As you gaze across the vibrant fields, a stunning tapestry of colors and textures unfolds before your eyes. Different crops flourish side by side, each contributing to a harmonious blend of life and sustenance.

Suren Tisso, 42, has successfully transformed his agricultural field at Longki Tisso Village in Assam into significant increase in income and food security. By October 2024, Suren had diversified his farming operations to grow eleven different crops on his 12.5-acre plot, including jhum paddy, sesame, millet, and king chili. This innovative approach not only reduced his investment costs by Rs. 20,000 but also generated substantial earnings—Rs. 7,150 from king chili and Rs. 50,000 from sesame. He also harvested eight quintals of jhum paddy, enough to feed his family for a year while expecting additional income expected from other crops.

However, Suren’s journey to success was not without its challenges. For 16 years, he relied on traditional jhum cultivation methods that had become increasingly unsustainable due to climate change. The impacts of rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns diminished the diversity of his crops, forcing him to cultivate only one crop at a time across separate plots. This shift led to increased costs and declining returns, making it difficult for Suren to maintain productivity and provide for his family.

In 2022, the Caritas India FARM Northeast (FARM NE) project, implemented by Jirsong Asong (JA), offered a lifeline to Suren and other farmers in the region. The initiative introduced sustainable farming practices focused on integrated farming, livestock management, and seed bank creation while promoting intercropping and mixed cropping techniques. The goal was clear: to reduce input costs, increase crop diversity, and improve yields.

Suren was one of seven farmers who embraced these new methods under the FARM NE program. By incorporating mixed cropping techniques into his farming practices, he transformed his fields into a vibrant ecosystem where multiple crops could thrive simultaneously. This shift not only improved the resilience of his farm against climate change but also secured a sustainable livelihood for his family.

As Suren reflects on his journey, he proudly states, “I’ve made more money this year than I ever spent on sowing.” His success exemplifies the potential of innovative agricultural practices to revitalize smallholder farming communities in Assam and beyond. Through the FARM NE intervention, Suren has not only improved his own situation but also contributed to a broader movement toward sustainable agriculture that empowers farmers facing similar challenges.

Mondol Teron, Field Programme Associate at Jirsong Asong, emphasizes the significance of Suren’s success: “The success of Suren and others shows how mixed cropping can turn around the fortunes of smallholders even in challenging times.” This sentiment underscores the critical role that programs like FARM NE play in fostering resilience among smallholder farmers.

Suren Tisso’s transformation from struggling farmer to successful innovator illustrates the power of sustainable agricultural practices in overcoming adversity. With the right support and resources, farmers can adapt to changing climatic conditions while securing their livelihoods and ensuring food security for their families.