In the eastern part of Assam, 35 km away from the district headquarters of Dibrugarh, lies the village of Ghutung. This village is home to 49 Adivasi families with a population of 245 people. The story of Ghutung is one of transformation, where a group of women have taken charge of their livelihoods and inspired others through their collective actions.

The journey began with the implementation of Caritas India’s FARM Northeast project. Through the project, a series of inputs and discussions on various income-generating activities were conducted for the community. The field associates, Mr. Xavier Kerketta and Mr. Lazarus Jojowar provided regular follow-up visits to support the women’s group.

Initially, the group faced challenges due to differences in opinions among members. However, with the help of the project’s support, they came together and made collective decisions.

The women’s group started with mushroom cultivation as their first activity. The project provided them with hand-holding support, and the group successfully brought their product to the market. Despite initial difficulties in marketing, the demand for mushrooms was so high that they could not keep up with the supply. The group continues to cultivate mushrooms and plans to expand their production. To date, they have earned ₹19,500 from mushroom sales. Inspired by their success, another 10-member women’s group also started mushroom cultivation.

The group’s entrepreneurial spirit did not stop there. They also ventured into vermicomposting on a small scale. Although they faced challenges in collecting cow dung initially, they managed to gather resources from their surroundings. The group processed the vermicompost and used it in their gardens. They even started selling it at a rate of ₹12 per kilogram, and the demand for their product continues to grow. The group members have now started vermicomposting at the household level and plan to collect and market it in bulk.

The women’s group not only focused on income-generating activities but also supported each other in their gardening work. This collective effort allowed them to regularize their garden vegetable production. Two widows in the group also benefited from the support of other members, who helped clear their gardens and assisted in fencing with the help of daily wage workers.

The multi-tasking activities of the women’s group have influenced the men in the community. Those who previously paid little attention to women’s work are now compelled to support them and contribute their time.

From their savings, the group has purchased chairs and utensils for rent, generating additional income streams that further strengthen both the group and individual families. Their success has inspired farmers from neighboring villages to visit Ghutung and consider replicating these initiatives in their own communities.

This experience reflects a broader commitment to fostering sustainable development through community engagement. By placing individuals at the center of decision-making processes, communities can cultivate a sense of ownership and responsibility that leads to lasting change.

The women’s group has inspired other farmers in adjacent villages. People from these villages visit Ghutung, observe the various activities, and plan to replicate them in their own communities. This ripple effect has made Ghutung a significant example of empowerment and resilience.

The story of Ghutung demonstrates how collectivization, capacity building, and diversification of income streams can transform the lives of women farmers. Through their collective actions and mutual support, the women of Ghutung have not only improved their own living conditions but have also inspired others to follow in their footsteps.