A small house, a plot of land, and a backyard garden with some vegetables. If you live in Massar village in Eastern West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, chances are that you possess these assets to sustain your family. A subsistence form of agriculture is followed, which is erratic based on climate change.

This type of lifestyle only helps you to exist and survive but not progress. Any eventuality or unforeseen situation can disrupt this tender balance and push the family into abject poverty.
Mr. Klainstar Nongbri, 38, a smallholder farmer living in Massar village with his wife and two children, was not ready to lead such a life. Despite having education only up to Lower Primary (class five), he has transformed his passion for farming into a sustainable livelihood since 2005.
Klainstar cultivated diverse arrays of crops that supported his family’s finances. Over the years, he cultivated broom grass, tomatoes, ginger, chilies, and sesame while ensuring a steady supply of rice, mustard leaves, and potatoes for household consumption. His expertise and adaptability have established agriculture as his primary source of income.

Despite challenges, he harvested 200 kg annually, selling them in Shillong for Rs 100 per kg. Diversifying his crops, he successfully grew tomatoes, ginger, chilies, and sesame, meeting both family consumption needs and financial stability. Notably, his annual tomato harvest of 1,200 kg has seen rising market prices, fetching Rs 40 per kg. Ginger and chilies have also contributed significantly, with sales generating between Rs 50,000 to 70,000 annually.

Klainstar and other farmers in the village needed more out of their land. With Caritas India’s FARM Northeast (FARM NE) project, this was made possible. As part of the project, farmers were encouraged to cultivate millet and were provided with millet seeds. Klainstar also got the opportunity to participate in the Mairang Exhibition, where he showcased and sold a variety of millet products, including grained and ungrained millet, millet cake, cupcakes, pukhlein (local snacks), tea, and other items.

Nongstoin Social Service Society (NSSS), a Caritas India partner, has played a key role in supporting Klainstar’s agricultural endeavors. With their assistance, Klainstar has employed innovative farming techniques to maintain soil fertility and ensure sustainable agriculture. He practices mix cropping and rotates crops according to seasons. For instance, he plants sesame and tomatoes in the same field, removing weeds post-tomato harvest to allow sesame plants to thrive.

Ms. Roselin Mary Lyngdoh Marshillong, Field Programme Associate, highlights, “Mr. Klainstar’s dedication and innovative approach to farming serve as an inspiration to the entire community. His commitment to sustainable practices and resilience in the face of challenges exemplify the transformative impact of the FARM NE project.”

Through perseverance and agricultural ingenuity, Mr. Klainstar Nongbri exemplifies how sustainable farming practices can foster resilience and prosperity in rural communities. As noted by Ms. Jacquielyne Lyngdoh, the Community Educator, his journey from traditional farming to embracing new opportunities and sustainable practices showcases the potential for growth and success even in the face of challenges. Looking forward to future harvests and continued participation in community initiatives, Mr. Klainstar remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for farmers in Massar and beyond.

The FARM NE project has not only increased agricultural productivity but also fostered a sense of community among farmers. By working together and sharing knowledge, farmers in Massar village have created a supportive network that enhances their collective resilience against the unpredictable challenges posed by climate change and market fluctuations. Caritas India’s initiative has thus empowered farmers to transition from mere survival to a more prosperous and dignified life, reflecting the organization’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and social justice.