Rural youth are looking forward to cities due to lesser livelihood opportunities locally. Agriculture, the backbone of our economy is losing its importance as a large chunk of youth migrate for a better life. Lesser hands in agriculture means less production resulting in lesser food. The scenario is scary for a country that is growing with incredible speed.

Youth perceive agriculture as a less attractive and low-yield job providing inadequate social protection for their future. Factors like limited land access, high input costs, insufficient technical knowledge, low soil productivity, and a lack of initial capital further deter their involvement. The farming families also don’t want their children to pursue agriculture as a career which limits the transfer knowledge and practices to the next generation. Many young individuals prioritize immediate and easy earnings, viewing agriculture as low-status work and opting for migration to other regions for unskilled labor opportunities.

In this challenging environment, Caritas India through its FARM Northeast programme is motivating youth to take up agriculture. There has been a reverse trend where city youths are turning to rural areas to restart their career in agriculture. In this league, Robert Tutty, a 29-year-old schoolteacher from Wilton Grant Village, in Dibrugarh district of Assam stands out as a notable example of change.

Robert has been engaged with Seva Kendra Dibrugarh (SKD), a Caritas India FARM Northeast programme as a volunteer since the inception of phase IV of the project. He has been active in SKD’s programs and offers assistance when needed. Despite his busy schedule as a teacher, he dedicates time to gardening and tutoring after school hours. Robert had an interest in agriculture but lacked a clear plan of action, participation in SKD’s programs and dialogues with the team proved significant in motivating Robert to pursue his dream.

The SKD team played a significant role in Robert’s journey. Field educator Mr. Lazarus Jojowar, during a household visit to Robert’s house, noticed his empty garden and encouraged him to utilize the land for seasonal crops and other income-generating activities. Attending various training programs and workshops organized by SKD enhanced Robert’s knowledge and empowered him to undertake such initiatives, as noted by field educator Mr. Xavier Kerketta.

With the encouragement and motivation from the programme team, Robert started cultivating maize, okra, cucumber, and King chilly, alongside venturing into piggery farming, with poultry farming underway. He remains confident that these endeavours will enhance his standard of living. Robert also motivated other youths to engage in poultry and gardening activities, demonstrating his influence during training programs.

Recognized as a role model within the community, Robert’s involvement in agriculture serves as an inspiration, particularly for the youth. Leveraging his influence, SKD plans to further engage youths in sustainable agriculture, with Robert leading identification efforts and facilitating dialogue to develop tailored action plans.

Moreover, Robert’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship and community support in nurturing agricultural entrepreneurship among the youth. His story serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to follow suit and revitalize rural economies through sustainable farming practices.

From a broader perspective, this narrative underscores the importance of holistic approaches to rural development, where initiatives like the FARM Northeast program play a significant role in empowering youth, revitalizing agriculture, and fostering inclusive growth.

The story of rural youth embracing agriculture through initiatives like the FARM Northeast program by Caritas India is not just about individuals finding a livelihood; it’s about revitalizing entire communities and redefining the future of agriculture in India.