvt. Ltd. and also under the NationalFederation of Fishermen’s Cooperatives Ltd. New Delhi along with other trainingprogrammes under the Krishi Vigyan Kendra. The equipments for the breeding farmwhich include some sophisticated kits have been provided by the Central Institute ofFresh Water Agriculture (CIFWA). The programme is being monitored and guided byDr. A.K. Sahu, Principal Scientist, CIFWA.Result: Today the breeding farm already has 1 lakh Ngakra fingerlings, and Mr. Singhis confident that if he adds female Ngakra weighing 200-300 grams, it can produceabout 8000 fingerlings.Evidence: His success is evident from the fact that he is all set to release around 50lakh fishes in the market by the Ningol Chakouba Festival next year. Also he has beenawarded with many awards and recognbition for his excellent work in terms of fishbreeding amongst which the most recent achievement came when the College ofFisheries, Central Agricultural University (Imphal) and North East Society for Fisheriesand Aquaculture (India) awarded him with the Best Progressive Fish Farmer Award forthe year 2016. 25. King Chili as an alternative to Opium in Arunachal PradeshSituation: Opium is being cultivated since time immemorial in Arunachal Pradesh.More than half of the state especially eastern part still cultivates opium for householduse. Cultivation of opium was never a commercial activity in this frontier state. Everyyear the Central Narcotic Department with the help of paramilitary and state policeforce carry out annual operations to destroy the standing crop in the field. It was aExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 28

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018 long felt desire of the state Agriculture department to replace this crop with equally potential cash crop on long term basis without touching the local sentiment to give up the opium cultivation abruptly. King chilli (Capsicum chinense Jacq) popularly known as Raja Mircha, otherwise known differently byvarious Tribes is a popular indigenous crop cultivated by all indigenous Tribes ofArunachal Pradesh for its pungency and medicinal food value. It is consumed indifferent form as normal chili but have especial demand for its extra powerfulpungency and aroma.Response: Considering the potential and adoptability of King chili cultivation in theagroclimate and agro-economic condition of Arunachal Pradesh, commercialcultivation of king chili as an alternative to drudgery opium cultivation under theintervention of Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana(RKVY) was taken up in the state. One Agri-preneur named Mr. Chow Amat Namchoom, Graduate from St. Edmound’s Collegeunder North Eastern Hill University NEHU) Shillong during 2000 have taken up kingchili cultivation in a commercial scale by setting up a drying unit at Namsai,Headquarter of Namsai District, Arunachal Pradesh.Result: So far Mr. Namchoom have supplied his product to Mark Rodrigguez, AlamoCity Pepper Products,1410 Bobbins ridge, San Antonio, Taxes 78280, USA. During 2015he supplied to H,Bilal & Co, a Kolkota based exporter to the tune of 2000kgs forRs.28,40,000/-. This year he is supplying his products to D.B GROUP INDIA PVT. LTD,Kolkota. Apart from self cultivation he purchases produces from nearby adjoiningarea, process, packs and supplied to various destination. He purchases king chili atRs.120 – 170/kg and sells dried chili at an average cost of Rs. 1550-1875/kg.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 29

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Evidence: Today he is not only self employed but a employer undertaking king chilicultivation as an alternative to opium cultivation in the area once initiated underRastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) funding.Source: KVK, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya 26.Dairy farming brings prosperitySituation: Nongpyiur village under Mylliem block in Meghalaya is economicallybackward and the people of the village mostly depend on farm operations for theirliving.Response: In 2003 with the sole objective of improving the socio-economic status of the village a Cooperative Society was formed in the by the name Iatyllilang Multi-purpose Cooperative Society with 28 members in the beginning by collecting Rs. 500 per member. Thus the society started with acapital of Rs. 13,500. Mr. Edwardstar Dkhar is the General Secretary of the society.After careful deliberations and discussions the society decided to take up Dairyfarming.Result: At present the society owns a total of 12 jersey cows and are able to earn anet income of around Rs. 60,000 per month. They are now planning to extend thereunit. It has provided them with a big turnover in their lives.Evidence: This story has given inspirations to many people in the region to comeforward and take up such ventures as a source of income generation. Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 30

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018 27. Cashew brings success for farmers of West MidnapurSituation: In the remote village Bhalkisole in West Midnapur district of West Bengal,the local tribals were a completely marginalized group. Cut off from the nationalmainstream and plagued by extremism, they only could hope to just make a living atthe minimum standard. However, as the saying goes where there is a will there is away, a farmer named Amal Ari realized that only a cooperative approach can helpthem improve their status of living.Response: Mr. Amal then took theinitiative and organized a group of 14farmers and strated discussing withthem on what could be done toachieve their goal. After carefuldeliberations and discussions theycame to a decision that they could optfor cashew cultivation. The group thenmet with the Block DevelopmentOfficer when the officer was on a visit to the village. He was very happy by seeing thezeal and enthusiasm of the farmers and told them that he will help them in every waypossible. Guided by the BDO the farmers then met other officials of the AgricultureDepartment. 20 hectares of land was identified for the purpose and they also boughtthe right quantities of seed, manures and pesticides. They were provided withpractical demonstration on the scientific methods of cashew cultivation.Result: The result of their hard work was beyond expectation. A yield of 832kgs/hectare was achieved which provided a net ioncome of Rs.19000 per hectare.They sold the cashew at a price of Rs. 45000 per tonne.Evidence: His success is evident from the fact that it was because of Mr. Amal Ari’seffort and thinking that today his and the people of the whole Bhalkisole village’sExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 31

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018livelihood status has taken a massive turn. They are now well established in theirbusiness and are willing to carry on the good work with the same enthusiasm if notmore. 28. A self-sustained progressive farmer from Bokakhat, AssamSituation: Mr Karunakanta Hazarika, locally known as Taj is a progressive farmerfrom Bordihingia village of Mahuramukh, Bokakhat is earning his living with his familythrough farming sets a good example for other farmers of the area.Response: Mr Karunakanta Hazarika started his farming of agricultural crops in hisown land. Later he started farming on leased in land and now successfully helpingsome other families for earning a good living through his farming. He has 6 bighas ofland of his own and other 76 bighas where he is doing Sali paddy. His expenses was 1,79,000 on Sali paddy where ashe was able to earn more than 3lakhs. During Rabi season alsohe cultivated rapeseed andmustard in 70 bighas of land andearned 1, 60,000. He alsocultivated citrus lemon andearned 10000, and 13000 fromcolocasia.Result: Mr Hazarika has involved many other farmers along with him for farmingactivities like ploughing, harvesting, threshing and has used modern cultivationmachines for all purposes. He has employed many families and thus became a greatsource of inspiration for many. The Agriculture department has helped Mr Hazarika byproviding 5 Qt of mustard seed this year.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 32

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Evidence: The intervention motivated other farmers in the village to start up such aventure to increase the economic status of the farmer.29. Self-Employment through Poultry Farming in NagalandSituation: Low input backyard farmingwith deshi birds is the mainstream ofpoultry production prevailing in NorthEastern states in India particularlyNagaland. The organized poultry sector inNagaland consists of only 1.64% broilerand 0.80% layer to meet the demand of egg and meat required for almost 100 percentnon-vegetarian population. Further, the preference of eggs and meat from colouredbirds resembling to deshi is always very high and fetches almost double price than thecommercial eggs and broiler meat.Response: With the intervention of ICAR Research Complex, Nagaland Centre as adriving force in the region by extending technical guidance for establishment ofpoultry unit, supplying improved germplasm and assisting in financial and marketlinkages besides constant supervision and health care consultancy they motivated Mr.Libemo, an educated unemployed youth to take up poultry farming as a livelihoodopportunity. He attended trainingat Nagaland Centre during March2013.Result: As a result of the trainingsMr. Libemo initiated small scaleintensive poultry unit with 400Vanaraja and Gramapriya chicken.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 33

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018He maintained the male birds for four months before selling for meat purpose ataverage live weight 2.50 kg. The female birds were exclusively maintained for eggsproduction on homemade feed with locally available ingredients. He was able to earna net profit of Rs. 9400 per month from first batch. Experiencing from his own farmand realizing the profit, he has extended the layer birds’ strength up to 700 birds inanother unit of 2000 sq. ft area with the financial assistance of North EasternDevelopment Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi), Dimapur. Mr. Libemo is now producingon average 580-600 eggs daily and selling at Rs. 7 per eggs in wholesale market. Hisnet profit is now reached up to Rs. 57,800 per month from his layer unit.Evidence: His achievement has motivated the fellow villagers and unemployedyouths to initiate poultry farming as business venture.30. A ray of hope for unemployed youthSituation: Sri Pranay Kanti Dey aGraduate in Agriculture was notgetting any employment. He wasunable to find any job even aftercontinuous efforts. He then decidedto stop searching for jobs and starthis own business.Response: He purchased 4 acres of land by acquiring a loan of Rs. 10 lakhfrom bank and with the technical assistance from the Department ofAgriculture started cultivation of tube rose, gladiolus and cow pea beanand named it Baba Agro Nursery.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 34

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Result: At present the total area under Baba Agro Nursery is around 3.52hectares. The nursery houses mother blocks of fruit crops like mango,mausambi, guava, baer, litchi, lemon, sweet tamarind etc. they also haveflowers like gerbera, anthurium, tube rose, hibiscus, exora, few varietiuesof orchids and other different flowers. The monthly turnover is around Rs.80,000 to Rs. 1 lakh. He has also taken up the work of landscaping andbeautification. Evidence: He is now well known for his work of beautification and is known as Pioneer in Beautification and Landscaping in the state of Tripura. 31.Success story of squash cultivationSituation: A women farmer Mrs. Monowara Bibi, aged 45 years of village Behbariunder ADO circle Loch was worried and finding it difficult to lead a good life due to loweconomic status. She decided to turn things around and started to approach theAgriculture Department officials. She then decided to go for squash cultivation on atrial basis in 1 bigha of land which she owned.Response: She started attending trainings and demonstrations to learn the technicalaspects of squash cultivation. She grew confidemnt after attending few trainings andstarted the cultivation of squash. It was for the first time that squash cultivation hasbeen taken up in their locality. The cost of cultivation came around Rs. 20,000Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 35

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Result: She earned a total of Rs. 70,000 byselling her produce in Rangia wholesalemarket.Evidence: Now, she is very much satisfiedand also determined to extend the area upto 5(five) bigha in coming season. Moreover, byseeing her success, around 3-4 nearby farmers are showing their willingness tocultivate such squash cultivation in the coming season.Source: Government of Assam, Department of Agriculture & Horticulture, Directorate of Horticulture &Food Processing 32. Ornamental Bird Rearing Empowers Rural Women in 24 Parganas, West BengalSituation: Sundarban is known to the farmers with extremes of climate and lowproduction in agriculture. Here, livestock rearing can play a pivotal role for sustainingthe rural economy but it depends on so many factors out of which supply of greengrass, proper feeding and good quality genetic inputs are the major important factors.Moreover, the area being flood prone makes the animals susceptible to diseases.Rearing poultry, on the other hand, is related to market price fluctuation and inputsupply. Thus, husbandry practices often leadto economic loss leading to discouragementto that particular enterprise. The landlessfamilies having no option for alternativelivelihood, used to migrate to city areas andparticularly the womenfolk are to involve incatching prawn seed (meen) from riverineareas or work as maidservant.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 36

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Response: Considering the geographical situation as well as the untapped humanresources, Ramkrishna Ashram Krishi Vigyan Kendra (RAKVK), Nimpith, South 24Parganas entered into a new venture of promoting ornamental bird rearing at riverineblocks of Sundarban in particular and district as a whole in general. The newenterprise offers the potential of contributing to more resilient and diverse ruraleconomies by fetching a steady income for the rural family along with risk coveragefrom crop failure.Result: Within the span of one year, KVK imparted training to 105 numbers ofwomenfolk and out of them 84 have started their farms with an average monthlyincome of Rs. 1900. Besides, KVK through NAIP programme developed a village-Damkal- as ornamental bird village (Fig-C) where more than 50 number of householdshave been engaged in this income generating avenue and already 6 of them haveestablished themselves as entrepreneur. In this village, the rural womenfolk areearning Rs. 1800-2650 per month from 6th month onwards with initial bird strength of10 pairs.Evidence: Their success has led all the other agriculture institutes and agencies tobelieve that nothing is impossible if you put your heart into it and are now willing toventure into unexplored regions within their jurisdiction.Source: NAIP Sub-Project on Mass Media Mobilization, DKMA with inputs from Zonal Project Director, Zone- II, ICAR,Kolkata 33.Artificial Insemination in pig: Boosting the quality piglets production in Nagaland Situation: Vitsongonou Nakhro, aged 45, a lady farmer and part time business woman from Jotsoma village, Science College colony, Kohima was rearing pigs in the traditional way.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 37

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Response: She attended a three days training at ICAR Jharnapani on artificialinsemination in pig and thereby she learned the scientific management of piggeryincluding rearing of improved breeds, feeding, proper heat detection, castration,artificial insemination and pig manure utilization. After the training she started doingartificial insemination with liquid boar semen from ICARNEH, Nagaland Centre,Medziphema in her own sows and thereafter for other farmers. Artificial inseminationis now more popular than natural service in Jotsoma and neighbouring villages.ICARNEH, Nagaland Centre has provided her with a breeding unit of five Gunghrooand Hampshire cross piglets.Result: She has sold 120 improved breed piglets of her own sows born by artificialinsemination and also expanded her breeding farm. Within the three years followingthe training, she has carried out 282 artificial inseminations in Jotsoma andneighbouring village with farrowing rate of 86.35per cent and average litter size of 9.83 beingfarrowed. By doing single successful AI, she isearning Rs.1000 to 1500/- and farmers are readyto pay this amount in expectation of gettinggood quality piglets in large litter size. With atotal farrowing of 2400 piglets.Evidence: Vitsongonou Nakhro has succesfully established the advantages of doingAI in Jotsoma village and also proven that women can lead from the front even inunexplored spaces such as piggery development in Nagaland which is still a long waybehind other states. This is an encouragement to both the scientific community aswell as the farmers in general and another example in empowerment of women.Source: ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Nagaland CentreExtension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 38

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018 34.Entrepreneurship through NurserySituation: Mr. S. Dhiren Singh with no money and job to do had tried every sorts ofwork like street hawker, small businesses etc. but failed to earn a good income whichhad left him with huge debts. One day a friend of him who used to sell plants gave Mr.Singh three grafted champa flower plants. On seeing this he got an idea to produceplants that are of value and demand in the market.Response: He started producing nursery plants in his own kitchen garden with thehelp of his wife and daughter in law. Seeing his hard work and dedication he was lateron selected as a beneficiary by the Horticulture Department and financially assistedhim by building two polyhouses, three shade houses along with some other materialsneeded for proper functioning of a nursery.Result: He started earning good profit out of his venture. At present he is earning Rs.15-20 lakhs per annum by selling his produce.Evidence: He has now decided to extend his area under cultivation. His nursery usnow well known all over the state and is now registered and also giving employmentto 11 women and 3 men.Source: Khaidem Malemnganba Meitei, AAO, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department, Manipur 35.Double cropping in Arunachal PradeshSituation: Smti. Kago Kampu of village Siiro, Ziro, Lower Subansiri district inArunachal Pradesh was a marginal farmer who used to do the traditional cultivation ofrice in her farm. But this not giving her good income so she decided to somethingabout it.Response: She decided to go for double cropping with broccoli and pea. She becamethe first person to adopt double cropping in her locality.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 39

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Result: At present she is able to earn a huge sum of money by following this newpractice. She has also adopted cultivation of off season crops like tomato, capsicumetc.Evidence: At present she is the Secretary of the Vegetable Growers CooperativeSociety of Lower Subansiri district.Source: Duyu Tadu, ADO, FTC-Ziro, Lower Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh 36. Success comes in many formsSituation: Mr. Ragesh Keisham always dreamt of becoming a businessman since hischildhood. He always wanted to do something unique of his own.Response: He decided and set out to set up a factory for producing a herbal tea froma different plant instead of tea itself. He decided to make tea out of lemongrass.Result: This new idea of making herbaltea from lemongrass turned out to besuccessful as his tea started getting lotsof demand and gradually the teadrinking habit of the people of his areachanged from consumption of generalCTC or orthodox tea to this herbal teamade from lemongrass. At present theturnover from his tea processing plantis around Rs. 3.5 crore. They produceabout 30,000 units of CC tea which isthe brand name for his product.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 40

Inspiring Agricultural Extension Initiatives In NE States 2017-2018Evidence: His success is evident from the fact that he has been able to giveemployment to many youth and also i9s inspiring others to take up such ventureswhich not only gives profit income wise but also gives benefit in terms of health. 37.Black rice cultivation in AssamSituation: Mr. Upendra Rabha a farmer from Goalpara district in Assam wascultivating traditional rice varieties and was somehow able to maintain a livelihood.He wanted to achieve more in his life.Response: One day a scientist in KVK, Goalpara named Dr. Uttam Baruah gave himabout 1 kg seeds of black rice. He decided to use that seed and try cultivating this newtype of rice. In 2013 he produced around 1600 kgs of black rice from an area of 0.8hectare.Result: AT present his productionhas almost doubled giving himabout 200 tonne from 25 quintalsof seed.Evidence: His success is evidentfrom the fact that besidesattracting buyers, Mr Rabha hasalso been recognized as anoutstanding innovative farmer forhis contribution to innovativetechnology pertaining black riceconservation and production.Extension Education Institute(NE Region), AAU, Jorhat 41

Operational Area of EEI (NE Region) EXTENSION EDUCATION INSTITUTE (NE REGION)Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Govt of India, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13 Phone: 0376-2340133 Fax: 0376-2341227 E-mail: [email protected]