Kukhrusulu at her vegetable farm in Porba village under Phek district.
Phek, October 3 (MExN): Kukhrusulu, a resident of Porba village in Phek district, has become a symbol of resilience and agricultural success, transforming her life from a daily wage labourer to a thriving vegetable grower, thanks to timely intervention from a government agricultural project.
Until recently, Kukhrusulu relied on daily wage labour, a livelihood that made meeting her family's basic needs a constant struggle. However, her journey took a decisive turn in 2023 when she was identified as a beneficiary of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Vegetable Crops, stated a press release.
The project, funded by ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi, and implemented under the initiative of Prof SP Kanaujia, Centre Incharge, and Scientist Dr Moakala Changkiri from the School of Agricultural Sciences, Medziphema, provided her with essential garden tools and high-value vegetable seeds.
Equipped with seeds of broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, and French beans, crops ideally suited to the local climate, Kukhrusulu cultivated her land with determination. Her efforts were met with a bountiful harvest.
From her very first season, she earned an additional income of Rs 18,450, a significant sum that sustained her family's basic needs for several months. Buoyed by this success, she has now expanded her operations and is cultivating vegetables on one acre of land.
Adding to her success is the strategic location of her field, situated just above the highway in Porba, a village with direct road connectivity to the district headquarters. This accessibility allows her to sell her fresh produce directly to buyers quickly, ensuring she gets the best value for her efforts without significant logistical challenges.
The transition of farmers like Kukhrusulu was facilitated by the dedicated efforts of Mrs. PotsülüThelüo, Agriculture Officer, Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland. Mrs. Thelüo played a vital role in connecting local farmers with the right initiatives and resources, providing crucial guidance and encouragement.
“I remain deeply indebted to AICRP on Vegetable Crops and ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi for their support to marginal farmers like me,” Kukhrusulu shared with gratitude.
Today, Kukhrusulu stands as more than just a wage earner; she is a provider and an inspiring example for the community. Her story demonstrates that with the right guidance and resources, small-scale farming can be a promising path to progress and self-reliance.
