In a groundbreaking initiative, Caritas India’s FARM Northeast program has steered in a remarkable transformation in the lives of the residents of Karbi Anglong District in Assam by reintroducing millets. As 2023 marks the International Year of Millets, this endeavor has not only revived a traditional crop but has also become an instrument of sustainable change in the region.

Known for its rich history of millet cultivation, Karbi Anglong District has mountainous pockets that have historically produced a diverse array of millet varieties. This cultural heritage laid the foundation for the recent resurgence of millets in the region.

During FARM NE-III, Ms. Basapi Tokbipi of Hidisajir Village, Lumbajong Block, Karbi Anglong district, emerged as a key protagonist in this agricultural revival. Initially growing foxtail millet as an intercropping with rice, Ms. Tokbipi received guidance from a FARM-NE community educator, Mr Sonason Rongpi. The strategic shift to exclusively cultivating millet on half-acre plots resulted in a doubling of output, significantly impacting the lives of beneficiaries.

Sonason played a pivotal role in the introduction of innovative millet varieties—Black Foxtail millet (Bara sticky) and Brown millet. These varieties, especially the Black Foxtail Millet, were relatively new to the inhabitants of Karbi Anglong. They were brought from the hillside to raise awareness among the farmers, marking a departure from traditional practices.

The success of the millet cultivation wasn’t a one-time event but a result of sustained efforts. Regular follow-ups were conducted by community educators, ensuring that the farmers were supported until the millet harvest. This commitment to continuity contributed significantly to the thriving millet fields.

The impact of Caritas India’s FARM Northeast program reached new heights when the Agricultural Development Officer (ADO), Ms. Madhumita Bhagawati, ACS, took notice. Impressed by the flourishing local Jangmelen variety, Ms. Bhagawati notified the Deputy Commissioner of Karbi Anglong District and expressed her eagerness to visit the fields with photo and video documentation.

The visit to the fields was not just a bureaucratic formality but a moment of celebration. Village chief Mr. Solomon Rongpi, a dedicated millet grower, and agricultural employees welcomed Ms. Bhagawati. The spotlight was on Basapi Tokbipi’s field, showcasing the best-growing millet plants aiming for an impressive 150 kilograms this year.

Basapi Tokbipi’s family was invited to the Radio Center for interviews, amplifying the impact through mass communication. Jirsong Asong, inspired by this awareness, became a catalyst for change in her community, motivating younger generations to cultivate and consume millet.

The economic potential of millet farming was underscored by the post-dehusking value, with millets fetching between Rs. 250 and Rs. 300 per kilogram. Basapi Tokbipi expressed gratitude to Jirsong Asong and Caritas India for reintroducing the long-forgotten Black-Foxtail Millet (Bara Ajangmelen) to her household.

As the community of Karbi Anglong looks to the future, the impact of Caritas India’s FARM Northeast program serves as a testament to the transformative power of sustainable agricultural practices. Beyond the cultivation of a crop, this initiative has empowered communities, revitalized traditions, and paved the way for a more resilient and prosperous future. The story of Black Foxtail Millet in Karbi Anglong is not just about farming; it’s about fostering a sustainable and culturally rich way of life.