Sitting on the edge of his farmland, Sengman Marak gazes at the golden millet swaying in the breeze, a sight once rare in his village. He never studied agriculture in a classroom, yet he knows the rhythms of the land—the right time to clear the jungle, when to sow seeds, and how to read the sky for rain. Much of this wisdom was passed down through generations, the rest he learned through years of toil, observing the earth respond to his hands. Now, as he runs his fingers through the harvested grains, he feels a quiet pride—millet, once disappearing from his community, is finding its way back.

Life in Golden Nangrak village, North Garo Hills, Meghalaya, is simple but challenging. As a father of three, Sengman works tirelessly to provide for his family. His two eldest children are in school, requiring books, uniforms, and other essentials. Medical expenses are unpredictable, and every season brings the uncertainty of whether his crops will generate enough income. Despite his dedication, traditional farming practices and fluctuating market rates often leave him struggling to make ends meet.

For generations, millet was a staple in his community, providing food security and nourishment. But over time, changing agricultural trends, market demands, and the lure of commercial crops led many farmers to abandon millet. As a result, the knowledge of its cultivation and benefits began to fade, replaced by an increasing dependence on external markets for food.

In 2024, change arrived with the FARM Northeast Project of Caritas India, implemented in Garo Hills by Bakdil. The project aimed to revive millet cultivation by providing quality seeds, technical support, and awareness about the nutritional and economic value of traditional grains. Unlike cash crops that require significant inputs, millet is hardy, requires less water, and thrives in challenging conditions—making it an ideal crop for small farmers.

Encouraged by the initiative, Sengman eagerly joined FARM Northeast program. He received improved millet seeds, training on sustainable cultivation practices, and opportunities to share knowledge with fellow farmers. With renewed determination, he cleared his land, carefully tilled the soil, and sowed the seeds—nurturing not just a crop, but a long-lost tradition.

Months later, Sengman stood in his field, watching golden millet stalks dance in the sunlight. The harvest was bountiful—60 kilograms of millet, a promising yield for his first season. His wife, beaming with pride, sifted the grains, her hands moving with the precision of someone who had learned these skills from her elders. “We are happy and will plant more next year,” she shared, hopeful for what was to come.

Sengman decided to sell part of his harvest at ₹200 per kilogram, using the income to cover school expenses, medical expenses and socio-economic well-being of his family. More importantly, he set aside a portion of the grains for the next planting season, ensuring the cycle would continue.

For Sengman, millet represents more than just food—it is the revival of a fading legacy, a shield against hunger, and a promise for future generations. Slowly, millet was making its way back into the community, not just as a crop but as a symbol of resilience and self-sufficiency.