Mulching, an age-old agricultural technique, is gaining newfound importance in Arunachal Pradesh. The significance lies not just in the practice itself, but in the human-centric approach adopted by Caritas India’s FARM Northeast program. In October 2023, the village of Siiro & Siibe under Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh played host to a transformative training program on “Mulching Practice,” organized by IDEA in collaboration with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). The aim was simple yet profound – to educate farmers about the benefits of mulching, not just for the crops but for their livelihoods.

Led by Mr. Sashikant Chaturvedi, a knowledgeable resource person from KVK, the training sessions delved into the intricacies of polyethylene mulching. The 49 smallholder families attending the program weren’t just passive participants; they were eager to learn and gain knowledge that could transform their agricultural practices.

Post-training, a palpable enthusiasm filled the air as farmers expressed their eagerness to implement mulching in their fields. This is where Caritas India’s FARM Northeast program stepped in, providing not just knowledge but tangible support. IDEA, under the program, distributed mulching beds to the farmers, enabling them to translate theory into practice. It wasn’t just about teaching; it was about empowering farmers to take charge of their agricultural destiny.

The chosen crops – cabbage, cauliflower, peas, beans, and mustard greens – were strategic, aligning with the region’s needs and climate. With newfound knowledge and resources, the smallholders initiated the practice of mulching in their fields, marking a departure from conventional cultivation methods.

The impact was swift and transformative. The economic stability and livelihood improvement of smallholder farmers in Siiro & Siibe became evident as they reaped the benefits of mulching. Monthly incomes ranging from Rs. 4,000 to 6,000 per family from a single season signalled not just financial gains but a shift towards sustainable farming practices.

“In comparison to conventional cultivation, mulching typically requires less labour. Mulching helps to suppress weeds, reducing the need for manual weeding. Additionally, it helps retain moisture in the soil, reducing the frequency of irrigation, which can also save time and labor. Overall, mulching can streamline farming operations and make them more efficient compared to traditional methods,” says Michi Yatung, reflecting the sentiment of the smallholders.

While mulching itself is not a newfound intervention, its adoption represents a significant breakthrough for the smallholders of Lower Subansiri. Caritas India’s FARM Northeast program, aimed at boosting food production, has played a pivotal role in introducing and promoting enhanced agricultural practices. This strategic intervention not only highlights the resilience of local smallholders in adapting to modern techniques but also signals the dawn of a promising era of enhanced productivity and sustainable farming practices in the region.

As success stories emerge from the fields of Siiro & Siibe, the ripple effect is undeniable. Twelve farmers are now successfully practicing mulching, and inspired by their success, 20 more are gearing up to adopt the practice. Caritas India’s FARM Northeast program, committed to supporting more farmers in embracing mulching, is sowing the seeds of change in the region, paving the way for a more food-secure and sustainable future.