In the shadow of Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, in Changlang District, Arunachal Pradesh, a quiet revolution is taking root. The Chakma community of Kamalapuri village, long caught between the pressures of agricultural necessity and environmental conservation, is writing a new chapter in sustainable living. This is the story of how ten smallholder farmers, with the support of Caritas India’s FARM Northeast program, are transforming their lands and lives through innovative orchard development.

For years, the Chakma community has walked a tightrope, balancing their need for agricultural livelihoods with the delicate ecosystem of Namdapha’s fringe areas. Resources are scarce, and traditional farming methods often fall short in providing year-round food security and stable incomes. It’s a struggle that many families know all too well – the constant worry about the next meal, the next harvest, the next season.

But in 2022, a spark of hope ignited in Kamalapuri. Led by the visionary Nigra Chakma, a group of ten smallholder farmers decided to take a leap of faith. Each of them set aside 1-2 acres of their precious land for something new: orchards. With the support of Seva Kendra Arunachal East (SKAE) and Caritas India’s FARM program, they planted between 700 to 1,000 fruit tree saplings each. This wasn’t just about growing trees; it was about planting seeds of change for their families and their community.

Nigra, a community educator and farmer himself, saw beyond the immediate challenges. “We have always relied on traditional methods,” he often says, “but the orchards promise us something more sustainable. Fruit trees are our savings for the future, growing quietly while we continue our everyday lives.” His words capture the essence of this initiative – a long-term vision of security and prosperity.

The orchards themselves are a sight to behold. Walking through them, you’ll see a diverse array of trees – oranges and maltas bursting with citrusy promise, mangoes and guavas offering tropical delights, and even apples and avocados adding an exotic touch. This variety isn’t just for show; it’s a carefully planned strategy to ensure harvests throughout the year, providing both nutritional diversity and multiple income streams.

Caritas India’s FARM Northeast program is the backbone of this transformation. But it’s not just about handing out saplings. The program works hand-in-hand with the community, respecting their knowledge and needs. They provide comprehensive training on orchard management, sustainable practices, and even help farmers connect with markets to ensure fair prices for their produce. It’s a holistic approach that recognizes the delicate balance between human needs and environmental preservation.

Prabal Sen, who is the Lead – technical at Caritas India, puts it beautifully: “Working with communities residing in the fringe areas of protected zones is crucial. Their active involvement not only strengthens conservation efforts but also ensures a balance between sustainable livelihoods and the preservation of these ecologically sensitive regions.” It’s about creating a win-win situation where both people and nature thrive.

The results of this initiative have been nothing short of remarkable. Within just a couple of years, farmers started seeing tangible benefits from their efforts. Each farmer now earns an average annual income of Rs. 50,000 from their orchards, primarily from orange, malta, and guava. This supplements their income from other crops and farming activities, providing a much-needed financial cushion.

But the impact goes beyond just money. Families now have access to a diverse range of fruits, improving their diets and overall health. The orchards act as buffer zones, reducing pressure on the national park’s resources. And perhaps most importantly, success stories like Nigra’s are inspiring others in the community to consider similar sustainable practices.

Mintu Moshahari, who works closely with the farmers as a Field Program Associate, has witnessed this transformation firsthand. “The farmers of Kamalapuri have embraced this model with enthusiasm,” he shares, “and we can already see the difference it is making in their lives. It’s not just about the income; it’s about the sense of security and hope for the future.”

As the orchards of Kamalapuri mature, they stand as living proof of what’s possible when communities are empowered to find sustainable solutions. For the Chakma farmers, these trees represent more than just crops; they’re the embodiment of hope, resilience, and a brighter future. Every fruit that ripens is a testament to their hard work and vision.