GUWAHATI: Samir Bordoloi, a graduate in agricultural studies, is changing the landscape of modern farming in the northeastern region of India. He has gone to basics and invented a method of farming that includes the reuse and recycling of resources and growing local herbs and crops, instead of cash crops.
This method cuts down on the risks and costs of transporting them to far away vegetable markets, which equals profit for the farmers. Bordoloi said that this would also help to restore the flora of the area and ensure that local farmers and people eat local food.
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In building his vision, Bordoloi wanted the youth of this region to join him on this mission and so, he created an NGO in January 2017 that brings together people, 18-30 years old, to empower farmers growing local food. It’s called the Society for Promotion of Rural Economy & Agricultural Development, North East (Spread NE). The volunteers for the organisations are also referred to as “green commandos.”
These commandos either go directly on-ground and teach farmers scientific techniques or they ensure that farmers are ‘adopted’ by urban families i.e. they promote the consumption of local, indigenous and organic food among urban dwellers. Going one step further, these urban commandos set up farmers with local families who buy their produce exclusively from the later. This ensures a guaranteed income of about Rs. 15,000/ month for the farmer and families in urban areas get fresh and local produce. About 40 farmers presently are associated with these urban families.
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These commandos come from different areas of the northeast region that include Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and even other parts of India. Currently, there are over 300 commandos and each of them works in their own capacity.
The organisation also works with 150 local village schools that teach students about the importance and methods of farming and its various components.
Inputs taken from The Better India.