FROM A HOMEMAKER TO A CHANGE MAKER-

– Mridusmita Gogoi

Somina Khatun is a resilient farmer hailing from a small village named Hardemara of Chapar-Salkocha Block of Dhubri district, Assam. The major population in Hardemara village is engaged in vegetable cultivation and Somina is one of the large- scale producers there. Her transformative journey starting from a modest background states an example how women can turn the tables when given the reins of the household.

Somina was born in the Dholmara village of Choibari Tea Estate in the Chapar-Salkocha block of Dhubri. In a family of nine members, her father was the sole breadwinner. He was a daily wage labourer and the monthly income somehow touched Rs. 6000. In a hay roofed house of two rooms, their family of nine members have struggled their way out.

Having to take care of nine people, her father was unable to send all seven of the children to school, which prevented Somina from finishing her education past the fifth grade. Inspite of her deep desire to complete her education, she had to give in to the circumstances of her family and get married at the age of 16 years with a person double her age.

Somina’s Family Now

Somina, who now resides in Hardemara village post her marriage, has two children now. Their only source of income is agriculture and it has been almost four years now that they are doing it on a large scale. Her household is engaged in paddy and vegetable cultivation and since the last four years, she has been selling quintals of seasonal vegetables in their wholesale market and also to other small vendors.

Identified Direction

Somina and her family had to face many socio- economic limitations which prevented them from expanding their production. However, in 2021, Somina joined a Self Help Group (SHG) named Moromi and later joined a Producers’ Group (PG) named Mili. Being a part of these collectives, she got a direction for working more innovatively on her farm land.

These women collectives under Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM) not only provide financial support for the members but also play a significant role in capacitating the women around sustainable livelihood practices. Somina could gradually leverage credit support as well as get knowledge around systematic agricultural practices which raised her production. The trainings provided by the community cadres helped her in honing her skills around cost effective management of her farmland.

On being asked the reason why she joined the SHG and PG, she exclaims, “I did not complete my education. I always felt that my lack of knowledge is the reason for my poverty. But when I came to know about the support the SHG members receive, I got intrigued to join. Further, after joining the PG, I got access to collective resources like good quality seeds, farming equipments like wheel hoe, weeders etc and most importantly, trainings on agricultural practices.”

What Has Been the Change in Her Life?

On a small plot of one bigha, Somina and her husband cultivate various vegetables, including bottle gourd, cucumber, ridge gourd, sponge gourd, tomatoes, etc. There has been a marked increase in the yield of her land and better income. The income earned can be attributed to the selection of high-demand vegetables, diligent farming techniques, and the application of organic manure.

Being a part of the PG, she was given trainings by the CSPs of her village. She also learned about the use of organic manures, technical know-how and usage of the tools. She started using homemade organic manures such as jivamrit, ghanajivamrit, and vermicompost for natural growth of her crops. By adapting to a new and advanced way of cultivation, and by using low-cost labour, she adopted sustainable farming practices. This not only improved the quality of her cultivation but also minimized the negative impact on the environment and in return received high-revenue income with higher crop yield. Being part of a group also gave her direct and easy access to markets thus improving the price realization of the crop.

Somina has seen notable improvements in her standard of living since implementing the practices, as evidenced by a consistent rise in her yearly income in 2022–2023, which is expected to be in the range of 30,000–35,000 rupees. This signifies her commitment and her willingness to adapt to new methods for improved productivity.

Furthermore, Somina’s total expenses amounted to 15,000 rupees this year, which she invested in procuring organic manures, buying seeds, and making expenses of it. When we talk about market linkages, in July, Somina sells quintals and quintals of vegetables such as sponge-gourd, pumpkin, maize, etc generating a substantial income of 50,000-55000 rupees.

The annual income that she earns through vegetable cultivation has significantly improved her economic condition and financial stability. This has allowed her to support her family’s needs, invest in education of her children and save for future contingencies.

“I could not complete my education due to my father’s financial condition but I will make sure both my children, Afrina and Saiful should not feel any day that they are deprived of anything. Their education is my top priority now.” – Somina Khatun.

Now and ahead

Somina’s farmland business is in its very initial years of growth. She wants to continue her organic practices of farming and get it certified. In the coming years ahead, she aspires to support more women farmers in her SHG and PG. This is not about only one Somina, but hundreds of other Sominas who found a way of living to improve their lifestyle and conditions.

The sense of confidence and empowerment Somina feels today stands as a testament of women’s capacities across rural geographies of NE India.