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Rural communities often depend on traditional farming and livelihood practices that provide basic sustenance but rarely allow families to rise above subsistence levels. Limited access to modern techniques, financial services, and structured support keeps many households trapped in cycles of uncertainty. To break this barrier and expand opportunities, rural families require consistent handholding, through financial assistance, training, and cooperative institutions that can help them diversify income sources, adopt improved practices, and build sustainable livelihoods.

In earlier days, most families in rural areas relying on one sole earner to support everyone. Growing up in such an environment, Lolindha Ch. Sangma from Dabram in South Garo Hills developed a strong determination to ease her family’s burden. From a young age, she looked for opportunities to contribute, always eager to do something meaningful that could bring in earnings and help her loved ones. Her spirit of initiative and willingness to shoulder responsibility set her apart, reflecting both resilience and a deep sense of family commitment.

Many rural tribal communities continue to rely on traditional methods of cultivation. While these practices carry cultural value, they are increasingly unsustainable in today’s context. Years of continuous farming have reduced soil fertility, and limited farmland makes shifting cultivation difficult. Climate change further compounds these challenges, leaving farmers vulnerable. To overcome these issues, there is a growing need to integrate traditional wisdom with modern agricultural techniques, ensuring higher productivity and long-term sustainability.

Turning Point: The Establishment of IVCS

Although the Chengkaldare Integrated Village Cooperative Society (IVCS) was formed in 2019, Aneth’s village was included only in 2023. That same year, he became both a member of the cooperative and an Off-Season Vegetable (OSV) Service Provider. This marked a decisive turning point in his life and livelihood.

In today’s generation, even in rural communities, women are emerging as leaders at the forefront of societal transformation. One such inspiring figure is Senge R. Sangma, a member of the Bakrime Integrated Village Cooperative Society (IVCS), based in Chima Apal village in the North Garo Hills.

Self-Taught and Self-Made

Senge worked entirely on her own, without financial assistance or external support, relying solely on her determination and resourcefulness. Without formal training, she taught herself the craft by reading books and watching instructional videos on YouTube. Her personal activity gradually evolved into a mission to empower others.

Gender Empowerment through IVCS.

Many rural women face significant barriers to employment and entrepreneurship, as domestic responsibilities and childcare often limit their opportunities for personal and professional growth. Despite these challenges, Loritha Momin, a resident of Chotcholja village in North Garo Hills, chose to break free from these constraints. Married at an early age, she nurtured a strong desire to achieve financial independence and contribute to her family’s income.

She actively showcased her products at exhibitions, gaining visibility, customer trust, and higher sales. These opportunities not only boosted her income but also allowed her to repay her IVCS loan on time— marking another milestone in her inspiring journey.

Meghalaya is blessed with naturally fertile soil that supports a variety of fruits. However, in rural areas, nearly half these fruits go to waste due to low prices and lack of market access, leaving farmers with minimal earnings. This challenge led to a transformational initiative in the South West Garo Hills region of Kerupara, spearheaded by Mr. Salbison, who sought to add value to local produce through processing.

Setting up a Processing Unit

Formation of Kerupara IVCS

Determined to improve market opportunities for farmers, MBMA’s MLAMP Project officially established Kerupara IVCS on September 24, 2019. The group started with 15 members, including 5 women, providing a platform for collective progress.

Impact on Local Villages

The IVCS covered four villages—Kerupara, Chopapara, Megapgre, and Santogre—benefiting 400 households with a population of around 700. As awareness grew, more farmers joined, eager to take advantage of better market opportunities and reduced fruit wastage.

In a small village of Meghalaya, where people have to walk long distances to reach markets or get basic items, a village decided to solve a problem in its own unique way. Aruakgre, a village in North Garo Hills, is about 13 km from the nearest weekly market and over 30 km from the nearest town. The villagers faced a challenge that many people often ignore finding affordable slipper for everyday use.

 To solve this problem, the Songchet Nangrime, Integrated Village Cooperative Society (IVCS) Ltd. came up with a great idea. In July 2024, they started their own slipper making unit in the village.

Most households in the area fall under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. In many cases, residents would continue using damaged footwear by replacing broken straps, but even strap replacements are unavailable locally. They have to wait for the weekly market to access even such basic items.

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In many rural areas, livestock plays an important role in supporting household incomes, often alongside small-scale farming. However, access to even basic services remains limited. There are not always trained individuals nearby who can carry out simple procedures or offer timely support when problems arise.

Mr. Midros Rngkhlem is a hardworking man from Wapung Shnong village in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. His story is one of struggle, hope, and success. Today, he is a well-known Service Provider (SP) and a piggery farmer. Before becoming a Service Provider, Mr. Rngkhlem worked as a daily wage labourer. From 2013 to 2021, he worked as a head mystri, constructing quite a number of houses. But over time, he felt that this job would not help him grow personally or financially.

Established in November 2017, Umdihar IVCS Ltd. caters to 136 Households with 471 active shareholders. As of January 2025, the IVCS has a share capital of INR 94,500 with 210 savers and deposits of INR 20,83,865.00. It has been active in micro lending and has granted loans of INR 9,51,000.00 to 106 members.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES: PLANTING SEEDS OF CHANGE

The Government of Meghalaya, understanding the need for a paradigm shift, initiated efforts to boost productivity. Scientific cultivation of Mauritius and MD2 varieties of pineapples became a focal point, aiming to enhance both quality and quantity. Simultaneously, there was a push to establish multiple cooperative-owned processing units within the state, addressing issues of remoteness, low shelf life, and fostering increased trade and demand within Meghalaya.

MILESTONE ACHIEVED

Umdihar IVCS, in collaboration with IQF Pvt. Ltd., manufactured frozen pineapple slices at its PRIME Hub facility in Ri Bhoi. These Frozen slices are then further processed to become cubes and dices in baby foods that are exported to Europe. In this ongoing initiative, IVCS is the procurement and infrastructure partner, while IQF Pvt Ltd. is the technology partner.

OUTCOMES

• Strengthening of supply chain, where market moves closer to home.
• Permanence in procurement pattern thus incentivizes farmers to practice scientific agriculture.
• Opportunity for farmers to learn and market the produce themselves.
• Capacity building of the Co-ops to execute harvesting and procurement plans.
• Skilled manpower in processing.
• With successful technology transfer, opportunity to run the enterprise on a franchise model.

LOOKING AHEAD: A FUTURE ROOTED IN INNOVATION

The success story of Um