The degraded soil being brought back to fertility in agricultural land by flourishing self-help groups, a quiet revolution is taking place in Meghalaya.
Extensive chemical and fertiliser use, low production and external dependence have given have raised the need for natural farming – promoting safe, high quality crops and protecting biodiversity and adapting traditional methods that do away with the need for chemicals and expensive fertilisers.

In the face of mounting environmental concerns and the urgent need for sustainable development, Caritas India’s FARM Northeast project has emerged as a catalyst for smallholder farmers in Meghalaya. This innovative initiative is transforming lives in Mawkynrew Block, where agriculture is the primary livelihood for families. By introducing organic farming practices, the project is addressing the critical issues of food security and environmental sustainability that have long plagued the region.

For years, farmers in Mawkynrew Block relied heavily on chemicals and fertilizers to boost crop yields and meet market demands. However, this practice raised serious concerns about environmental impact and long-term sustainability. Moreover, farmers struggled with the challenge of intermediaries controlling prices, often reducing the profitability of their produce. Recognizing these issues, many farmers expressed a desire to revive traditional farming practices, seeing the growing demand for organic produce as an opportunity to regain control over pricing and eliminate middlemen.

At the heart of this transformative initiative lies Jongksha Village, where the FARM NE IV project, facilitated by the Social Service Centre (SSC), has taken root. In partnership with local Self-Help Groups (SHGs), SSC has spearheaded an initiative to address these pressing issues. Since March 2023, SHGs have enthusiastically embraced organic farming, starting with their kitchen gardens. The project provided comprehensive training on organic composting techniques such as Vermi Compost and Berkeley Compost, as well as bio-pest repellent production. These trainings were carefully designed to improve soil fertility, reduce dependence on external inputs, and promote sustainable farming practices.

The impact of this shift to organic farming has been profound and far-reaching. Women-led SHGs have reported significant improvements in their lifestyle and health, along with substantial cost savings that would have otherwise been spent on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The organic produce not only ensures chemical-free food for their families but also commands a higher market value, providing an additional source of income. Farmers, particularly women, have rediscovered the value of preserved seeds from past harvests and have incorporated wild edibles into their collective farming efforts, further enhancing biodiversity and food security.

A milestone in this journey was reached on November 26, 2024, when the SHGs organized an Organic Market to showcase their sustainable agriculture practices. The event was a resounding success, with each SHG member proudly displaying and selling their organic produce. The proceeds, amounting to approximately Rs 3,000, were equitably distributed among the farmers based on their contributions. This collective effort not only generated income but also ensured that families had access to healthy, homegrown organic food.

The transformation extends beyond agricultural practices to the overall well-being of the farmers and their communities. As Mrs. Prisbon Rynjah, an SHG member, eloquently expressed, “The introduction of the Organic Farming System has been a life-changing experience. We now understand the importance of health and nature, and we have even revived the use of traditional seeds like millets that were once thought to be extinct.” Another member, Mrs. Shimtilang, added, “Thanks to the training and support from SSC, we no longer need to spend money on fertilizers or pesticides. Instead, we use our own compost and the bio-pest repellent we’ve created, allowing us to allocate savings to other household needs.”

Ms. Deisy Flora Thongnibah, FPA, SSC, remarked on the broader impact of the initiative: “The organic farming initiative has not only empowered the farmers in Jongksha Village but also has had a transformative effect on their approach to agriculture. It has reignited the community’s connection with their land and allowed them to reap the benefits of their labor, both in terms of health and income.”

As more farmers adopt these sustainable practices, Jongksha Village stands as a shining example of the positive impact that natural farming systems can have on both livelihoods and the environment. The ongoing success of the FARM Northeast project reaffirms the importance of supporting such initiatives and highlights the critical role that empowered communities play in driving long-term agricultural sustainability.