Beronica’s life had taken a tragic turn when she lost her husband, leaving her completely alone in the world. With no children or family to lean on, she found herself in a daunting position. The absence of her relatives and family members left her in a state of profound loneliness and depression. But she was determined to rise above her circumstances and forge a path towards self-sufficiency.

Fate had bestowed upon Beronica a valuable gift in the form of land and possessions, but she lacked the knowledge and skills required to harness their potential. It was at this critical juncture that her friends encouraged her to participate in the FARM Northeast program.

In May 2023, Beronica embarked on a journey of empowerment from her small Dalgaon village in Kokrajhar District of Assam to KVK, Kokrajhar. She enrolled herself in the FARM Northeast awareness and training programs. Here, she immersed herself in the world of integrated farming systems, livestock management, composting, and fishery, among various other training modules.

Armed with newfound knowledge, she returned to her humble abode, eager to put her learning into practice. She started by rearing two goats and tending to her backyard garden, applying the skills she had acquired during the training. Soon, she began selling the bounties of her labor in the local market, gradually building a source of income for herself. Her dedication bore fruit, quite literally. Within a mere five months, her goat herd had grown to six, and she had even sold three of them, pocketing Rs. 9,650. This success filled her heart with joy and renewed her determination. Beronica decided to expand her livestock by adding chickens to the mix.

The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. From a lonely and depressed widow, Beronica Minj had metamorphosed into a thriving woman of the village. Her past sorrows seemed like distant memories as she embraced a busy and fulfilling life, making the most of the resources at her disposal. Beronica took to cultivating chili, ginger, turmeric, and a variety of vegetables with passion and expertise.

No longer defined by her past, Beronica Minj emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the village. Her neighbours no longer visited her solely as customers buying fresh produce from her garden; they came to learn from her. Beronica is now a model lead woman farmer, and her story served as a testament to the power of knowledge and support in transforming lives.

FARM Northeast IV had not only breathed new life into Beronica’s existence but had also sown the seeds of change, growth, and resilience in the entire community. It was a tale of empowerment, showcasing that with the right tools and encouragement, individuals could overcome adversity and thrive, ultimately becoming beacons of hope and inspiration for others.