Mizoram’s woman farmer Lalchhuanwmi is touching new heights of success with integrated farming system

Mizoram’s woman farmer Lalchhuanwmi: A new story is being written in the soil of Hamarveng village in Kolasib district of Mizoram. The story of a progressive woman farmer, who with her hard work and foresight not only changed her fate but also became an inspiration for the farmers of the entire region. Meet F. Lalchhuanwmi, a woman who transformed her land by moving out of the scope of traditional Jhum farming and adopting agro-horticulture and livestock based Integrated Farming System.

A new story is being written in the soil of Hamarveng village in Kolasib district of Mizoram. The story of a progressive woman farmer, who with her hard work and foresight not only changed her fate but also became an inspiration for the farmers of the entire region. Meet F. From Lalchhuanwmi, a woman who transformed her land by moving out of the confines of traditional Jhum farming and adopting an integrated farming system based on agro-horticulture and livestock.

Lalchhuanwmi got assistance from ICAR-NEH Mizoram Centre

The journey of Lalchhuanwmi, a resident of Mizoram, was not so easy. Before 2018, limited income and productivity in Jhum farming had gripped her financial condition. But then a change came. With the assistance of ICAR-NEH Mizoram Centre, Lalchhuanwmi made her farm a model of sustainable agriculture. She started cultivating flowers, fruits and vegetables in a polyhouse and not only this, she also made pig farming a part of this model.

Big achievements from a small farm

Lalchhuanwmi cultivated flowers, especially Anthurium, in Mizoram and generated a gross income of Rs 1,72,380. Out of this, Rs 1,27,200 was his net income. Would you believe that for every Rs 1 invested, he earned a profit of Rs 2.82.

From crops like banana and dragon fruit, he earned a total income of Rs 2,24,000, of which the net income was Rs 1,79,722. But this success was not just financial. By using pig manure as organic fertilizer, he increased the fertility of the soil and reduced his dependence on external fertilizers by 53 percent.

The magic of pig farming

His pig farming in Mizoram is also making a great contribution. It gave a gross income of Rs 2,52,370, of which Rs 1,83,510 was a net profit. Lalchhuanwmi grew several crops of seasonal vegetables and pulses and increased the productivity of the land. In the last five years, his annual net income reached Rs 5,38,632. This success not only gave him economic stability but also helped the environment. His integrated model reduced soil erosion, increased recycling of agricultural waste, and gave his family food security throughout the year. His initiative created employment opportunities for the youth in the vicinity.

Commercial production of dragon fruit juice and wine

In 2023, Lalchhuanwmi took another big step. He started commercial-scale production of dragon fruit juice and wine. And partnered with Kolasib Agro Marketing Cooperative (KAMCO) to market it. Now his farm is not just a farm but a symbol of sustainable agriculture.

New avenues opened with the right approach and innovation

His success showed how the right approach and innovation can enhance the livelihood of tribal farmers. And this is not just the story of one family. It is an inspiration for a community, a region, and even the whole of Mizoram.