Set amidst the serene landscapes of Namsai, where nature
gracefully blends with human ingenuity, this is a story of agricultural
excellence and the incredible journey of empowerment and transformation under
the SFURTI scheme. Join us on this captivating expedition as we uncover how
Namsai’s farmers turned their hardships into opportunities, unlocking a path
towards unprecedented success.
The farmers of Namsai faced numerous challenges in
cultivating turmeric, moringa, mushroom, and aloe vera. The lack of proper
knowledge about these crops, inadequate infrastructure, and limited market
opportunities hindered their progress. Despite their best efforts, the absence
of value addition mechanisms prevented them from unlocking the true potential
of their produce.
Through awareness campaigns and training programs, farmers
were equipped with the knowledge and skills required to thrive. They gained a
deep understanding of cultivation techniques, economics, and the medicinal
benefits of these crops.
Under the SFURTI scheme of MSME, the moringa, aloe vera,
turmeric, and mushroom clusters blossomed into vibrant hubs of activity. Skill
development programs, export trips, and professional guidance provided
invaluable expertise and exposure. The establishment of a central common
facility, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and raw materials, further
bolstered their capabilities. Turmeric processing emerged as a lucrative income
source, reaching an impressive production capacity.
Moreover, the clusters set up a Rural-Mart outlet to sell
their value-added products, with future plans to leverage e-commerce platforms
for a broader market reach. This strategic shift towards value addition enabled
the artisans to command higher prices and substantially increase their incomes,
making the dream of expanding their reach and tapping into new markets a
reality.
Recognising the lack of awareness about the medicinal
benefits of curcumin, moringa powder, and aloe vera gel, efforts were made to
educate not only the farmers but also the wider community about the tremendous
health benefits and commercial potential of these products.
The impact on the farming community has been profound,
catapulting them from a state of struggle to one of prosperity. By embracing
modern techniques and leveraging the resources provided under the SFURTI
scheme, the artisans have elevated their livelihoods and contributed to the
sustainable growth of the region.
The cluster’s profitability is actively growing through the combined efforts of Namsai Organic Spices And Agricultural Products Producer Company Limited, Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, serving as both the Implementing Agency (IA) and Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). They facilitate production and marketing support, along with the cluster members, artisans, MSME-Technology Development Centre Agra (PPDC), and Nisarg Agripreneurship Foundation, acting as the Technical Agency (TA), fulfilling all responsibilities under the SFURTI scheme.
