What if working together could turn struggle into success? In a remote village in Manipur, 29 determined families are proving that collective farming can do just that, transforming barren land into thriving fields and securing a brighter future. Their journey is not just about growing crops but about growing hope. Could their story inspire a new future for smallholder farmers everywhere?

In the heart of the Tengnoupal district, near the international border of Manipur, lies Rilram Center Village, home to the Maring community. For generations, the people of this remote village relied on farming to survive. However, harsh weather, poor soil, and limited market access made producing enough food to meet their basic needs difficult. The isolation of the village, combined with a lack of technical knowledge and resources, left many farmers feeling hopeless.

According to Gangmei Samuel, the FARM Coordinator from DSSS Imphal, individual farming efforts were not enough to secure food or provide a stable income. While the Maring people possessed valuable knowledge of locally available plants and traditional farming methods, there was hesitation to share this wisdom collectively. This silence, combined with the tough realities of their environment, made it difficult for the village to break free from poverty.

The turning point came in 2021 when 29 households decided to work together under the FARM Northeast program, a Caritas India initiative designed to empower smallholder farmers by Reviving And Strengthening Traditional Socio-Economic status and improving food and nutrition security. This program focuses on mobilizing communities, improving agricultural practices, and building resilience against climate change. With support from the program, the farmers formed the Rilram Centre Farmers Group and began cultivating a three-acre plot of land leased by the village authorities.

The FARM Northeast team, along with MOMA (Manipur Organic Mission Agency), provided the group with planting materials and hands-on training to cultivate ginger and turmeric, two crops known for their resilience and high market demand. Beyond just supplying seeds, the program also taught the farmers organic farming techniques, such as making natural pest repellents. This knowledge empowered the group to reduce their dependence on chemical inputs and maintain healthier soil for future planting.

Like any bold experiment, the farmers faced significant challenges. One of the most immediate problems was animal grazing, which threatened to destroy their crops. However, the strength of working together soon became clear. The group pooled their efforts and resources to construct a bamboo fence using materials from the local forest. This simple but effective solution protected their fields and demonstrated the power of collective problem-solving.

The group achieved remarkable results after three years of dedication and hard work. In 2024, they harvested 3,500 kg of ginger and 2,800 kg of turmeric, a far cry from the modest yields of the past. The women’s wing of the farmer’s group took the lead in selling the produce, charging Rs. 20 per kg for ginger and Rs. 15 per kg for turmeric. They also processed and sold 150 kg of turmeric powder for Rs. 200 per kg, earning a total income of Rs. 1,42,000.

But the impact extended far beyond these numbers. The farmers, many of whom had never seen substantial financial returns from their land, felt renewed pride and empowerment. Recognizing the importance of securing their future, they used their earnings to open a bank savings account. This account serves as a community fund, offering small loans to needy villagers and supporting future agricultural investments.

Rather than resting on their success, the group expanded their vision. They reinvested in the land and cultivated pumpkin and ash gourd with their earnings, further diversifying their crops. This diversification helps protect them from market fluctuations and ensures a more stable food supply. The FARM Northeast team continues to guide and support them, ensuring that the lessons learned here can be sustained for years.

The story of Rilram Centre Farmers Group is not an isolated one. Across seven states in Northeast India, the FARM Northeast program is empowering farmers to reclaim control over their land and livelihoods. Since 2013, the program has helped thousands of smallholder families transform improved hectares of wasteland into productive farmland.

The success in Rilram Center Village reveals a deeper truth: collective farming is not just about working the land, it is about building community strength, economic resilience, and hope for the future. By combining their efforts, these farmers are proving that even in the most challenging environments, together, they can achieve what no one can do alone.