Ms. Tungshil was facing the daunting challenge of sustaining her family through traditional Jhum cultivation. Like many smallholder farmers in her small village RRC in Manipur, she grappled with limited income and uncertain livelihoods, unable to meet her family’s food requirements adequately.

Recognizing the plight of families like Tungshil’s, Caritas India intervened through Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS), Imphal with its FARM Northeast program, aimed at empowering rural communities to achieve food security and enhance their livelihoods. Through targeted interventions and training initiatives, Caritas India provided Tungshil and others with the knowledge and resources needed to transition from subsistence farming to sustainable agricultural practices.

Embracing the opportunities presented by the FARM program, Tungshil embarked on a journey of transformation. Armed with insights gained from training programs conducted by Caritas India and DSSS Imphal, she diversified her crop cultivation to include nutritious and high-value crops like Lemon, Gooseberries, Mangoes, and Ginger, while also exploring the collection of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP). This entrepreneurial endeavor proved to be a game-changer, elevating her weekly earnings to a minimum of Rs. 3,000 and garnering recognition as a resource person for food processing training programs in neighboring villages.

But the impact didn’t stop at the farmgate. Encouraged by the success of her agricultural ventures, Tungshil ventured into organic food processing, leveraging her newfound skills to create value-added products from seasonal fruits and wild harvests. Her entrepreneurial spirit flourished, leading to increased income and recognition as a local leader in food processing.

The ripple effects of Tungshil’s transformation were profound. With enhanced financial stability, she was able to provide better opportunities for her children, ensuring access to education and a brighter future. Moreover, her success inspired other women in the village to follow suit, catalyzing a wave of entrepreneurship and empowerment within the community.

Tungshil R’s journey epitomizes the impact of Caritas India’s FARM Northeast program in empowering smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable livelihoods. By addressing the root causes of food insecurity and poverty, the program not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens the resilience of rural communities as a whole.

Through initiatives like FARM Northeast, Caritas India aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 2, focusing on food security, nutrition, and ending hunger. By empowering smallholder farmers like Tungshil to produce enough food for their needs and meet their food requirements in terms of quality, the program contributes to building a more food-secure and prosperous future for rural India.

Tungshil’s empowerment exemplifies the transformative power of community-driven interventions and the enduring impact of sustainable agriculture. As she continues to thrive, her journey inspires hope and resilience, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow for rural communities across Northeast India.