Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Live Better With the Flood‐ An Approach
for Sustainable Livelihood Security in
District Dhemaji, Assam
A Case Study
Contents
Sl no Topic Page no
1 Project profile 1
2 Background Status of the Project Based on 1‐5
Baseline Survey
i 1‐4
Project Area
ii Rationale of the Project and likely benefits 4‐5
3 5
Project Objectives
4 6‐
NAIP Interventions (Project Activities)
I 6‐8
Deliverables and outputs in the form of
Technologies
ii 9‐16
Thematic Interventions
iii 16
Integrated Package for Household and Village
iv 16
Determination of Interventions with High Payoffs
v 19
Relationship with private partners/ NGOs etc. over
information exchange and dissemination of results
vi Record Keeping at Village Level 19
vii Sustainability & Spread: Plans for addressing 19
technical, financial and institutional aspects
viii 20
Status of Environmental & Social Safeguard
Framework
ix 20
Policy issues emerging out of the sub‐project
x 21
Status of horizontal expansion due to successful
NAIP interventions
5 Experience of Consortia in Project Implementation 21‐26
i 21
Status of head‐wise Fund Released and Utilized
ii. 21
Status of Procurement of Goods and Services
approved for the sub‐project and the plan for the
remaining procurement
iii 22
Working with diversified consortium partners
iv 22
Working at different capacities
v 22
Meetings of CMU/ CIC/CAC
vi 22‐23
Publications
vii 23
Way Forward
viii 23‐25
Any Other Pertinent Information Not Covered
above
6 25
Comments of CPI/ Consortium Partner(s)
26‐29
Case studies
Table
Sl no Title Page no
1 Details of Household and Population distribution 2‐3
in the Project villages
2 Deliverables & output in the form of technologies 6‐8
3 Partnerwise sanctioned budget, fund release and 21
fund utilized
Live Better With the Flood‐ An Approach for Sustainable Livelihood Security in District
Dhemaji, Assam: A Case Study
1. Project Profile
x Project Period : 1st April 2009 to 30th June, 2012
xi Total Budget (Rs. in Lakh) : Rs.290.64645 (Rs. in Lakhs)
xii Subproject website : www.afpro.org/naip/index.htm
address (URL)
2. Background Status of the Project Based on Baseline Survey
Assam is located in the north‐eastern part of India with its capital at Dispur situated at 240‐
280 N latitude and 890 50'‐9704' E longitude. Located south of the eastern Himalayas, Assam
comprises the Brahmaputra and the Barak river valleys and the Karbi Anglong and the North
Cachar Hills with an area of 30,285 square miles (78,438 km). The proposed district Dhemaji
is one of the most backward districts of Assam. It is one of the remotest district of India
located in the eastern‐most part of Assam. Numerous drainage systems originating from the
hills of Arunachal Pradesh flow through this narrow valley ending at the mighty river
Brahmaputra. The economy of Dhemaji is generally agro‐based. Sericulture, fishing and
driftwood business are practiced in smaller scale. However, sand deposition and other
adverse effects of chronic floods on fertile agricultural land have made even affluent
farmers land‐less. Therefore a large number of such people shift to greener pastures within
the district to carry out horticultural practices. The selected districts are divided into three
clusters namely Sand deposited, lowland and silt deposited clusters in four blocks of the
district. Thirty eight villages were selected based on demographic profile and farming
system for implementation of the project interventions in the four blocks namely Bordoloni,
Machkhowa, Dhemaji and Sissiborgaon.
i. Project Area
The Project interventions has been carried out in 38 nos of villages located in 3 clusters and
that covers altogether 3 sub divisions out of total 4 nos in the District. Thus, the villages
covers under this project gives a representative picture about the district. The village wise
hosehold and population distribution is given in the following Table.
Table 1. Details of Household and Population distribution in the Project villages
The baseline survey was carried out in all three clusters using a pre‐stratified random
sampling technique to select the sample respondents. The beneficiaries are selected by
random numbers, from these lists, to account for 2500 beneficiaries i.e. 913 marginal and
332 small farmers and 1255 agricultural labourers (landless) and beneficiaries are
considered as universe. Out of 2500 beneficiaries the sample size fixed for this baseline
survey is 450 (18%).
The total number of household in these 38 villages is 3052 and total population of the
selected villages of the three clusters was 13452 of which male constituted 4546 (33.79%),
females 3936 (29.26%) and children 4970 (36.95%). Almost in all the clusters the male and
female constituted around 30 percent, each. The average literacy levels of the selected
villages were 44.65% percent, of this 49.34 percent comprised male and 38.36 percent by
the females.
The occupational distribution showed that selected villages provide employment to around
84.07% percent of the population of which 69.23 percent population depend on agriculture
and 17.8 percent were landless labourers. Canal and lift irrigation were the main source of
irrigation in the project area. The total geographical areas of the selected clusters were
4349.913 ha of which around 33.05 per cent of the area were brought under the category of
net area sown. The average cropping intensity was at 171.765 and average irrigation
intensity of the study area was 214.064 per cent.
Awareness level of farm technologies viz., Integrated Pest Management, Integrated Nutrient
Management, Integrated Farming System, Waste Management, Water Conservation and
Vermi composting was moderate in the study area. But the awareness level did not reflect
the adoption of the farm technologies due to the lack of training and demonstration.
The average family size of the sample was around 5. Nearly 25.7 percent of the respondents
in the selected farms belonged to the age group of 19‐30 years and 28 percent belongs to
31‐40 years in all the clusters. The selected area has more farmers of younger generation
and this could favour educating them to adopt the new technology. The average literacy
level was at 44.65 per cent. It will help the project team to create awareness and impart
knowledge on the new farming technology. The sample respondents have very less
infrastructural facilities like land and buildings to rear the livestock and adopt the new
innovative technologies in the field. Consumption expenditure per annum, per household
was Rs.35747.87, Rs. 44920.00 and Rs.79028.56 respectively in low land, silt deposited and
sand deposited respectively.
The average land holding was 0.49 ha and 27.87 per cent of the farmers depend on canal
irrigation. It was observed from the baseline survey a very meager number of farmers
undertook soil testing. It emphasized the need to educate the farmers on crop selection and
fertilization based on soil analysis. The average cropping intensity of the sample
respondents was at 133.85%. All on an average the sample respondent household received
a net income of Rs. 6111.46 per annum from livestock and fishery activities. The average
annual household income of the sample respondents are at Rs. 33563.80, of which livestock
contributed 18.21 per cent and 26.07 per cent were earned through labour wages.
Regarding the post harvest activities, the farmers adopted drying and cleaning only. They
were not involved in other technology like value addition. The baseline identified that crop
damage due to floods/non‐availability of water, unavailability of inputs and poor soil health
were identified as the main problem. The main source of credits to the farmers was farm
friends and local money lender but the loan amount disbursed by various agencies could not
reach to farm families for the average expenditure.
ii. Rational of the Project
Dhemaji is a remote district of Assam where 47.29% of the total population is ST, which is
the indigenous tribes of the state like Mishing, Bodo, Rabha, Lalung, Sonowal, Garo and
Deori along with Hazong, ST Nepalis and some tribes of Arunachal Pradesh along the foothill
region. The flood in the district became more devastative, people moved to newer places in
search of cultivable lands at the cost of more devastation of the forest degradation. The
cultivable land which was abundant became scarce, the forest products vanished from the
area, the fish habitats were destroyed, the earlier abundant grazing fields for the cattle
diminished and the population lost their sustainable and eco‐friendly livelihood pattern and
part of the population became more marginalized due recurring flood devastation and
displacement. The earlier livelihood options thus become more limited‐the natural
productivity of the land is decreasing, no option for new virgin cultivable land, huge land
mass became unsuitable for the common cultivation, the grazing lands are occupied or
damaged, the natural fish ponds/beels and other habitats disturbed and destroyed, thus
earlier chain and balancing relationships with the nature disturbed. The changes are so rapid
that most of the families detracted from the agriculture and huge numbers of persons have
migrated from the district in search of earning. Extensive efforts made for development so
far have not accrued benefits towards the sustainability of livelihood of the people at grass
root due to poor rural assets of the districts; lower access to knowledge, technology, credit
and inputs; poor saving habit and vulnerability to risks
In order to cope up with flood, Government and development organizations have tried to
deal with the situation, but their initiatives have been more relief oriented and short period
targeted. On the other hand, over centuries, local people have developed their own ways
and means to deal with floods. These measures and techniques are local specific, require no
external help or support and are inherently scientific. In order for people to deal better with
flood and their changing characters, one of the ways is to build peoples adaptive capabilities
through raising their awareness, knowledge base and capacities to earn a living through a
selection of appropriate crops and the techniques.
Hence a multi disciplinary and multi‐institutional action research program for livelihood
security in district Dhemaji is apparently crucial. The program will look forward for
sustainable livelihood security with proper management of existing resources and
effectively utilization of pre and post flood situation.
3. Project Objectives
The long term objective of the project is to improve the rural livelihood security in Dhemaji
district of Assam introducing integrated farming system approach in different flood related
situations.
The specific objectives are:
To improve the livelihood of the rural poor with efficient management of natural
resources by enhancing productivity, profitability and diversity of farming system
To improve the delivery mechanism through skill development of primary stake
holders on improved practices of Agriculture, Livestock, Apiculture and Post Harvest
Technology.
To develop institutional mechanism among the primary stake holders for adopting the
approaches and establishing market linkages for income generation activity
i.. NAIP Interventions (Project Activities)
The Project tries to address the critical gap in addressing livelihood security through its
various interventions. The project intervention started with the concept of recognizing three
phases of flood prone area like Pre Flood Situation, During flood (Disaster Preparedness)
and Post Flood Operation and identifying opportunities for improving the livelihood based
on Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) Framework. Thus, the livelihood interventions
have been broadly categorized under Pre Flood, During Flood and post Flood situation. The
interventions in all the situation are of crop based, livestock based, non farm base and other
sources like labour, petty business etc.
i. Deliverables and Output in the form of Technologies
Table: 2 Deliverables and Output in the form of Technologies vis‐a vis indicators to
measure success
B. Restructuring of Cropping pattern
1. Increase area under HYV of summer paddy, 25 ha 25 ha
Early autumn paddy and Normal autumn
paddy, Deep water paddy and HYV of
vegetables
2. Cultivation improved seed of pulses and oil 30 ha 30 ha
seed crop
C. Enterprise development
ii. Objective‐wise thematic interventions
A. Improving livelihood of the rural poor with efficient management of natural resources
by enhancing productivity, profitability and diversity of farming system
i. Integrated Farming System: The project is looking to establish farming system module for
small and marginal holdings that would ensure food security which will be replicable,
adoptable, profitable and environment friendly in flood prone conditions. To establish
farming system module, integrated farming system (IFS) were adopted in the project area
by integrating input of agriculture, animal husbandry, fishery etc. There are four basic
module which were taken up under this project viz. Rice‐Fish‐Horticulture, Livestock‐Fish‐
Horticulture, Dairy‐Fish‐Horticulture and Sericulture‐Pig‐Horticulture.
a. Rice‐ Fish‐ Horticulture
This integrated farming system would be practiced as winter rice in the main field followed
by vegetable like cabbage, cauliflower, tomato, brinjal, okra, potato, french bean. The fish
will be cultivated with the rice field. The fish rearing has been done in the trenches at the
periphery of the field or in the existing depression area after making necessary modification
and as per the suitability. The vegetable has been cultivated in the winter season in the rice
field. There are altogether 30 ha that has been covered under rice‐fish culture and in 35 ha
of land covering 259 HH, cultivation of vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, chilli, tomato,
French bean, potato has been done. There is generation of additional production of rice due
to introduction of HYV in 30 ha area. The production under HYV of rice has exceeded more
than 50% and this has guaranteed 3‐4 ton of rice seed which to be used in the next season.
Winter rice yield is yet to come out, the growth is quite good comparison to local cultivars.
Beneficiaries has got income from fish around Rs.3.00 lakh. Further, the cultivation of
winter vegetables has generated additional Rs. 12.00 lakh. As a whole, the additional
income got from fish, improved paddy seed and winter vegetable cultivation has
contributed to the enhancement of income of the targeted household to 30 % against that
of baseline figure.
b. Livestock‐Fish‐Vegetables
This module would consist of three sub‐modules such as poultry‐fish‐vegetable, dairy‐fish‐
vegetable and pig‐fish‐vegetable. The technology involved was growing vegetables around
the fishery pond and rearing of poultry and pig and ruminants above or nearby the fishery
pond. There is coverage of altogether 92 ha with 185 HH under this module. Poultry houses
have been constructed just above the fish pond so that waste product of poultry would be
feed for fingerlings. Inclusion of HYV of vegetables
like Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chilli, Tomato, French
bean, Pumpkin, Bottle gourd, Ladies finger, Brinjal,
Potato etc. enhance the production far above than
the previously grown local cultivars. Fingerlings of
Rohu, Katla, Mrigal, Silver Carp, Grass carp etc have
Pig-Fish-Hort module at village Kakobari, been distributed among the stakeholders. In the
Dhemaji
intervention proposed, farmers train to rear the goat
and 10 bucks of ‘Beetle’ were provided to farmers for improvement of local breed of goat.
Goat has been provided to 39 beneficiaries among small & marginal farmers. Upgraded 440
nos. of cross breeds of pig (Hampshire) and 1808 nos. of poultry chick (Cruiler) and 1125
nos. of duck ( Chara Cambelli) have been integrated with fish farming at homestead. Bio‐
wastes have been recycled into the fishpond to substitute fertilizers and fish feed. Major
intervention in animal components has been used as balanced feed, deworming, and
vaccination. There are 32 families covering around 32 ha where integration module of
chick‐fish‐vegetables has been established. Another 45 families were provided with duck to
establish the integration module. Animal care by providing of vaccination and various
ailments against diseases was done. Mortality rate of the animals thereby have been
minimized.
c. Dairy‐Fish‐Horticulture
Cattle is the most important and common farming unit in the most of the household. The
cattle is mainly used for ploughing the land and milk
production for own consumption. The cow dung and
cow urine is not utilizes effectively before the project.
During the project period, awareness generation has
been carried out about the benefits of cow dung in
crop production as well as utilization of cow urine for
bio control of insect‐pest. The cow dung as compost Drip irrigation with Banana cultivation
has been utilized for INM and IPM in vegetable cultivation. Vermi‐compost has been
promoted by mixing cow dung and waste material. The vegetable by‐products have been
used as cattle feed. Fingerlings have been released in the fishery by integrating with existing
cattle shed and the available area in and around of fish pond has been covered under
banana cultivation (var. Malbhog and Jahaji) and water melon cultivation. In seven places,
banana plantation has been done with drip irrigation covering 15 ha of area. Under this
module, there are altogether 26 ha of area that has been covered with 66 nos. of
Household. The benefits of integration of resources have already been visible seen in the
module as the growth of the fish in the pond is remarkably higher compared to other area.
Again, the coverage of area under vegetable cultivation and ensuring better soil and
nutrient management for this has further enhanced the production of vegetable and thus
additional employment has been generated. The integration of the production system has
been contributed to the visible changes of the livelihood of the targeted beneficiary which
has been accounted to the extent of 35 % by way of getting additional income.
d. Sericulture‐Pig‐Horticulture
Integration of existing Som ( rearing plant of muga ) plantation with vegetable cultivation
and pig rearing has been done under this module and
altogether 40 ha covering 80 nos. of HH has been
covered. Muga DFLs (Disease Free Laying) of 5000 nos.
have been introduced among 40 beneficiaries covering 7
ha of land. Altogether, 70 nos. of improved cross breed
Piglets have been provided to beneficiaries to integrate Muga Coccon production at project
village, Dhemaji
with the sericulture activities. Horticultural plants like
banana and other vegetables have been planted in between the Som Plant. The production
of muga yarn is very good and beneficiaries have already sold the yarn and weaving muga
riha & saree at remunerative price. There is 40 % of additional income that the beneficiary
got due to use of DFL and this has created a newer opportunity for the farming community
for practicing sustainable farming model.
ii. Restructuring of cropping pattern ‐ Restructuring of cropping pattern is essential in
situation like Dhemaji to grow a wide variety of crops including rice during the flood free
period of the year. Therefore to escape the flood hazards and to address food security by
addressing crop security, restructuring of cropping pattern has been introduced among the
farmers. In this practice, crop such as mustard, potato,
lentil, summer moong, summer rice and mostly
vegetable and fodder crops such as oat were grown in
the flood free period. Adjustment of planting dates has
been done for growing black gram and green gram after
floods. Local cultivars of winter, summer, early autumn,
Autumn paddy at farmer’s field, autumn and deep water paddy have been replaced by
Sissiborgaon, Dhemaji
improved high yielding variety. The major
consideration, however, is required in respect to growing of rice before and after flood.
Thus, it would be necessary to grow rice from end of September to December for Sali
season depending on the onset or recede of flood, instead of growing rice from July to
November/December. Again, planting of autumn (Ahu) varieties also had to be advanced
so that harvesting can be done before the onset of flood. For that short duration early ahu
varieties like ‐ Luit , Kolong and Disang has been be selected and they have been
harvested before flood. These varieties produce more yields (5‐8 q /bigha) compared to
local variety (3‐5 q /bigha). In flood prone areas, submergence tolerant variety Jalashree and
Jalkunwari and deep water rice variety like
Panindra, Padmanath, Panchanan and Basudev in
46 ha area have been done. Post flood rice variety
Monohar sali and variety suitable for staggered
planting like Gitesh would be transplanted after
flood recedes. Boro (summer) rice variety
Kanaklata, Boro 9 have been cultivated at farmer’s
field. Boro paddy yield enhanced by more than 40%‐50% along with irrigation facilities. Mix
cropping of autumn rice and deep water rice also has been done so as to ensure at least one
crop in case of crop damage due to flood. Farmers are also growing traditional early Sali
variety‐ ‘Bas’ which could be harvested before flood occurs. The production of this variety
also has been enhanced by improve cultural practices. SRI technique has also been carried
out where it is found feasible and the growth is quite satisfactory. Cultivation of improved
HYV of vegetables in flood free period in the operational gave a boost in yield. There were
around 20 ha area that was covered under potato covering 200 household in all the three
clusters and record yield of potato has made farmers enthusiastic to bring more area under
it in the next year.
iii. Irrigation system: Establishment of shallow tube well (STW) with pumps were done in 13
locations to irrigate summer (Boro) paddy, early autumn
(Ahu) paddy and winter vegetable cultivation. Irrigation
system through treadle pump was also introduced as low
cost technology to economize the return. The STW and
Treadle pump has ensured 55 ha of irrigated land under
paddy and 20 ha under vegetable and thus an additional Treadle pump for irrigation
income of Rs. 10000‐15000 per family from paddy and Rs.9000‐14000 from vegetables has
been achieved per beneficiary during the intervening period. Drip irrigation system was
introduced for 15 ha of banana particularly in sand deposited cluster where water holding
capacity of the soil is poor which would further increase the farm economy by irrigating land
in winter period.
iv. Farm Mechanization: The project has adopted a strategy in increasing the efficiency of
the farmer and also the productivity by farm
mechanization for which power tiller, self propelled
trasplanter, sprayer and other small accessories have
been applied in field operation. Farm mechanization
through provision of power tillers saved the time of
SRI practice at Silli Boro Village at Dhemaji
farmers and thus it helped in increasing the area Power tiller provided to beneficiary
under cultivation and in increasing the efficiency of farming activities. The sample study
reveals that due to intervention of power tiller and transplanter, 15 – 20% efficiency of the
farming activities has been observed. Introduction of irrigation facility as well farm
mechanization along with capacity building program improved farmer’s capacity to intensify
the cropping activities.
v. Post harvest technology: Promotion of rice mill in the villages at cluster basis particularly
has helped the women by saving time and energy, which otherwise make rice by pounding
at house or to carry at distance location. This has facilitates to save on an average 25‐30
hours per month and this extra time generated has been invested in productive works. This
has lead to generation of additional revenue of Rs. 500‐600 per women per month.
Members of the group contributed money for construction of the shed which facilitates the
accountability and ownership of the group. Again, integration of flour mill with the existing
rice mill has given additional benefit to the beneficiary.
vi. Seed Storage: Promotion of metallic seed storage bins (110 nos.) with a capacity of 100
kg each , has been done in three worst affected villages by flood. This has saved around 11
ton of their seeds during current year flood as they all carried these bins with grains to the
raised platform. Further, many of the farmer has opted to make same kind of container with
bigger capacity of their own by seeing the benefit of it.
vii. Vegetable cultivation: This intervention has made a great impact on the livelihood of
the farmers. Average production of potato per hectare ranges from 125‐128 quintal and
thereby total earnings enhanced by 60‐70% per beneficiary. Out of potato cultivation
average Rs 4000‐15000 /‐additional income has been achieved by the farmers and thus this
has opened up a new opportunity to the District of Dhemaji where more and more areas are
coming under sand and silt deposition and alternative and potential agri based activity are
under scrutiny to be cultivated in flood free period to give assured income to the farmers in
a calendar year. Looking the success of this intervention, farmers are getting interest to
grow more potato in the subsequent year. They are also preserving it up to 3‐4 months after
the harvest. Other vegetables like tomato, brinjal, chilli also produced a high return.
viii. Enterprise development: Three SHG groups were provided with improved weaving
loom along with machine to make design with less
effort. Two tailoring units were established with two
SHG groups by providing two normal sewing machines
B. To improve the delivery mechanism through skill development of primary stake holders
on improved practices of Agriculture, Livestock, Apiculture and Post Harvest
Technology
To develop skill and knowledge of community on managing the natural resource base and
on modern technologies in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fishery etc. series of
capacity building trainings, extension programs, IEC
activities has been taken up both at institutional and on
farm level.
C. To develop institutional mechanism among the primary stake holders for adopting the
approaches and establishing market linkages for income generation activity
Development of institutional mechanism to make the project sustainable in long run is the
most imperative issue during execution of a project. There are 38 Village Development
Committee (VDC) that has been formed and the apex body of it in the form of Cluster
Resource Centre (CRC) also has been installed. All the VDCs have one president and one
secretary along its one general and executive body and the office bearer looks upon all
program, administrative as well as overall development issues by coordinating with
community. Each VDC has opened a bank account either in State Bank of India or in Regional
Rural Bank at Dhemaji. The account has joint signatory of both president & secretary, one
member from AFPRO. The formation of sustainability fund has already initiated in the CRC
and the community contribution for the goods and services delivered to them has already
been started to deposit in the Bank Account. The exemplary start of marketing of poultry
product of Matri SHG Poultry enterprises in to Arunachal Pradesh with the help of local
vendors has brought a ray of hope to the locality. This has brought awareness among the
rural community about the potentiality that they have to market their product outside.
iii. Integrated package for Household and Village
During the year 2009‐2010, total 590 household were included for the integrated package
based on PRA exercises and as per the need and resource availability at family level. Each
family has given an integrated package to increase their economic status by optimizing use
of their resources, diversification of agriculture through adoption of integrated farming
system. Cop security has been addressed to establish food security by restructuring of
cropping pattern depending on the rainfall and flood condition. The breed of pigs and goat
has been targeted to improve by introducing cross breed animals with the support of
nutritive feed and fodder. Winter vegetable cultivation along with oilseed and pulses has
given assured income to the farmers. Free SMS service has installed so that information
regarding the improved cultivation practices, livestock etc. can be disseminated to each
farmer whenever necessary.
iv. Determination of Interventions with high payoffs
The project has implemented several livelihood generating activities during its first year and
upon measuring the relative performance of the interventions, it is revealed that some of
the activities are having larger potentiality to bring impact on the livelihood of the people.
i. Integrated Farming System: The integrated farming system which gives scope to utilize
the available resources and to address the livelihood by utilizing the input of agriculture,
horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries etc. As discussed already, there are four basic
modules which were taken up under this project and out of that Livestock‐Fish‐Horticulture
which consists of three sub‐modules such as poultry‐fish‐vegetable, Dairy‐Fish‐Vegetable
and
Pig‐fish‐vegetable has been able to give a larger impact on the economy of the farming
community. The farming system has lead to increase vegetable and fish production in the
farmer’s houses. The HYV seed of vegetables like Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chilli, Tomato,
French bean, Pumpkin, Bottle gourd, Ladies finger, Brinjal, Potato etc. has given assured and
additional income to the farmers in the flood free period. The integration of pig, goat and
poultry with fishery has reduced the dependency of the community on external input and
along with this the productivity of crop and fish also has been increased. Major intervention
in animal components which includes balanced feed, de‐worming, vaccination, insurances
has lead to reduction in mortality rate of the animals and giving assured income to farmer.
The introduced cross breed pigs is attaining at their maturity stage and it is expected that
during 2011, around 3500 nos. of progeny will be generated which will be further
distributed to the nearby villages. Further, during 2011 another 400 nos. of improved
progeny of ‘Black Bengal’ and ‘Beetle’ goat will be achieved in the three clusters. The
comparison of the introduced cross breed pigs with the local one says that the average
weight gain of the cross one within 6 months is 25% higher than the traditional breed.
Further, integrating poultry and duckery with improved fish culture has ensured in getting
additional Rs. 10,000/‐ to Rs. 12,000/‐ for poultry and Rs.15,000/‐ for fish pond and thus a
total additional income of Rs.22,000/‐ to Rs.25,000/‐ has been attained which establishes
that 25‐30% increase in livelihood has been achieved for the targeted beneficiaries.
ii. Restructuring of cropping pattern: To address food security by addressing crop security,
restructuring of cropping pattern has been designed and implemented among the farmers
involving manly crop activities of paddy, vegetables, pulses and oilseeds. The planting of
short duration early ahu varieties like ‐ Luit , Kolong and Disang has led to production of
more yields (5‐8 q /bigha) compared to local variety (3‐5 q /bigha) i.e. more than 50%
increase in yield/ bigha of land. Thus, this gave additional income to the beneficiaries. There
are altogether 30 ha area under autumn rice and 55 ha (effective yield from 40 ha area only)
area under summer rice which has generated additional 125 ton of paddy with a net earning
of Rs. 9000 to 16000/‐ . SRI technique has also been carried out where it is found feasible
and the growth is quite satisfactory. Cultivation of improved HYV of vegetables in flood free
period has given assured income to the farmers. Record yield of potato production has
created a positive thinking among the farmers to adopt this practice in commercial way in
the coming years. There were around 20 ha area that
Potato production under NAIP project
was covered under potato covering 200 household in
all the three clusters. The average productivity of potato achieved is 125‐128 q/ha which is
60‐70. % higher than the prevailing yield trend and thus this has generated a total income of
Rs. 25, 00,000/‐ in the three clusters. The assured irrigation through STW and Treadle pump
has ensured 20 ha of irrigated land under winter vegetable except paddy and thus an
additional income of Rs. 400000‐500000/‐ has been achieved during the intervening period
in all the clusters. Further, addressing seed security is very crucial in situation like Dhemaji
and the intervention of metallic seed storage bins
(110 nos.) with a capacity of 100 kg each has saved
around 11 ton of their seeds during current year
flood. Many of the farmer has opted to make same kind of container with bigger capacity of
their own by seeing the benefit of it. Along with this improvisation of few traditional storage
structure made of bamboo and awareness on promotion of community Grain Bank will
further save seed and grain of the people.
iii. Enterprise development: The poultry enterprises that has been developed with ‘Matri
SHG Federation’ and ‘Ruad SHG’ has been able to generate benefits within 6‐7 months
period of time and this shows the potentiality of bringing group enterprises in the locality.
The Matri SHG Federation has already earned Rs.6, 01,320.00 after investment of total
Rs.4, 55,499.00 and thus they have attained a net benefit of Rs. 145821.00 till August, 2010.
Similarly, the Ruad SHG also has got Rs.177074.00 benefit after making initial investment of
Rs131708.00 till August, 2010. The product is having local demand as well as it can
profitably sell in Arunachal Pradesh and thus there are larger viability of this type of
enterprises.
v. Relationship with private partners/ NGOs etc. over information exchange and
dissemination of result
VDC (village Development Committee) were formed in all the villages and there are regular
monthly meeting and proper record maintenance. There are regular communication and
sharing of information with this VDC. Progress is also monitored regularly by Lead
centre/CO‐PI as well as by Consortium Principal Investigator and other officials attached
with the project. There are three consortium partners and they are also in regular contact
through internet and telephone with CPI for update the progress. Regular CIC meetings are
organized to know the progress and status of each other.
vi. Record keeping at village level
Record keeping by the farmers is very important to know the progress of each activity and
their outcome. Household level data base has been initiated to develop where each
beneficiary farmer has been provided with a format including date of receiving input, input
details, area under cultivation, result of individual intervention etc. VDC maintain their
monthly/quarterly/half yearly/annual action plan and maintain proper record on input
delivery, production status, sustainability fund, training details, meeting details etc.
vii. Sustainability and Spread: Plans to addressing technical, financial and institutional
aspects of the Projects
Project interventions were selected in such a way that they suit the existing livelihood as
well as local adaptive system in the respective areas. Peoples’ adaptive capacity towards
new farming practices by managing monsoon behaviour, physical infrastructure, additional
enterprises, research innovation, institutional frameworks, socio‐cultural adjustment have
been enhanced through training and participatory action learning. Knowledge and skill of
the community has been enhanced through on farm practice and capacity building on
intensification and diversification of crop variety and animal rearing to own sustainable
livelihood in the post project time
For sustainability of the project, Village Development Committee (VDC) in each village has
been formed which are vibrant, dynamic and democratic village level institutions. Bank
account has been opened by each VDC so that they can establish linkages with CRC and
other Govt. and Financial agencies. The contribution of community as sustainability fund
towards CRC has already initiated. Creation of sustainability fund where beneficiary farmers’
contribution for the goods and services deliver to them individually under the project would
carry forward the actions in long run after withdrawal of the project.
Beneficiary’s contribution for construction of shed for group enterprises like poultry farm,
rice mill, weaving and tailoring centre etc. has created the sense of ownership and
accountability and it would help to make the project sustainable.
Insurance of the pig has made community capable to adapt the good practices like
production of more piglets instead of selling it out. This has given a guarantee to the farmers
against mortality of animals or damages of infrastructures.
Linkages have been established with Panchayati Raj Institutions, line departments,
Insurance agency, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), and other on going Govt. program to sustain
their support in long run.
Workshop with bankers and insurance agency would be helpful for the farmers which are
supposed to held during the current financial year.
viii. Status of Environment and Social safeguards
There is no such threat of environmental and social issues in the operational area. Majority
of the families in the project area have been included in the project and there is no issue of
social tension. Similarly, there is no any environmental threat out of the activities in the
project area as well as in the vicinity areas. In fact, the entire project has assured integration
of available resources and utilization of it in an environmentally sound manner.
ix. Policy issues emerging out of the Sub‐Project: As the project has just crossed one year,
there is not much policy issues that has emerged. However, few of our experiences has been
brought here.
i. Farmers’ indigenous knowledge‐ Farmers’ indigenous technology of crop production
and resilience to adverse flood situation is quite commendable. These technologies
could be further enhanced with improved way during the project period like they
used to grow local rice variety‐ Bas as a early Sali ( winter) paddy which can be
harvested before onset of flood. The production of such variety could be enhanced
by proper cultural practices.
ii. Timely input/ technical training – Provision of timely supply of input is very
much needed as per situation demand. Technical training given in advance really
helps farmers to plan better for the farming activities.
x. Status of horizontal expansion due to successful NAIP interventions
Based on successful progress of the project, one similar project on livelihood development
has been developed by IGSSS (Indo Global Social Service Society) for the flood affected
districts of Lakhimpur & Dhemaji where AFPRO would be the technical service provider. The
project will be funded by Welthungerhlife.
5. Experience of Consortium in Project Implementation
i. Status of Head wise Fund Released and Utilized
The details of partner‐wise sanctioned budget, fund released and fund utilized upto March,
31, 2010 are given below
Table 3. Partner‐wise sanctioned budget, fund released and fund utilized
* Fund utilized compared with release
ii. Status of Procurement of Goods and Services Approved for the Sub Project and the plan
for the remaining procurement
All equipments already procured. With regard to civil works, office renovation has not been
completed and fund has been carried over to 2010‐2011.
The remaining procurement for the year 2010‐11 is in progress. Tender opening and supply
order already has issued and some of the items has already procured.
iii. Working with Diversified Consortium Partners
All the consortium partners are working with a good understanding. All the partners have
good knowledge and experiences though there is a lacking of timely report submission by
the partners. CPI is maintaining the regular communication through telephone & internet
with the partners and as such there is no other problem along the partners. Co‐PI of KVK,
Dhemaji is sick for long time, the matter of which was discussed in last CAC meeting and
accordingly as per the decision of the CAC, a request letter has been sent to Assam
agricultural University to make a suitable replacement of the concerned Co‐PI with some
other experienced person.
iv. Working at Different Capacities
The consortium Leader is taking keen interest and is provided necessary guidance at all level
of implementation. The CPI is able to timely implement the interventions and well
coordinated with all the partners for timely execution of the activities and compilation and
submission of necessary reports on time.
v. Meetings of CMU/CIC/CAC (Proceedings & action taken report attached herewith)
a. Number of CMU meeting‐ 2
b. Number of CIC meeting‐ 3
c. Number of CAC meetings‐1
vi. Publication
Following Booklets has been published under the project:
a. Samannita Krishi Pam Padhati (Integrated Farming System)
b. Samannita Gahari‐Fish Aru Uddyan Sashyar Kheti ( Integrated Pig‐Fish_Horticulture
Farming)
c. Multi Harvest Fish Cultivation and Zero Point Fish Culture (Under Publication)
Following Leaflet has been published under the project:
a. Unnata Krishi Paddhati of Bilahi, Alu, Jalakia, Jika aru Bhendi (Improved cultivation
Practices of Tomato, Potato, Chilli, Ridge Gourd & Lady’s finger)
b. Dhanar Mat Nursery ( Mat Nursery of Paddy)
Following Training Materials has been published under the project:
a. Rice‐Fish –Horticulture Farming System
b. Rice‐Fish –Horticulture Integrated Farming System 1
c. Rice‐Fish –Horticulture Farming System 2
d. Livestock‐Fish –Horticulture Farming System 1
e. Livestock‐Fish –Horticulture Farming System 2
vii. Way Forward
The interventions under the project are going to address basically the crop security and thus
it would definitely be a sustainable model and they could be replicated in other flood
affected areas to enhance livelihood. The various innovation interventions at farm level
would provide better perspective in near future with more skill development. Market
linkages would result more commercial production of profitable crops/ livestock.
viii. Any other pertinent Information
Innovation
materials Like Wood and PVC Pipe which is very much Hand driven manual weeder & Mr.
Pramod Ramchiary
useful in field and cost effective. He has also rendered
his services to nearby villages and has generated huge appreciations. His innovation has
added an additional strength to his economic status.
b. A new look into Farmers’ Extension Process –Dissemination of free mobile SMS services
Dissemination of appropriate information to the farmers at appropriate time is very much
essential in any rural development project. Time to time delivery of information like
preparation of seedbed for rice, transplanting time, other related cultivation practices,
vaccination of domestic animals etc. are essential for efficient input planning at farmer’s
level and thereby enhancement of productivity. Connecting of 2500‐ 3000 beneficiaries in
38 project villages with a single message and within a minute would definitely create a large
impact at ground which normally detached from the mainstream land in most of the time.
AFPRO, under its NAIP Project took up this concept and made up an attempt to take the
advantage of recent IT advancement in rural areas. It has been found that the existing
Mobile Telephone service provider like BSNL, Aircel, Airtel and Reliance are actively giving
its services to the rural areas of Dhemaji. A preliminary survey established that almost 60%
of the household of the project villages are using mobile phones. The data base of the
mobile user has developed through our Village Development Council (VDC) and a strategy
has been developed to disseminate information related to agro advise and even weather
forecasting. A total nos of 2,25,000 nos. of SMS has been procured from a service provider
M/S Value Leaf Services India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore at a rate of 11 paise per SMS and with a
total cost of Rs. 27,299.00. It has been planned to deliver at least one SMS every week for
96 nos of week in coming two year i.e. 2010‐2011 and 2011 – 2012 to minimum 2340 nos of
farmer of our project villages. The information which are disseminated mainly of related to
agro advisory which are controlled and given jointly by AFPRO, Guwahati and KVK, Dhemaji.
The initial response which has been received from the community is overwhelming and
really encouraging and seems that it is really benefiting the farmers in getting adequate
information. So far, the information related to cropping plan involving various crop varieties
depending on the local situation like pre and post flood situation, early sowing variety etc.
has been disseminated. The information on package of practice, cultural practice and pest
and disease management practices of the crop which are cultivated in farmer’s field are
really helping farmers in applying appropriate controlling method.
c. Country made improved lamp (kerosene) to establishment of broiler group enterprise in
flood affected non‐electrified Arney village
There was only one Arne village before the devastating flood in 1998 in Dhemaji district
of Assam. The flood ransacked the village so badly that the Arne village was divided into
many villages. No.1 Arney village of Sissiborgaon block of Dhemaji district does not have
electricity and there is no any motorable road to this village, the alternative lighting
schemes have not touched the village, despite of these challenging situation No.1 Arney
Ruad SHG successful in running broiler production unit in their village with the new
technique of using country made improved lamp (kerosene). The unit received the support
from NAIP Sub Project . The total expenditures made in the unit were Rs. 131708.00. The
unit produced total 1968 kg of meat and earned total Rs. 177074 with a net profit of
Rs.45366.00 till date. In the depressing of No. 1 Arney village, the activities carried out by
No.1 Arney Ruad SHG have both direct and indirect influence in the village socio‐economic
condition.
6. Comments of CPI/Consortium Partners
The project of “Live Better with the Flood” has successfully grounded participatory action
research on farming system which has included integration and diversification in crop,
animal, fish based interventions with restructured cropping pattern and changes of crop
calendar as per the monsoon behaviour. The project has ensured the best use of both good
genotypes of crops (rice, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables) and animals (pig, goat, poultry) and
their ecological management in order to establish their potential benefit at ground. . Use of
quality seed, ensuring soil health through conservation farming and through Integrated Pest
and Nutrient Management has established successful and innovative model in the project
areas for augmenting production in order to address food insecurity. Enhancement of
farmer’s capacity through training, demonstration and advocacy to use and conserve
natural resources (agro biodiversity, land and water management) and indigenous
knowledge in an efficient and sustainable manner through local level community
management & farmers participation are some prime issues that has been addressed. The
project is bringing new line in agricultural research and thus developing innovations in
technology generation which are location specific and people’s centric.
CASE STUDIES
i. Potato Farming bringing a new hope to Dhemaji
Dhemaji is becoming known for more and more areas that are coming under sand and silt
deposition due to flood. More sand deposition is making land unsuitable for cultivation for
major crop like paddy and people are forced to search alternate livelihood. Searching
possibility of suitable cropping plan under NAIP Project, AFPRO found potato cultivation as a
potential profit making crop which can be grown in moderately sand deposited area as well
as in silt deposited areas.
Mr. Bolin Bora resident of Bahokotika village of Bordoloni Block was one of the farmer
among many with whom we worked in the beginning year of the project. He is one of the
beneficiaries under NAIP Project who took keen
interest in organizing people, understanding project
concept and in implementing project interventions.
For the first time he has cultivated potato in his paddy
field after harvesting Bao (Deep water paddy) paddy.
He prepared 1.5 bigha of land and planted potato with
4.4 quintal of potato of variety Kufri Chandramukhi.
Prior to land preparation, training program on Improved Cultivation Practices of Crops was
organized and thus he applied his knowledge in field. For the first time Mr. Borah
understood the value of application of recommended and balanced doze of manures and
fertilizers and thus he applied recommended doses of FYM and fertilizers. Preventive
disease control measures with Indofil M‐45 for late blight of Potato was taken up and unlike
other times that seen in the District, the crop damage was minimized to zero level. As a
result he harvested 24 quintal of potatoes from 1.5 bighas of land under rainfed condition. It
was an opportunity for him that for the first time he was able to contribute to his family for
his brother’s wedding. Mr. Borah has determined to bring more area in the next year and to
encourage his fellow farmer.
Adding to the success of the potato cultivation, Mr. Deva Phukan who is an enthusiastic
and energetic farmer of village Dihingia Gaon had established an exemplary steps for the
younger generation in taking agri based activities as a commercial activity. Mr. Phukan lives
with his wife, a graduate boy and a girl reading in class X and agriculture is only the earning
source for the family. He is having 3.3 ha of paddy land and 3 bullocks. The two
consecutive flood in the year 2007 and 2008, converted his fertile land into unproductive
one due to deposition of sand up to 5ft to 6 ft height.
He is one of the beneficiaries of NAIP Project who
undergone the training programme on Improved
Cultivation Practices of Crops. He cultivated in 1 bigha of land in his homestead with 3
quintals of potato tubers of Chandramukhi variety. He harvested 14 quintals of potatoes
from 1 bigha of land. He has sold out 4 quintals of potatoes @ Rs.10 per kg in the local
market and got Rs. 4000/‐. From this money, he admitted his girl in Class X as well as
bought some books for her. The smiling face of her wife and daughter has encouraged Mr.
Phukan to take the venture in a larger scale in the coming year.
Mr. Ranjit Mandal who is 28 years old farmer of Kakobari village under Low Land Cluster
also encouraged the project team by way of showing encouraging result in his field..
Agriculture is the main income source for his 10
member’s joint family. In 2009‐2010, under NAIP
Project and during Rabi season, he cultivated potato
in 1 bigha, cabbage in 1 bigha, cauliflower in 0.5
bighas, chilli in 1.5 bighas and tomato in 2 bighas of
land after harvesting winter paddy. He harvested 18
quintals of potatoes from 1 bigha of land under irrigated condition from 1.4 quintals. He
earned Rs. 14,000/‐ by selling only tomatoes and few quantities of cauliflower and
cabbages. He has got 25 bighas of paddy land where he cultivates Deep water paddy, winter
paddy, Autumn paddy and summer paddy under the project.
ii. Integrated Farming System‐ opening up a new meaning to farmer’s life
The project team during its initial awareness period saw a hidden potentiality on the
capability of Mr. Kanak Hatibaruah of aged 46 years of Seujipathar village of Machkhowa
block. While given the opportunity to work under NAIP Project, Mr. Hatibaruah
implemented Rice‐Fish‐Horticulture module under NAIP sub Project in his 5.5 bigha of land
in 2009‐10. He cultivated Rabi vegetables (viz. Cucumber, Pumpkin, Lady’s finger & Chilli) in
1 bigha of land which he is still using for his household consumption. He has cultivated Sali
paddy (Ranjit variety) in 2 bighas of land & Bao paddy (Panindra variety) in one bigha of land
and is expecting around 5 to 6 quintals/bigha. He is being supported with 6600 nos. of fish
fingerlings along with 87 kilogram of fish feed, 35 kg of urea, 15 kgs of SSP, 10 kgs of lime
and 200 nos. of banana suckers during 2009. As per observation it is seen that each
fingerlings has attained an average weight of 500 gm. He is expecting a profit of around Rs.
1.5 lakhs from the unit within short period of time.
iii. Matri Amar Bazaar Kendriya Samity (MABKS) an institutional existence of Amar Bazar
Matri Amar Bazar Kendriya Samity (MABKS) is the network of the Amar Bazar, a market
established and run by organized women of self help
groups in district Dhemaji. The weekly village markets
(Hats) are the basic unit of Amar Bazar, these small
markets are located in a cluster of villages and serve as
the entry threshold for the day‐to‐day essentials items
for the village communities and in the same time exit
threshold of village produces to the outside markets as
well as to other villages. The executive body of the Samity is formed by two representatives
from each SHG in the Amar Bazar network selected by the respective groups. In the present
status there are about 200 members in the Samity
from around 100 SHGs of Sisiborgaon and Jonai block
of Dhemaji district. The network of Amar Bazar i.e.
Matri Amar Bazar Kendriya Samity established a
facilitation centre –Matri Amar bazaar Production and
Training Centre at Akajan village under Sissiborgaon
Broiler Farm of Matri Amar Bazar development block to conduct various skill
development training and establish the link between
Amar Bazar and other big markets for particular handloom products. The unit apart from
imparting various skill development trainings adds value to various handloom and textile
products of the village women.
Under the current NAIP the centre was provided support for establishing a broiler unit for
demonstration and training purpose. With the support from the project the centre has built
up two rooms of total floor area 1120 square feet and a residential unit of floor area 560
square feet. The project has support for all equipment, food, medicine and utensils for 1300
one day old chick. To maintain the proper sanitation and hygiene a running water system is
also installed. The electrification is also done according to the capacity of the unit. The
members were trained on the broiler rearing by veterinary doctors and successful broiler
farmers. The total input cost thus was Rs. 455499.00. The unit has successful to produce
7337.19 kg of meat and earned an amount of Rs.601320.00. The group has already
completed fifth batch with the amount they earned. The centre has developed the training
curriculum and started the broiler rearing training for women from the month of March
2010.
iv. When there is a will, there is a way – Village level enterprises of Ruad SHG
No.1 Arne Ruad SHG ( Ruad means new light in Mishing) was formed in the year 2001 with
the leadership of Khukheswar Morang. The members decided to deposit Rs. 30 per month
and revolve the amount among the group members.
They cultivated horticultural crops initially and started to
renovate a part of the water logged area due to flood to
a fishery. No.1 Arney village of Dhemaji does not have
electricity and there is no any motorable road to this
village, the alternative lighting schemes have not Broiler farm of Ruad SHG
touched the village, despite of these challenging situation No.1 Arney Ruad SHG successful
in running broiler production unit in their village. The broiler production unit got part
support from Rural Volunteers Centre under NAIP. The total expenditure made in the unit
was Rs.131708.00. The unit produced total 1967.49 kg of meat and earned net profit of Rs.
45366.00 till April, 2010. Till now they have completed two batch and third batch is running
on.
Ruad SHG is the enterprise in the depressing environment of No. 1 Arney village, the
activities carried out by the group have both direct and indirect influence in the village
socio‐economic condition of the No.1 Arney village.The introduction of blackgram
cultivation in the village helped the farming families to find out a tangible alternative to the
paddy cultivation, the paddy cultivation lost its important due to huge sand deposition. The
courage to cultivate in the nearby river island helped the farmers in the village to search for
alternative land for their cultivation, they also established that the damaged caused by the
wild animals is not significant and one can have good production despite of this loss. The
introduction of vegetable and other rabi crop is so significant that 50% of the farm families
of the village now earn Rs. 20000 to 50000 yearly from this cultivation.