From mono-cropped paddy fields to diversified production, smallholder farmers from East Karbi Anglong, Assam have initiated an agricultural revolution to achieve food and nutrition security.

Mali Bey, a farmer whose journey from struggle to success is inspiring an entire community. Just a year ago, Mali’s two-acre plot in Longki Tisso Village told a familiar story of rural hardship – a mono-cropped paddy field yielding a meager annual income of 30-35 thousand rupees, barely sustaining his family and leaving them vulnerable to the whims of weather and market fluctuations. Today, that same land buzzes with life and productivity, a testament to the transformative power of integrated farming systems.

Mali’s transformation began in 2023 when he became a Project Participant of the FARM Northeast Project. This initiative introduced him to the concept of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), a holistic approach that would reshape not just his land, but his entire approach to agriculture. Under the guidance of the FARM Team, Mali began to diversify his farm with a vision that extended far beyond the rice paddies.

Where once only paddy grew, Mali’s farm now boasts a tapestry of crops and activities. He expanded his plantation crops, from areca nut, brooms, bananas, and teak. A vibrant horticulture section sprouted alongside, with Mali cultivating a variety of vegetables including tapioca, brinjal, beans, cabbage, pumpkin, radish, and tomato. Fruit trees such as papaya, pineapples, and guava now dot the landscape, their fruits adding both nutrition to his family’s diet and potential income to his pocket.

Mali’s vision didn’t stop at crops. Recognizing the potential for synergy, he integrated livestock into his farming system. Cows now graze on his land, providing milk for his family and manure for his fields. Goats and pigs offer additional sources of meat and income, while a small poultry unit with chickens and ducks ensures a steady supply of eggs and meat. In a corner of his property, a newly dug pond shimmers with the movement of fish, adding yet another dimension to his farm’s productivity.

Looking to the future, Mali embraced agroforestry, planting high-value trees like agarwood, red sandalwood, and bamboo. These long-term investments promise not only future returns but also contribute to improving soil health and biodiversity on his land.

The results of Mali’s integrated approach have been nothing short of remarkable. Within a year of implementing these changes, his annual income soared past Rs. 1,50,000 – a staggering increase of over 400% from his previous earnings. This financial transformation has not only lifted his family out of poverty but has also opened up new possibilities for their future. More importantly, his family now enjoys a diverse, nutritious diet sourced primarily from their own land, a stark contrast to their previous reliance on a single crop.

Mali’s success has not gone unnoticed. Neighbours who once viewed his new methods with scepticism now seek his advice, eager to replicate his integrated farming model. His farm has become a living classroom, demonstrating the potential of IFS to transform small-scale agriculture in the region.

As Mali looks to the future, his dreams continue to grow. He speaks of obtaining organic certification for his produce and further expanding his farm’s diversity. But beyond his personal aspirations, Mali envisions a future where farming in his region is both profitable and sustainable, providing food security and prosperity for generations to come.

According to Mondol Teron, FPA, Jirsong Asong, Mali Bey’s journey from a struggling paddy farmer to a successful integrated farm owner is more than just a personal success story. It’s a powerful example of how innovative farming practices, combined with determination and support, can transform lives and communities. His thriving farm stands as living proof that with the right approach, small-scale farming can be both profitable and sustainable, paving the way for a food-secure and prosperous future in rural India.