Smallholder farmers in Northeast India face mounting challenges as climate change threatens their livelihoods. But a recent gathering in Guwahati suggests a new future, one driven by innovation, resilience, and a shared commitment to sustainable agriculture may be on the horizon.

The FARM Northeast Phase IV Review Meeting, organized by Caritas India at Don Bosco Institute at Guwahati, brought together agricultural experts, field practitioners, and partner organizations from 12 to 13 March 2025. Over two days, participants discussed sustainable farming, climate resilience, and strategic interventions to secure long-term agricultural sustainability in Northeast India.

The meeting began with an address by Mr. Prabal Sen, who set the tone by emphasizing a strategic shift from project-based interventions to long-term sustainability through People-Led Development (PLD). This approach empowers local communities to drive their own progress by leveraging indigenous knowledge and sustainable agricultural practices.

In his keynote address, Fr. Anil Crasta, Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India, acknowledged farmers’ challenges, particularly the Manipur team, which continues to work tirelessly despite socio-political unrest and environmental disruptions. He stressed the importance of resource mobilization and called for innovative strategies beyond traditional project frameworks to ensure lasting impact.

    A major focus of the review was climate-smart agriculture—a crucial step in enhancing productivity while protecting the environment. Mrs. Minakshi Sharma, an agri-entrepreneur with expertise in the North East India tea sector, spoke passionately about the need for integrated farming systems. She highlighted practical approaches such as vermicomposting, multi-cropping, seed preservation, and water conservation to mitigate climate risks.

On the second day, Fr. Lathees S, Director of JUST, led discussions on strengthening sustainable agriculture and climate action in Northeast India. He emphasized the urgent need to combat soil degradation, address declining agricultural manpower, and preserve indigenous farming knowledge. The discussions also highlighted the importance of biodiversity conservation, securing financial resources, and fostering collaboration between NGOs, researchers, and policymakers.

Dr. Haridas VR, Lead of the Climate Desk, underscored the urgency of climate action in a compelling presentation on the region’s environmental threats. He highlighted alarming data, including the increase of CO₂ levels from 280 ppm in pre-industrial times to 421 ppm today. He also raised concerns about plastic pollution, coal mining, and the rising frequency of extreme weather events in Northeast India.

In response, participants advocated for large-scale tree planting, rainwater harvesting, and community-led conservation to protect vulnerable ecosystems. The role of women in environmental sustainability emerged as a central theme, with calls to strengthen their participation in decision-making and conservation efforts.

Towards the conclusion, Fr. Anil Crasta led a reflective session on the future of the FARM Northeast initiative. He outlined a clear plan to ensure the long-term sustainability of agricultural projects in the region. A key priority will be shifting from project-based funding to broader resource mobilization, focusing on building financial partnerships that can sustain agricultural efforts beyond the duration of specific projects. Another focus will be improving data collection and monitoring systems to ensure transparency and better decision-making. This data will help track the effectiveness of farming interventions and guide future actions.

The meeting also emphasized the need to engage more closely with government agencies and policymakers. By aligning the FARM Northeast initiative with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Caritas India aims to advocate for policies that support smallholder farmers and promote sustainable agriculture. The discussions also included plans to create a national platform to support rural entrepreneurs. This platform will provide training and market access to small-scale agri-businesses, helping farmers diversify their income sources and become more resilient to economic shocks.

Throughout the meeting, there was a shared understanding that knowledge-sharing and collaboration are essential for long-term success. Caritas India and its partners will work to foster cross-learning among farmers, community groups, and agricultural experts. By documenting best practices and sharing successful models, they aim to scale up and replicate effective agricultural solutions across the region.

The FARM Northeast initiative is more than just a project; it represents a collective effort to empower farmers, strengthen local food systems, and address the urgent challenges posed by climate change. These efforts have not only improved food security but have also built farmers’ confidence in engaging with policymakers and asserting their rights.