In the peaceful village of Zanlawn, in Kolasib district of Mizoram, a local farmer named Pu R Lalduhsanga has emerged as a pioneer in reshaping traditional agricultural practices. His innovative approach, marked by a roadside stand just 5 Kms from his village, symbolizes a transformative shift empowered by the FARM Northeast program.

In a community where selling farm produce traditionally involved intermediaries, Lalduhsanga’s decision to sidestep middlemen and sell directly to consumers has become an icon of change. FARM Northeast, a program dedicated to empowering communities for enhanced food security and self-sufficiency, played a crucial role in catalysing this transformation.

Zanlawn, like many villages, faced challenges such as insufficient local buyers, a scarcity of human resources, and the prevalence of households producing their own food. Lalduhsanga’s decision to break away from the conventional method of selling to middlemen was inspired by insights gained through the Farmers’ Club and FARM Northeast IV.

Previously, Lalduhsanga would sell his produce to middlemen, a practice that limited both his control over pricing and direct engagement with the market. However, after participating in FARM Northeast IV programs, he recognized the significance of cutting out middlemen, promoting the local market, and ultimately securing a higher income.

The transformation was not just conceptual but translated into tangible success for Lalduhsanga. Cultivating paddy and common vegetables, he began selling his farm products directly on the roadside Said Samuel Zothantluanga, Field Programme Associate, Zoram Entu Pawl (ZEP), a Caritas India partner. The immediacy of his approach and the freshness of his produce attracted both travellers and local consumers, leading to a substantial increase in his income. Within the four-month harvesting season, Lalduhsanga’s earnings nearly doubled, reaching around INR 30,000.

Speaking about his strategy, Lalduhsanga emphasized the appeal of selling fresh products on the roadside, targeting travellers instead of relying solely on the local market. This strategic move, coupled with the knowledge acquired from FARM Northeast, proved to be a game-changer for his agricultural enterprise.

FARM Northeast, through its Farmers’ Club and educational initiatives, provided Lalduhsanga with the tools and insights needed to break free from traditional constraints. The ripple effect of his success is evident as other farmers in Zanlawn are now considering similar direct-to-consumer approaches, breathing new life into the once-muted village market.

The roadside stall, once a simple structure against the backdrop of expansive fields, now stands as a symbol of self-sufficiency and community-driven change. As the sun sets over Zanlawn, Lalduhsanga’s success becomes not just a personal triumph but a herald of a broader shift in the dynamics of rural agriculture.

FARM Northeast’s role in this transformative journey is undeniable. By empowering farmers with knowledge, fostering community collaboration through the Farmers’ Club, and emphasizing the promotion of local markets, the program has become a catalyst for positive change in Zanlawn and beyond.
In a landscape where agriculture is often steeped in tradition, Lalduhsanga’s roadside triumph is a testament to the potential for innovation and empowerment. As the story continues to unfold, it serves as an inspiration for other communities, illustrating that a single farmer’s decision to challenge the status quo can set in motion a wave of positive change, ultimately reshaping the narrative of rural agriculture.