For years, Pi Lalthlamuankimi toiled under the sun, her hands deep in the soil of Saihapui K village in Mizoram’s Kolasib District. Farming was her life’s work, a skill she had honed since her youth while her husband served the country far from home. When he retired, they invested their savings into expanding their farm, hoping to secure a better future. But as he aged and could no longer contribute much physically, sustaining their livelihood rested entirely on her shoulders.

Despite her dedication, she faced multiple challenges, including limited irrigation, poor soil fertility, and a lack of access to modern techniques, which restricted her farm’s productivity. She relied on traditional farming methods, but with changing climate conditions, she needed new knowledge and tools to improve her yields. That opportunity came through the FARM Northeast Project by Caritas India.

Through the project, Pi Lalthlamuankimi attended multiple training sessions and workshops, including Orientation on Organic Farm Inputs, Promotion of Composting Techniques, and the Importance of Natural Pollinators and Predators. Before the training, she had never heard of pit composting or the crucial role of pollinators in increasing farm productivity. With hands-on guidance, she eagerly adopted organic composting methods, which improved her soil’s health and reduced her reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Addressing her biggest challenge, irrigation, FARM Northeast provided her with agriculture pipes, ensuring a consistent water supply for her crops. The project also supplied her with high-quality winter crop seeds like cabbage, brinjal, and chili, enabling her to diversify her farm’s produce.

The impact was transformational. Before the intervention, Pi Lalthlamuankimi could only produce 30 quintals of vegetables per season, earning around Rs. 50,000 due to water scarcity and soil fertility. After implementing what she learned and using the resources provided, her yield surged to 85 quintals, generating Rs. 1,60,000, more than three times her previous earnings.

Beyond financial gains, she experienced a shift in confidence and knowledge. With improved farming techniques, she ensured her crops were climate-resilient and sustainable. Her success inspired other farmers, particularly women, to embrace new agricultural methods.

“I learned many things from the Farmers’ Club under the FARM Northeast project. I feel lucky to be one of the beneficiaries because the knowledge I gained has helped me adopt improved farming techniques. My income has tripled with better seeds and water resources, and I feel more confident than ever,” she shared.

Pi Lalthlamuankimi’s journey is a testament to resilience, learning, and adaptation. While FARM Northeast provided essential support, her hard work and willingness to innovate were the true forces behind her success. Today, she stands as a symbol of hope for smallholder farmers, proving that transformation is possible with the right knowledge and resources.