ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION - A COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

Fishes are a delicacy among the Nyishi’s of Tamen - III village in Upper Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh. Being blessed with the hill Stream Rivers, fishes are in plenty for the Nyishi’s to feed on. “We never buy fishes from the market as we go fishing to meet our needs”, said Tam Taring. In the good old days fishing was done either with fishing rods, nets or other traditional gears. Traditionally, people were barred from fishing during the breeding season & fishes were allowed to reproduce in grow their population. But with time perceptions change resulting in unsustainable fishing practices. “We knew that such practices would someday lead us nowhere but we had to feed ourselves & with time the feeding mouths have also increased”, said Markio Tallar.    

River Pehain Koroaa where fishes were caught
 by blasting or electrocution

The community resorted to killing fishes relentlessly by using dynamites (for blasting under water) & electrification though generators. One blasting or electrification would fetch fishes in good quantity but the community was not able practice this dangerous art frequently as the density of fish population reduced drastically. Gone were the bindings of not fishing during the breeding seasons. Notwithstanding the fact that it is illegal to use dynamite for fishing, people resorted to using the same without any thought. “I can’t remember who for the first time used dynamite or generator for fishing, I simply used do it to feed my family”, said Ms. Boa Shanty, who was using dynamite for fishing.

A village boy going for fishing with a net

The practice of blasting went on & on thus having an adverse impact on the aquatic environment of the hill streams & rivers. Apparently the fish population was going down drastically & people were struggling to get fishes from such sources.  Tamen - III is one of the project villages where FARM (Facilitating Agricultural Regeneration Measures) North East (project) partner Itanagar Diocesan Development Association (IDEA) is working. Team IDEA came to know about the malpractice of fishing in the year 2013 & decided to do something about it. During November 2014 Team IDEA that was already in touch with the community for FARM North East activities, tried to find out what actually was going wrong. “Our consultations with the farmers’ club (FC) revealed that they had a great concern on the rampant malpractices (blasting) being carried out in their area”, said Sanjit Basumatary, Team IDEA.

Fishes caught from the river

From here it looked like that the people were slowly realizing the impact of such unviable practice of fishing. They could realize that if this persists, sooner or later fishes could well be a history. “The present trend of fishing looks scary to me, a few varieties of fishes that existed in the past are nowhere to be seen now”, said Ms.Guchi Puma. The communities were responding to the awareness generated by Team IDEA.

It was time for making resolutions by the community against the practice of killing fishes by dynamite or electricity. Team IDEA standing strong behind the community by motivating them by all possible means. “We thought it’s high time that we take some stringent steps against this prevailing menace” said Tenik Yacham. The FC them resolved strongly that now on no one would be allowed to use dynamite or electricity for fishing & also that fishes would not killed during the breeding season. And if that was not enough, the village council promulgated rules that invites heavy fines to the tune of Rs 10,000 to anyone caught using dynamite or electricity for fishing. The rule came into effect immediately during April & 2015 & the community too is responding to the same. “We are here to ensure that our next generation does not hear about stories on fishes, they also enjoy the taste of it”, said Ms. Kabak Chaluk. Selling & buying of dynamite is a history in Tamen - III village & more so people are aware that nature has still a lot to offer. “Conservation of environment is in our blood, just that we needed to revive the practice”, said Ms. Guchi Sho wearing a grin on her face. 

Contributed by: Taw Bosco, IDEA, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

Edited by: Prabal Sen, Caritas India, Guwahati

NAAM GHAR - A TEMPLE OF HUMANITY

This story may be considered as an example of traditional practices by the community in North East India. The Naam Ghar (Temple) in Khaloibari village under Kamrup Metro District of Assam is a religious place for worship with a difference. As per an age old practice, the temple receives 12,600 kg of paddy annually from around 105 households. This practice perhaps sets this village apart from others where the community is up in arms in conserving the age old practice of donating paddy for a good cause. “I can’t remember exactly when this system came into being but I have seen my parents donating to the Temple & so do I,” said Keshab Das, septuagenarian from the village.

The Naam Ghar

Since time immemorial, the families from these households traditionally donate paddy each year to the temple granary during the month of December after the end harvesting of Shali paddy season. Shali is a local name for a paddy season & is generally carried out from July to October - November of a particular year.

The Naam Ghar has a committee in place that takes care of the smooth functioning of its activities. This committee is respected by all in the village. The committee also has a role in selecting people for development activities in the village. The office bearers in the farmers’ club under FARM North East have also been selected by the Temple committee consultation with the community. As per the prevalent customary practice, every household donates 60 Kg of paddy to the temple granary. The committee looking after the temple would take a call on how to utilize the paddy. “Generally we take a collective decision on how best we can utilize the grains stored in the granary, we also take all precautions to upkeep the condition of the granary so that the grains remain fresh,” said Dandi Deka.

Members of the Naam Ghar Committee
with the Granary at the Backdrop

As per general practice this paddy is used for public feast in various festivals that the temple organizes every year. The surplus amount of paddy is generally sold out in the local market & whatever is earned is used in Temple related activities like maintenance & others. The age old practice of this Temple ensures that the members of the community are regularly donating grains to the temple.  The committee has a strict system in places that imposes a fine of double the quantity of paddy if any individual fails to donate during a current year. This individual would have to donate 120 Kg of paddy as a penance.

However, this system has one more unique attribute. The Temple would come to rescue a person in distress. In case anyone in the village is downtrodden & hit poverty, the temple would take the responsibility of feeding this family by unleashing the doors of its granary. “We try our best to see to it that if a particular family is struck by poverty, we provide them with immediate relief & continue doing so until the family stands on its feet”, said Sureshwar Medhi, Secretary of Naam Ghar (Temple) Committee.   

This story may not talk any project interventions under FARM North East. It is a documented case of traditional practice by the community & it talks about divinity leading to humanity. 

Contributed by: Prabin Minz, GGSS, Guwahati, Assam

Edited by: Prabal Sen, Caritas India, Guwahati, Assam

EMERGING - WOMAN MODEL FARMER

Mrs. Runu Murmu, has emerged as one of a woman lead farmer in Panjan village in Titabor Block under Jorhat district of Assam. She is 35 years of age and her husband is a private school teacher who is the main bread earner for the family. They have been blessed with four children two sons and two daughters. Her early married life was confined to household chores with a small kitchen gardening. In the initial stage of her kitchen gardening, she was using chemical fertilizer and pesticide extensively to get more and rapid productivity for the family’s self consumption in a small area of about 1 bigha.

Runu in Her Farm

However, after attending numbers of training programs organized by Seva Kendra Dibrugarh (SKD) and farmer’s club meetings, her interest on organic farming, integrated pest management and her own traditional knowledge have increased. It is since their children have also grown up and started going to school. Her husband being a private school teacher found very difficult with little salary to maintain both the family and for the education of their children. This led her to start agriculture as part of earning and supporting for the family.

Runu in Her Farm

Now she gave up all the uses of chemicals and pesticides in her garden since 2014. She is using only cow dung and other natural composed to manure the plants.  She planted seasonal vegetables like jika, cucumber, ladies finger, ginger, rice gourd, bitter gourd, beans, pumpkin etc. Today she is practicing multiple and seasonal cropping in her small land of about 1 Bigha. Currently beside her self consumption, she sells her organic products weekly. She has created link with many shopkeepers with whom she sells her bulk products at wholesale rate and averagely earns around Rs. 10000 per month seasonally. With this income, she is supporting the family expenses and for the education of their children. Good production has also increased her interest and passion for agriculture that she has added another plot of land close to her land for further cultivation. Today she has inspired many farmers in promoting organic farming. 

Runu Showing her Farm to Caritas India Officials

The officials from Caritas India have also visited her vegetable farm and witnessed her garden. They have immensely praised and appreciated her agricultural works. They also advised her to motivate other farmers especially to women farmers. Thus she has become a woman lead farmer in the village. She said, “Organic products saistho karone bhaal aru income barhe, aamak aji aidor e keti kora ussith-saistho aru poribhekh karone,” meaning organic products are good for health & environment & raises income, today we must cultivare in this way for better health & environment.  She also sincerely thanks to Seva Kendra Dibrugarh (SKD) for their support, guidance and appreciation.

Contributed by: Cornelius Minj, SKD, Dibrugarh, Assam

Edited By: S.L. Peter, Caritas  India, Guwahati

BEGINNING OF A CHANGE IN THE NAGA VALLEYS

Nkwareu village in Peren District of Nagaland is one of the project villages under FARM North East. Development Association of Nagaland (DAN) during the beginning of the project (FARM North East) had much difficulty in convincing the people of this village & they were not cooperating at all. But hard work of Team DAN with the community finally helped them to come out with good results. As of date Nkwareu is one of the best performing villages under FARM North East & DAN is proposing to develop the place as a model village under the project. “We were not happy with DAN in the beginning as we could not trust them but after witnessing the goods that they intended to bring our village, we extended our full cooperation”, said Chunjanglung.

Nkwareu village is dominated by mixed population of Zeliangrong group, consisting of Rongmei, Liangmai & Zeme tribes respectively. A framers’ club by the name Reku has been set up in Nkwareu village during 2013 consisting of 33 members. “After its formation, the farmers’ club was moving in the right direction & promoting agricultural activities among the villagers”, said Martha, Team DAN. The communities were using chemical inputs partially in their agricultural fields but now it has been replaced by organic practices to a great extent. “We realized through our friends from DAN that using chemicals in our fields could adversely affect not only our environment but also our health”, said Asua.

It was heartening to observe that farmers in this village were trying to return to their traditional agricultural practice that is fully organic. More encouraging is to see that the farmers were resorting to use of local landraces of crops in their fields. “We understand now that hybrid seeds are not only bad but also requires more investments compared to the local ones”, said Immanuel.

From time to time as a regular practice, Team DAN kept on visiting Nkwareu & tried to help them in every possible ways. During one such visit in June 2014 the framers expressed their desire to grow Naga Dal (a variety of pulse) in their field. Naga Dal occupies a special place in the society as one of the staple foods & also used in different traditional activities or rituals. The cost of this Dal could be anywhere between Rs 80 to Rs 90 per Kg. Team DAN that was already encouraging organic agriculture was right behind the community in taking the cultivation ahead.

“Fifteen of us from the farmers’ club decided that we would cultivate Naga Dal in 3 acres of our village land & share the income equally”, said Ms. Meiduanthuiliu. These 15 members then started off clearing, ploughing & subsequent sowing of seeds (Naga Dal) during July-August 2014 & continued cultivation until they harvested in December 2014. “We experienced the beauty of coming together as a unit & realized that it simply benefits”, said Ms. Luthuanliu. The farmers shared responsibilities in turns while taking care of the growing crops during the cultivation period. 

It was stunning to observe that the group harvested 40 tins (600 Kg) of Naga Dal from 3 acres of land in a single season. The farmers were more than happy to share that it was a blend of traditional knowledge & modern organic agricultural practices like weed composting & organic pest repellents (introduced by DAN through Caritas India) that brought about such remarkable harvest. 

Christmas for these poor farmers, who would otherwise borrow money brought in good times as they earned Rs. 36,800.00 & shared equally among themselves.

It doesn’t simply end here! The farmers donated Rs 1000.00 to the account of their own farmers’ club. “We desire to set examples for others in our village to follow so that they may also be able to raise their income”, said a vividly happy Dereha.

The beginning is here... Nkwareu village stands tall in community action today. The Zeliangrongs are one unit now & they look forward to a bright future.

Contributed by: Martha Dukru, DAN, Dimapur, Nagaland

Edited by: Prabal Sen, Caritas India, Guwahati

WOMAN INSPIRES WOMEN

Inspirations work & it could have been no better than this when a group of women came out as a unit to work together after having been inspired by one of their own. It was a Godak Yarin, a farmer from Yada village in Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh who represented North East India in the Small Holders Farmers’ Conference (SHFC) held at New Delhi from 10 to 12 March 2015. After her return to village, she shared her experience to her people. “I was happy to be part of the conference where I met farmers from other parts of India as well as abroad”, said Godak. But she was equally disappointed when she looked back at her village where people are somewhat reluctant to work hard.

Godak Yarin Receiving a Memento 
from Dr. Haridas VR (Caritas India) in SHFC, 2015

Godak was determined to change this picture come what may! All that she dreamed of is waking up to a new horizon of change in her village exclaimed Godak. She invited mostly women to her house & sat with them discussing in length about things that could benefit them.

It all started happening from here. Though men did not take much interest, women seemed to be moving in the right direction. “For the first time we felt that we can also do something productive”, said Ms. Maya Yayum, a woman farmer from Yada, Godak’s village.

Women Members from Yada Village

The news spread fast in Yada village & more women rallied behind Godak. “We were happily surprised to understand what Godak tried to convey from her experiences & now it was for us to play active role”, said Ms. Kabak Pacha. Altogether 28 women farmers joined hands & were rearing to go & do something beneficial for themselves & the society. They decide that they would form three separate Self Help Groups (SHGs) that would work together in agriculture & other income generating areas.

For our partner Itanagar Diocesan Development Association (IDEA) it was nothing less than a shocker when they were witness to kind of unexpected mobilization by the people themselves. “Once Godak returned from Delhi, we told her to spread the message among people but we never expected this kind of a response,” said Taw Bosco, member, Team IDEA.

Team IDEA Interacting with Farmers

Team IDEA took over from here & facilitated meetings of the women with the concerned Government officials in the area. It was decide that the 28 women would be divided into three groups & they would work on the same lines towards raising their incomes. The group had an audience with the Block Development Officer (BDO) & District Agriculture Officer. The groups expressed the desire to be registered as three separate SHGs in the area. “We explained to the Officers about our intentions of working as a group for agriculture & other income generating activities”, said Ms. Godak Tickap.

Individual Certificate Received by Farmers

Later both the officer made a personal visit to the agricultural fields of the groups & lauded them profusely. The Officers assured them of all of kinds of cooperation towards forming their respective SHGs. The BDO then referred the farmers to the Cooperative Officer. The Cooperative Officer after giving them a patient hearing wasted no time & gave away membership certificates to 28 women farmers during June 2015. “We felt so nice to be awarded with the membership certificates, we have also opened our individual bank accounts by depositing Rs 1000.00 as per the instructions of the Cooperative Officer”, said Ms. Godak Chaluk.

Godak, the torch bearer was nothing less than being the happiest to see the developments. She continues her efforts to motivate & mobilize people to do something constructive.

“Mei akela hi chala tha Janib e Manzil, Magar Log Milte Gaye Aur Karwan Banta Gaya” (I was walking alone towards the destination but people started joining me & adding up to the caravan). These lines by poet Majrooh Sultanpuri are a tribute to a Lady who inspired people. 

Contributed by: Sanjit Basumatary, IDEA, Arunachal Pradesh

Edited by: Prabal Sen, Caritas India, Guwahati, Assam

PLANTATION...THE FARMERS' WAY

People Led Development (PLD) sets in a classic example of community going for a plantation in their village area under FARM North East. Jana Unnayanan Samiti Tripura (JUST), Agartala has successfully motivated people not only for a plantation but also to be self dependent. Build up of confidence level among the community has resulted in a beautiful story.

The members of the farmers’ club of Twisakolok village, near Agartala in Tripura were mulling on different ideas & prospects for raising their income. The month of April 2015 saw them all sitting together in discussing options for raising income. “We had many ideas coming up while thinking of ways & means to raise our income. Some thought of a grocery shop, while some thought of poultry farms or vegetable cultivation in groups but all that required a fair amount of investment”, said Ms. Rajmala Debbarma.   

Shambhucharan at the Plantation Plot

Shambucharan Debbarma, the president of the farmers’ club however, had a different idea. He proposed plantation of Teak (Tectona grandis L.) a high value timber species or rubber (Ficus elastica Roxb.) in patches of land that were lying unused in the village. “We can earn by utilizing the waste land” said Shambucharan. The members once made known about the idea seemed to be in agreement. However, it was decided that they would go for Teak rather than rubber as cost for the seedling of the former are cheaper. “We decided that we would contribute for the Teak seedlings as we did not intend to depend on anyone” said a seemingly confident Ms. Kiran Debbarma.  The member purchased the seedlings from nearby Khowai by at Rs. 7/- per piece. It was then just a matter of time when they cleared a plot of a little more than 1.5 acres (4 Kani) & carried out the plantation of 400 Teak seedlings April 2015. The farmers’ club has carried out the plantation in a group & would share the benefits at the right time.

Team JUST with the Farmers' Club

It was not just all. The farmers' club has more plans in store. Hiren Debbarma happily shared that they are planning to purchase a land of one Mantu Debbarma of Dumrakari village. “We intend to utilize this piece of waste land as well for more such plantations” said a smiling Hiren.

Team JUST as usual was continuously supporting the farmers' club in all possible ways towards its noble mission. “It was encouraging for us to see that the Twisakolok farmers’ club has taken up such a noble initiative” said Mantu Debbarma, team member, FARM NE (JUST). Team JUST more importantly requested the farmers’ club to build 100% ownership of such initiative as it is not just about planting but also about maintaining & taking care. 

Twisakolok village today wears a new look with its community making a beginning not only against climate change also income generation.

Contributed by: Vincent Debbarma, JUST, Agartala

Edited by: Prabal Sen, Caritas India, Caritas India

FARMERS' CARD - A RISING HOPE FOR FARMERS IN AIZAWL

Tachhip is one of the FARM project villages under Zoram Entu Pawl (ZEP) in Aizawl. The farmer’s club members got the information about the Farmer’s Card that is available in the department of horticulture. The farmers discussed in the farmer’s club meeting on 13^th August 2014 and few of the farmers club leaders went to the department to enquire about the farmer’s card and the necessary documents required for the same. At the beginning 30 farmers applied and all the 30 farmers got their farmer’s card on 18^th August. Latter on another 24 farmers applied and 17 farmers got the farmer’s card. Other 7 farmers’ applications were rejected due to land pass. However, 47 farmers in Tacheep village have received the farmer’s cards.

Lalsangzuala interacting with Caritas India Official

Through this farmer’s card, the farmers can avail the agricultural materials such seeds, water pipes, machinery tools, etc. from the department of horticultural, Govt of Mizoram. 30 farmers have received seeds and 3 farmers have received water pipes for the irrigation purpose through the farmer card from the department.  Almost all the 47 farmers are making use of the farmer card to upgrade their farms. "Before, we didn't know about any schemes available with the government. We just do our work in our field with our limited resources. But now, I am very happy that through the farmer’s card I have receive different varieties of vegetable seeds and also I got water pipes at a lower cost from the department of horticulture. And this year I didn't face any water problems for my farm." said, Mr. Lalsangzuala Ngente, farmer’s club president, Tachhip village.

The farmer club members are also trying to help those 7 farmers whose cards were rejected due to land pass documents. They are also trying to make farmer card for all the farmer’s club members in the village. 

Lalsangzuala narrating the story in presence of Caritas India Official

Contributed by: Samuel Zothanluanga,ZEP, Aizawl, Mizoram

Edited  by: S.L. Peter, Caritas India, Guwahati