EMPOWERING FARMERS: ANETH SANGMA AND THE IMPACT OF IVCS
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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.
Aneth’s livelihood depended largely on small business activities and traditional vegetable farming. Yet, the lack of technical knowledge meant that nearly half of his produce was unsellable. For example, his cabbages often failed to mature properly, and his cauliflowers began flowering prematurely before reaching full growth. These issues reduced both yield and quality, leaving him with minimal income and no savings. His earnings were modest, barely enough to meet his family’s basic needs, and he faced the same financial insecurity that burdened many rural farmers.
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.
Through IVCS, Aneth actively participated in multiple training programs focused on modern vegetable cultivation. He gained valuable knowledge in crop management, pest control, and sustainable farming practices, skills that helped him overcome the limitations of traditional methods. Importantly, he did not keep this knowledge to himself. Instead, he mentored fellow farmers, guiding them to adopt improved techniques that boosted productivity across the community.
Over the past three years, Aneth has successfully cultivated crops such as ginger, cauliflower, cabbage, onion, and tomato. With the support of training and cooperative resources, he now sells up to 92% of his produce, compared to only 50% earlier. This dramatic improvement has significantly increased his revenue, transforming his farming enterprise into a sustainable and profitable livelihood.
