The reputation of women SHGs in Kalidas Punji village of Assam has changed in the last five years from passive individualistic members to actively empowered collective.

The RED SHG was formed in 2018 with 10 members under the guidance of the Block Development Officer (BDO) to bring together women from different generations to work together, embodying a real sense of community spirit. Despite the ambitious beginning, the group lacked understanding and trust, leading to failure in repaying their bank loan and ultimately the disbandment of the group.

However, in 2023, the situation started changing with the arrival of the FARM Northeast program in the village. Seva Kendra Silchar, one of the partners of the program, intervened in Kalidas Punji in Hailakandi district of Assam to improve the economy and income of the communities by strengthening the self-help group following a people-led development approach.

As the FARM team approached the community, they uncovered the remnants of RED SHG. Through dialogue with Miss Birkhenkhon Sakachep, the Secretary of the old SHG, a spark of determination ignited within the group to revive themselves.

Birkhenkhon took the initiative and led the revival efforts alongside her dedicated fellow members. Through a collaborative effort, the group welcomed new members while those who were not interested left the group. They faced challenges but stayed determined and successfully revived the SHG.

“We had lost complete hope and discontinued the SHG. But with the help of Seva Kendra, we were able to restart again with enthusiasm and trust among each other,” says Birkhenkhon Sakachep. She added that the idea of SHG was not clear to them initially, and they were using the money for personal work rather than utilizing it in group initiatives. The SKS team trained them on the functions of SHGs, and now they are initiating group farming and business to improve their lives.

With a renewed sense of purpose, the group took decisive steps to clear their bank loan and received a governmental grant of Rs. 20,000 as a revolving fund. With this financial boost, they started the business of rearing piglets. This strategic move ensured the sustenance of the group and also helped in financial growth and stability.

The group members cared for the pigs, ensuring they were well-fed and housed in a suitable environment. Their dedication paid off when, in April, the two female pigs gave birth to a total of 15 piglets. One female pig gave birth to 9 piglets, of which, unfortunately, 7 did not survive. The other female pig gave birth to 6 healthy piglets. The surviving 8 piglets were carefully nurtured. The group has planned to sell these piglets once they stop feeding on their mother’s milk for Rs. 6,000 each, which would generate a total potential income of Rs. 48,000. Additionally, the male pig was sold for Rs. 18,000 in the previous month. These sales will provide financial boost, profitability, and sustainability to the group, said Ms Tracy Lemont, Field Programme Associate, SKS.

The success of this initial phase had a profound impact on the members of RED SHG. The SHG has further received a juice maker from the government and aims to prepare and sell fresh pineapple juice during the pineapple season. With guidance from the FARM Project, the group transformed their financial challenges into a successful agricultural practice. Additionally, the new juice-making venture opened up opportunities for community collaboration and local economic growth.

This is just one of many example of how Caritas India’s FARM Northeast programme is making a tangible difference in the lives of rural communities. Through people-led development and strategic support, the programme is fostering a culture of self-reliance, economic growth, and social cohesion.

As the programme continues to expand and evolve, it remains committed to its core mission: to empower communities, strengthen traditional systems, and ensure a brighter, more sustainable future for all. By promoting self-help groups and encouraging collective action, Caritas India is helping to build resilient communities capable of overcoming challenges and achieving long-term prosperity.