A farmer sorts out the potato and kohlrabi harvest on February 27. (Morung Photo)
Limasenla Jamir
Longleng | February 27
Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming System (FOCUS), an externally aided project funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is helping farmers in Longleng district enhance their livelihood by introducing them to improved ways of cultivation and getting them to experiment with crop varieties.
A total of 30 villages fall under the FOCUS: IFAD project in Longleng district. The project formed Farmers Interest Groups (FIG) namely Jhum FIG, Terrace Rice Cultivation FIG, Settled Upland FIG with one member from each household enrolled in the FIG as a beneficiary. Each village appoints a lead farmer who in turn, acts as the link between the project and village.
In November 2019, the project distributed rabi crops which the farmers are now harvesting in large quantities. E Echem Phom from Pongo village harvested 400 kg of potatoes, Manyei Phom from Orangkong village harvested 300 kg of potatoes and Shendang from Tamlu harvested more than 500 kgs of potatoes in 2021, crossing the earmark for self-consumption.
“I am really grateful to the FOCUS project for supporting us and giving us knowledge through various activities like improved soil fertility irrigation support, low cost bunding, nursery establishment etc. I am harvesting crops which are not only for family consumption but also for selling in the market,” said Shendang, a beneficiary from Tamlu.
The project also introduced the farmers to ginger cultivation in 2020 which they are now harvesting surplus and supplying to several places in Assam. “After the project intervention, we have started sowing and harvesting more which is helping us in earning extra money for the family. Our produce was mostly for family consumption, but now we are able to even sell in the market which is a great achievement for my family,” said E Echem Phom.
According to S Yongchang Phom, DAO & DPM, FOCUS IFAD, the farmers are working hard and taking full advantage of the opportunity given to them. “Many projects will come and go, but the fruits of a project can only be enjoyed if the beneficiaries take full advantage and grab the best opportunities from the project during its inception time,” he told The Morung Express.
“We are now emphasizing on seed preservation for the next season and crop cutting experiment to assess yield and crop productivity. We are continuously encouraging the farmers to take farming seriously as to be more self-reliant in the food sector,” he added.
FOCUS aims to support jhum farmers to adopt alternative farming systems, yield more productive wet rice fields and plantation crops, improve livestock systems and increase off farm income in order to enhance farmers’ income. This will help reduce pressure on natural resources and increase resilience to climate change.
“As farmers move to more market orientated production, the project will support improved market access and value chain development,” added S Yongchang Phom.
