Smallholder farmers produce food for 70% of the global population, yet they are the most insecure people in terms of food and resources. Cash crop cultivation is seen as a strategy to improve food security not only for the households but also for the nation.

Cash crop production enables farmers to increase their living standards, thus contributing to food security. Most importantly, the production of cash crops offers farmers opportunities for investment and improving the management of their farms, stimulating agricultural innovation and increasing yields.

 Borsing Teron an active farmer from Sam Teron Village under the Caritas India FARM North East program tried to experiment and trials to see the theories put into practice. He was one of the beneficiaries and active farmers during the covid-19 response project last year, where he received Ducklings and Aracanut seedlings Support. From ducks, he had earned Rs. 2500 and kept areca nut for plantation in his garden. Through Animators guidance, he had started his nursery with 250 areca nut, 1000 Rubber and 60 passion fruits.

“After five years I will be able to earn Rs.10,000 per month from this farm,” says Borsing. Right now, he has 200 rubber plants which he is tapping, where he is earning Rs. 6,000 per month from a rubber sheet. From this experience he said his children and grandchildren can earn at least Rs. 10,000 per month from rubber itself after 10 years.

Caritas India FARM North East programme encouraged the whole village to start a rubber plant nursery by facilitating seedling through the Rubber Board. Borsing Teron played important role in mobilising people from his village in encouraging them to start rubber plantations, a local nursery and optimum use of available land. He encouraged others to start permanent cash crops instead of going for seasonal crops. He shared his experience with the FARM NE Team of Jirsong Asong where he learnt about Organic Farming, Livestock management, optimum use of available land and preparing of Organic manure through leaves etc. He says that he is ready to carry forward the farm activity even after FARM Northeast withdrawal from their village.

From his experience now he has planted 250 Arecanut seedlings in his field which is sprouting now. He plans to fill up all his empty land with areca nut, monkey rice, Lemon and Passion fruits from his nursery.

He says that seeing his activity, other men in his village started rubber nurseries for their plantation. Two men started to plant areca nuts by themselves. He said after 10 years his village would be self-sufficient in food and economic activities. They would access the road by themselves etc. he also said that he would encourage other villagers nearby to start and go for cash crops/permanent crops.

Through his local nursery, he has a plan of filling up all his empty land with varieties of plants for his income and the educations of his grandchildren.