Success stories

KVK West Garo Hills has played a crucial role in transforming the agricultural sector of the district by introducing innovative technologies, sustainable farming practices, and scientific interventions. Through its efforts, farmers have improved their productivity, diversified their income sources, and adopted climate-resilient farming techniques

1. Profitable Rabi Vegetable Cultivation Using Jalkund

Rainfed farming and water scarcity have been major challenges for farmers in West Garo Hills. Tengrak N. Sangma, a farmer from Bagugre, overcame this challenge through KVK’s intervention in Jalkund rainwater harvesting technology. With a Jalkund structure (6x4x2 ft, 30,000-liter capacity), he secured a steady water supply for winter vegetable cultivation. His farm expanded from 1.2 to 1.5 hectares, leading to an increase in cabbage yield from 95 to 125 quintals/ha and cauliflower from 97 to 135 quintals/ha. His income rose from ₹98,000 to ₹1,50,000, demonstrating how effective water management can significantly improve farming outcomes.

2. Crop Diversification for Increased Income

Nikseng Sangma from Noranggre village started as a monocrop farmer but struggled with low income and irrigation challenges. KVK introduced him to diversified vegetable cultivation and intercropping systems, including maize + cowpea, maize + pumpkin, maize + black gram, and maize + green gram. These techniques allowed him to expand his cultivation area from 0.13 to 1.5 hectares, significantly improving soil fertility and crop yields. With enhanced productivity, his earnings grew to ₹1,66,500, with a net profit of ₹1,19,000. His success has inspired other farmers in the village to adopt diversified cropping systems.

3. Integrated Farming System (IFS) for Sustainable Livelihood

For many farmers, traditional farming practices yield low returns due to limited diversification and inefficient resource use. Pronilla Sangma, a farmer from Marapara, benefited from KVK’s Integrated Farming System (IFS) approach. By integrating rice, vegetables, dairy, poultry, piggery, and beekeeping, her farm became more productive and sustainable. Her rice yield increased from 25 to 37 quintals/ha, while vegetable production rose from 105 to 180 quintals/ha. Additionally, she expanded her livestock units, producing 720 liters of milk annually, raising 18 pigs, and establishing 4 beeboxes for honey production. Her total income increased from ₹1,20,000 to ₹4,86,300, with a net return of ₹3,16,400, making her a model farmer in the district.

4. Promotion of Organic Farming Through Vermicomposting

To promote sustainable and organic agriculture, KVK established 69 low-cost vermicompost units across multiple villages. Each unit, with a bed size of 12x8x2 ft, produced 6.24 quintals of vermicompost annually. This initiative helped farmers reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers, improve soil fertility, and earn an additional ₹4,140 per year per unit. The widespread adoption of organic waste recycling techniques has contributed to better crop quality and long-term soil health in the district.

5. Enhancing Oilseed Production Through CFLD

KVK West Garo Hills promoted Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLD) on oilseeds to improve productivity. By introducing Toria varieties TS-36 and TS-67 across 120 hectares, farmers experienced a yield increase to 10.4 quintals/ha. This led to higher income, with an average net profit of ₹42,460 per hectare. The initiative not only boosted oilseed production but also helped farmers gain better market access and improved profitability.

6. Promotion of High-Yield Millet Cultivation

To enhance food security and climate resilience, KVK introduced high-yielding millet varieties across 23.4 hectares. Farmers adopted Foxtail millet (SIA-3136), Bajra (MPMH-21), and Ragi (GPU-28), achieving yields of 14.8 quintals/ha, 8.2 quintals/ha, and 8.7 quintals/ha, respectively. This intervention provided nutritional and economic benefits, encouraging farmers to include drought-resistant crops in their farming systems.

7. Increasing Paddy Productivity Using Staggered Transplanting

KVK successfully promoted staggered transplanting of paddy (Variety: Gitesh) across 14.2 hectares, benefiting 53 farmers. This method improved yield to 54 quintals/ha, while net income increased to ₹27,200 per hectare. Farmers reported better crop health, reduced pest infestation, and higher grain quality, making this a cost-effective and sustainable rice-growing technique.

8. Sustainable Water Management Through Jalkund Structures

To address water scarcity, KVK constructed 16 Jalkund structures (6x4x2 ft each) with a 30,000-liter storage capacity. These structures provided irrigation support for winter vegetable cultivation, increasing productivity and income. Farmers earned an additional ₹23,600 per Jalkund annually, proving that simple rainwater harvesting techniques can significantly improve farm sustainability.

9. Enhancing Poultry and Livestock Productivity

KVK introduced improved dual-purpose poultry breeds (Kuroiler, Vanaraja, Srinidhi, and Kamrupa) across the district. These breeds showed higher egg production (Kuroiler: 122 eggs/year, Vanaraja: 118 eggs/year) and better weight gain. Additionally, KVK popularized crossbred pigs (Rani and Lumsniang), with higher litter sizes (Rani: 9.0, Lumsniang: 8.6) and faster growth (Rani: 67.4 kg, Lumsniang: 62.5 kg at 9 months). These interventions helped farmers achieve better income from poultry and pig farming.