Woman in Assam develops flourishing 32-bigha farm incorporating fishery, Napier grass, and sericulture following job loss as a teacher
In the remote corner of Dhemaji, close to a riverbank, Nandita Kalita's farm stands as a beacon of resilience and determination. Once an Assamese woman teaching Middle English and Hindi, Nandita found herself unemployed in 2021. Instead of letting adversity overwhelm her, she chose to venture into agriculture.
Nandita's farm, now a thriving 32-bigha enterprise by 2024, was born from the 8-bigha land plot she acquired in February 2021. She started with a 5-bigha fishery and gradually expanded her operations. Her farm has become a multi-crop and multi-livestock hub, with Napier grass, pumpkin, rapeseed (rape), Som trees, banana plantations, mulberry trees, and bamboo growing side by side. Nandita also raises six goats, chickens, and ducks, further diversifying her income streams.
Nandita's farm is not just a business; it's a testament to the power of community support. In the initial tough days, her neighbours and well-wishers boosted her morale. Her family, too, played a crucial role in her success. Her husband and father-in-law actively participate in farming activities, and she manages the farm with the help of four full-time labourers and occasional family support.
However, the journey hasn't been without its challenges. Delays in reaching the market have resulted in heavy post-harvest losses. Nandita has made multiple appeals to local authorities for road development but received no response. Pest management and maintaining plant health are ongoing concerns.
Despite these hurdles, Nandita remains optimistic. She is preparing to transplant rice on 8 bighas of her farm and is in touch with KVK officials to procure high-quality seedlings. Her message to other women is clear: "Women have to do household chores, but that should not be the limit." She encourages women to explore small avenues for self-reliance, believing that even small steps toward self-employment can make a big difference.
Nandita's mulberry farm, primarily cultivated to support sericulture, is a shining example of how one woman's determination can transform a life and inspire others. Her story serves as a reminder that adversity can be overcome with resilience and a spirit of innovation.
Nandita's farm has evolved into a home-and-garden sanctuary, with a variety of multi-crop and multi-livestock ventures, including Napier grass, pumpkin, rapeseed (rape), Som trees, banana plantations, mulberry trees, bamboo, goats, chickens, ducks, and a fishery. (home-and-garden, food-and-drink)
Facing challenges such as post-harvest losses, delays in reaching the market, and pest management issues, Nandita remains optimistic and is taking steps to improve her farm's productivity, such as seeking high-quality seedlings from KVK officials for her upcoming rice cultivation. (lifestyle)
