Assam and Tripura farmers learning off-farm skill to secure their future

Farmers in flood hit districts of Assam and Tripura are learning how to earn even when their fields disappear under water.

Caritas India, under its Strengthening Adaptation, Resilience, and Livelihoods (SARAL) project supported by Caritas Italiana, has organised off farm enterprise trainings across four districts of Assam and Tripura to help farming families build resilience against recurring floods and climate stress. The initiative focuses on income diversification and skill development so farmers can sustain and improve their livelihoods beyond climate vulnerable agriculture.

Floods return to many parts of Assam and Tripura every year, disrupting crop cycles, damaging assets, and pushing families into repeated loss. Caritas India recognised that dependence on a single source of farm income was no longer viable for small and marginal farmers living in these regions. Through the SARAL project, the organisation introduced structured training on off farm enterprises that can generate income even during flood periods.

The training covered a range of livelihood options including animal husbandry, fish farming, pond bank cultivation, mushroom production, vermicompost preparation, handicrafts, and value chain-based activities. These off-farm options were positioned as practical responses to climate uncertainty, enabling farmers to spread risk and stabilise household income.

The sessions were facilitated by experts from government departments and academic institutions. Resource persons included Dr. Raj Kapur, Assistant Director, Animal Resources Development Department, Government of Tripura; Dr. Joy Tripura from the same department; Dr. Ashim Kumar Saikia, Associate Professor, Department of Animal Nutrition, Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science; and Dr. Tankeswar Gogoi, Veterinary Officer, Government of Assam. The trainers combined classroom discussions with practical guidance, grounding scientific knowledge in local realities.

During the interactions, farmers discussed the challenges of farming in flood affected and drought prone areas under changing climate conditions. Resource persons emphasised strategies for co-existing with floods and highlighted how off farm enterprises can protect families from total income loss when crops fail. Special attention was given to livelihood opportunities for women, including marigold cultivation, mushroom production, and traditional food products such as bora rice cakes and sandah powder.

A key feature of the initiative was collaboration with government departments of Assam and Tripura. Farmers were oriented on relevant government schemes and services, including Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Assam State Crop Insurance Scheme and state add on supports, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, and disaster relief provisions under the National Disaster Response Fund and State Disaster Response Fund. These linkages aim to ensure continuity of support beyond the project period.

Around 300 progressive farmers participated in the day long trainings held across four locations. In Assam, the sessions were organised on 10 December 2025 in Lakhimpur district and on 12 December 2025 in Dhemaji district, while in Tripura the trainings took place on 9 December 2025 in Gomati district and on 11 December 2025 in Dhalai district. Participants described the sessions as practical and timely, noting that exposure to off farm enterprises and government schemes would help them build climate resilient livelihoods and improve overall living standards.

Caritas India staff stated that strengthening farmer resilience requires more than emergency response. Through the SARAL project, the organisation is investing in skills, partnerships, and institutional linkages so farmers in Assam and Tripura are better prepared not just to survive floods, but to recover and move forward with confidence.