A Chain of Help

A chain of help is practiced by the SHGs in rural villages that were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The Rupali Self Help Group of Lakhipur village helped their neighbour by giving away a goat and some ducklings, through the support they received from Covid response.

The Covid-19 Lockdown in 2020 had hit hard on the Farm Northeast project villages. Most of these villages were badly affected and mostly the women had to bear the brunt in terms of health and livelihood.

The Rupali Self Help Group of Lakhipur village under Farm Northeast project, of Chirang district, Assam was one of the 14 groups to receive livestock and seed support from the Covid Response program, 2020. The group received two female goats, ten ducks and vegetable seeds. Upon receiving the support the group decided to extend their help to other groups and poor families.

Since then, the group under the lead of Mrs. Sukuntala Lakra and assurance from the BGSS farm team made plans and carried out various activities to improve their economic conditions. Initially, they invested some Rs, 3,000.00 and managed to take an acre of land on lease for 2 Years. They used it to cultivate yam and other vegetables which they sold in the nearby market. In the beginning, they made Rs, 5,000.00 in profits by selling vegetables. They also collected some money among themselves and extended help to other groups and individuals by giving out loans of Rs, 50,000.00 on minimum interests. The group also invested another Rs, 15,000.00 on yam and potato cultivation and are expecting to generate a profit of Rs, 35,000.00. Due to their hard work and cooperation, the economic condition of the group members is significantly improving. They have also increased the size of their livestock and are planning to rear some pigs collectively.

Other than carrying out group activities the members have also become active individual farmers by continuously growing various varieties of crops and doing minor business for their livelihood. The Rupali Self Help Group has indeed emerged as a model for other farmers too who are trying to inculcate the same practices in their own lives.  Realising the success of their peers, the Sonali SHG group has also decided to rear livestock and cultivate seasonal vegetables. Mrs. Promita Barla from Sonali SHG expressed their gratitude to Rupali SHG members for the support they received.

Also, groups like Mukta SHG, Rongjali SHG and others have followed suit by sharing their livestock once they multiply thus expanding the support system for other needy families.