“Though small initiative, we are in the process of acquiring new skills from each other and happy to put forward our learning in every possible way”, says Mrs. Kygum, President of Pada Women Farmers Club from Jalukie village under Peren District in Nagaland.

The PADA women farmers club won first prize in organic Mela exhibition at Jalukie town organized by ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) and received Rs 5000/- cash prize.

Six years ago, nine farmers club were formed by Development Association of Nagaland (DAN) under the FARM Northeast programme to revive and strengthen traditional socio-economic, governance and health systems through People-Led Development (PLD).

In March 2018, Caritas India FARM programme organized the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) training at Jalukie B village where Mrs. Achingpei, Animator FARM NE-II shared her experiences from farmers and staff exposure tour to Imphal with the women. She shared about women farmers club of Chansil and their activities and achievements where the women farmers club are taking the lead role for village development and income generation activities.

Inspired by the thought, ten women from Jaluke B village formed the Pada Women Farmers Club in May 2018 to initiate collective income generation. The club has started constructing small nursery of king chili and making mango pickle. They have taken up seasonal cropping like cabbage, yam, and tapioca etc. and generated a profit of rupees 12,000/- till date. The group is also receiving organic fertilizers, hoes and vermi bed from the Agricultural Department, Jalukie Block.

“I could do very little but coming together as a group we can do big things. I am learning many things and happy to be part of Pada women farmers club”, says Mrs. Jaithin member of the club.

The club plans to take up mushroom cultivation as well in the coming days for more income. There are many other neighboring village women groups who are inspired by this group and are planning to take up initiatives, seeing the achievements and benefits. FARM DAN has plans to undertake these villages in accordance with their interest and participation.