Name and address of the farm woman

Mrs Kalpana Barman 
Vill: Uttar Bherbheri
P.S.: Sorbhog,
P.O. Bholukadaba
Dist: Barpeta, Assam -781317
Ph. No: +919678120960

Background information regarding new technologies/innovations/skills developed implemented and disseminated among the community

Mrs Kalpana Barman earlier only used to weave traditional clothes and cultivate paddy and sesame with a very low income

Her zeal to work in different avenues made her undergo trainings on Vermicompost production, mushroom cultivation, natural dyeing of cotton yarns, horticulture nursery management in KVK, Barpeta.

With her immense success and hard work, fellow villagers also took up vermicompost production in their households. With more training, support and convergence of other departments, her village Uttar Bherbheri was declared as Vermi-village where 60 numbers of households are currently engaged in production of 500 qt vermicompost annually.

Training and motivational support to the farmers/members of the community

Mrs Barman is actively involved in uplifting the livelihood of her fellow village members. She has been appointed as ‘Krishi Sakhi’ for community development by Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission, Barpeta.

She regularly gives trainings on mushroom cultivation, vermicompost preparation and value addition of traditional clothes through natural dye free of cost to her fellow community members. Notably, earthworms required for vermicompost preparation are being provided free of cost to the new producers.

Impact in the area in terms of income/employment generation/ women’s empowerment in the community

Mrs. Barman started vermi-composting with 1 unit and then in the following year increased her vermicompost units to 4 numbers producing 40.25 qt of vermicompost per year and earned a net income of Rs 48,300.00 by selling vermicompost and vermiwash.

She encouraged the other village unemployed youths for producing vermicompost and with the support and training of KVK, Barpeta succeeded to recognise Uttar Bherbheri as Vermi-village where 60 numbers of households are currently engaged in production of 500 qt vermicompost from 65 numbers of vermi units and thus, as a whole earning a total income of Rs. 6 lakhs by all the producers.

From all of the newly adopted technologies (mushroom, vermicompost, vermiwash, clothes dyed with natural substance, potato and paddy cultivation), Mrs Barman earned Rs 1,06,300.00 as a total net income in 2020-21 in comparison to previous years i.e. before KVK intervention which was Rs 61251.00 (from paddy, sesame and woven products). Thus, Mrs Barman has increased her income up to 73.55% which encouraged other women to view her as a role model.

Noteworthily, her hand woven stales are being exported to the international market by govt. agencies.

With the success scripted, fellow villagers were also motivated with and she encouraged them through trainings and other convergence with different government agencies. She is also the co-founder of Rhimjhim Self Help Group, a self help group currently engaged in women empowerment through different employment generation activities like Mushroom cultivation, vermicompost production, weaving of traditional clothes etc. 

Awards and recognition

Mr. Kamal Talukdar is a farmer of the village Doloigaon of Bajali area. After passing his class XII examination, he completed the Certificate course on Plumber (ITI) and then he started farming. Mr. Talukdar has 2.4 ha of his own land for framing. He came in contact with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barpeta in the last part of 2019. Before that, he cultivated crops with traditional methods. He participated in a few training and demonstration programmes on field crops, horticultural crops and on plant protection after meeting KVK, Barpeta and started growing crops using scientific technology. At present, he grows vegetables in an area of 0.33 ha and field crops in the rest of the areas.  The major crops he grows are rice (2.0 ha), rapeseed and mustard (1.0 ha), pulses like lentil, rajma (0.26 ha). In case of vegetables, both summer and winter vegetables are grown. He put more emphasis on organic cultivation of vegetables, some high value crops like strawberry, dragon fruit, papaya, broccoli etc. Besides crops, he has one fishery covering an area of 0.40 ha and five number of cows (Cross bred Holstrain and Jersy). At present, he is running a horticultural nursery and producing vermicompost and mushroom. Mr. Talukdar has adopted the production and management technology of strawberry, offseason and organic vegetable cultivation practices, high density planting of papaya and raising and management of horticultural nursery. He has developed Papaya stem forking (at base) to enhance the strength of the papaya plant to withstand hailstorm and wind. The enterprise wise per hectare net income of Mr. Talukdar before intervention (2019-20) and during 2021-22 is given as follows:

Introduction:

Hard work with positive attitude is the prime force behind the success of an entrepreneur as proved by the dedicated farmer, Mr. Prafulla Das, a Strawberry grower of Peragaon pathar village under Sorbhog Development Block in Barpeta district of Assam. He owns only 4 bighas of land including his residence. He earns his livelihood by growing paddy and other field crops at Peragaon Pathar village with an income of mere Rs. 3000.00

KVK intervention:

In the year 2017, he first came in contact with the Scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barpeta especially in field crops and accordingly he came to know about scientific technologies of farming. In addition, he came to know about the scope and profit from high value cash crops like strawberry, dragon fruit etc. and its potentiality as good source of earning livelihood and wholesome food supplement. With interventions like demonstration on strawberry var. Sweet Charlie & Winter Dawn, nutritive crops like black rice, Assam lemon (seedless) and introduction of Japanese quail and Kamrupa birds he got the exposure to a new avenue of income generation.

Impact of intervention:

Being inspired by the KVK support, Mr. Das was able to produce 126 kg strawberry in 1 bigha of land with a market value of Rs.450,00 per kg. With supporting farming activities like cultivation of Thailand Ber he could additionally garner Rs.40.00 per kg in 1 bigha of land. Apart from the above activities, he cultivates Assam lemon (seedless), Banana (var Malbhog & Chenichampa) in an Integrated farming System model. He also cultivates black rice, HYV Tripura Chikon and scented rice in sali season.  He also took the initiative for rearing of 100 nos. of Japanese Quail and 35 nos. of Kamrupa with scientific assistance and technical guidance from KVK, Barpeta. Now, Prafulla is a successful Agri. Entrepreneur with a yearly turnover of approx. Rs. 12 lakh and presently is one of sought after strawberry farmer in the locality and a role model for many youths for taking agriculture as a profitable means of livelihood. 

In the coming times, he has plan to expand his strawberry business in contract farming mode,an example for many aspiring agri-entrpreneurs.

Conclusion:

This success has now lead the self-confident Prafulla to dream for area expansion of high value crops setting an example for many aspiring agri-entrpreneurs.

Result

Introduction of Kharif VKSA:

VKSA programme was carried out by KVK Barpeta in coordination with state departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Fishery and Veterinary from 29th May to 12th June, 2025, with the objectives

1. To create awareness among farmers about improved agricultural technologies

2. To make aware farmers about various government schemes and policies on agricultural development

3. To mobilize the scientific fraternity to have reciprocal learning with farmers and to document grassroots insights for strengthening agricultural research

4. To understand local-level needs and gather farmer feedback on improved technologies

Details of selected villages

Farmer’s innovation identified/Farmer’s Feedback, if any.

· Availability and accessibility of timely critical inputs

· Transport and marketing problem (supply chain management)

· Poor access of farmers to Institutional Credit facility

· Climate variability and Natural disaster

· Lack of awareness regarding governmental schemes and modern technologies due to illiteracy

Conclusion

In the VKSA programme 8028 male and 9052 female farmers participated from both Barpeta and Bajali district

Following are the achievements of KBA about awareness and capacity building of farmers and other stakeholders (during 1-30 June) 2026

No. of people reached through social media : 750

2 nos of Panchayat Sammelan organised for current & former Sarpanchs/Panchs/Members of wards with 51 participants

Category: Value addition

Background Profile

Ms. Ajanta Das, an arts graduate, initially pursued handloom activities but had to stop due to financial difficulties. She then started making and selling rice cakes, later expanding to refined flour cakes. With a passion for food preparation and a strong desire for independence, she pursued training in value-added products from rice, fruits, and vegetables. Passionate about creating value-added products, she sought training from Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barpeta in 2022.

In 2023, she attended further training on millet production, utilization, and mushroom-based products. Encouraged by KVK scientists, she established Nabaneeta Enterprise in Dakhin Ganakgari, Sorbhog, where she now produces and sells pickles, jam, and jelly in local markets. Committed to continuous learning, she has attended various training programs by KVK, the Coconut Board, and DICC Barpeta on food processing, preservation, and industrial packaging. She actively participates in exhibitions and fairs, further strengthening her entrepreneurial journey.

Millet cake exhibited in KVK, Barpeta in International Millet Day, Demonstration of Millet cake in KVK, Chirang, during a training session where Ms. Das was acted as a resource person.

Today, Ajanta Das is a successful entrepreneur and a master trainer in value addition, conducting training sessions on fruits, vegetables, coconut, millet, and mushrooms for organizations like KVK Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Social Welfare Department, and NGOs. She has motivated 15 women in Barpeta district, employing three in her enterprise.

Annual Turnover: Rs. 2,20,000.00 – 2,50,000.00

Category: Animal Science (Integrated farming system)

Archana Das

Background Profile

Name

Archana Das

Father's name

Late Baliram Das

Village

Bogapara, Patacharkuchi

District

Bajali, Assam

Phone

8638855263

The journey to success

Activities and approaches

Archana Das, B.A., B.Ed. from Bogapara village during the year 2021, engage her in farming. She started a broiler farm along with horticultural crops like banana, pineapple, assam lemon, coconut, betelnut, black pepper in her own farm. With the increasing demand and profit, later, she developed a fishery about five bighas of land with a variety of fishes. In addition, she reared ten numbers of Assam hill goat in her farm.

Technology infused, implementation and results

Training on feeding management, fodder cultivation and preparation of silage for ruminant and scientific goat farming for economic benefits of rural women.

Recognition received at district level: District Administrative office, Bajali

Category: Crop Production

Gunajit Nath

Background Profile

Name

Gunajit Nath

Village

Anandapur, Nityananda

District

Bajali, Assam

Phone

6003593558

The journey to success

Activities and approaches

Mr. Gunajit Nath, a dedicated organic farmer, has been cultivating kharif scented rice using traditional, chemical-free methods. He initially started with local rice varieties such as Kunkuni Joha and Bogi Joha, followed by rapeseed cultivation in the rabi season. Recognizing the potential of organic farming, he sought expert guidance and enrolled in organic rice cultivation training at KVK Barpeta.

Technology infused, implementation and results

During this time, KVK Barpeta launched an organic farming project in Anandapur and Kharadhara villages, which aimed to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Mr. Nath actively participated in this initiative and attended skill development training on organic inputs, where he learned about vermicompost preparation, azolla rearing, and biofertilizer application. These techniques helped him improve soil fertility, reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers, and enhance the overall productivity of his farm.

With KVK's technical guidance and support, Mr. Nath expanded his organic rice cultivation to premium Joha rice varieties, including Tulsi Joha, Keteki Joha, and Bakul Joha. These scented rice varieties are highly sought after for their unique aroma and quality, adding significant value to his farming business. By adopting organic methods, he has not only ensured sustainable soil health but has also contributed to environmental conservation and healthier food production.

Annual turnover: Rs. 6,30000.00

1.      Name of the Entrepreneur                           : MRS. KALPANA BARMAN

2.      Details of Entrepreneur:

Mrs. Kalpana Barman was a housewife till 1997. She has two sons. She continued her studies up to class 12 and due to financial problem, she could not continue her studies. After the sudden death of her husband in 1997, she faced an enormous financial problem. She ran her family with a great difficulty for about 12 years. Then she started working in crop field and cultivated crops to meet up her livelihood. Mrs. Sewali Pathak, Sorbhog, a friend and well-wisher of Mrs. Barman sent her to Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Barpeta for some agricultural training. Accordingly, she came to KVK, Barpeta in 2011 and met the Programme Coordinator. Mrs. Barman attended numbers of vocational trainings like production of vermicompost, mushroom, value addition of locally available fruits and vegetables etc. at KVK, Barpeta. After successful completion of the trainings, she chose to produce vermicompost. Presently, she is primarily engaged in production of vermicompost. At this juncture, she played a pivotal role in organizing the farmers of her village to get them involved in vermicompost preparation which was later declared as the Vermi-Village. In 2015, she was engaged as ‘Krishi Sakhi’ under Chakchaka Development Block of Barpeta district and presently, she has been guiding 57 (Fifty seven) numbers of Self Help Groups.

3.      Commodities dealt with                               : Production of vermicompost and pickles

4.      Technology support given by KVKs           :

i.        Vocational training

ii.      Supply of vermi-bag for production of vermicompost – 3 nos.

5.      Current status of Entrepreneur:

Mrs. Barman had been able to acquire skills after undergoing several vocational training programmes conducted by KVK, Barpeta. Owing to financial and family constraints, she preferred to adopt the technology on production of vermicompost as primary occupation. 

Initially, during 2011-12, she started to produce vermicompost in a small low-cost tank made of bamboo and black polythene sheet of size 6ft X 3ft X 2.5 ft. Over the period, she increased the number of vermicompost tanks and at present she has been producing vermicompost in six numbers of tanks of size 12ft X 3ft X 2.5 ft. Because of her good performance on vermicompost production and marketing, she was offered one concrete vermicompost tank of size 30 ft X 4 ft X 2.5 ft. by Coconut Development Board, Guwahati during 2024-25. During 2024-25, she produced 120 q of vermicompost and sold the whole quantity.

Now, Mrs. Barman has been recognised as an expert in production of vermicompost. She has been invited as a Resource person by different organizations of Barpeta district.

Mrs. Barman attended a vocational training on value addition of locally available products during 2023 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barpeta. After gathering the technical know-how on pickle making, she started to produce pickles from locally available fruits and vegetables like jackfruit, king chilli, local chilli, garlic, mixed vegetables etc.

Specific technology name: Performance of HYV toria  (var. TS 38)

Performance of technology vis-a-vis farmer (Increase in productivity and returns):

Specific technology name: Performance of HYV toria  (var. TS 38)

Performance of technology vis-a-vis farmer (Increase in productivity and returns):

1.             Name, Address, Block, Village, Phone No. Adhar No.

2.             Category-agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fishery, Sericulture etc.

Mushroom production and marketing

3.             The journey to success:

            After completion of graduation, Mrs. Das was educated with Diploma in Computer Applications. She was working in a private school as a Computer teacher till 2000. At that period, her husband was working in a company. During the lockdown period of Covid 19, her husband and she herself were out of work and they were finding it very difficult to manage the meager household expenses. One of her uncles is working as an Agriculture Officer. She was inspired by her uncle to grow mushrooms as a means of her livelihood. Then she searched for the technology of mushroom production on the internet and started to grow mushrooms in a very small scale using only 100 bags. The products were sold locally to their neighbours and some were consumed by them. By the end of 2021, she came to Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barpeta to know the detail production technology of mushroom. After getting technical support from KVK, Barpeta, she along with her husband expanded the business and marketed their products in the nearby areas and markets and neighbouring districts specially to Kamrup and Baksa. With the passes of time, she could get a market linkage with a farm at Guwahati and supplied their products to that farm. Initially, she faced a serious problem in marketing at Guwahati owing to insufficient production of fresh mushroom at regular interval and thus, she could not supply the fresh mushroom as per the requirement. Then she and her husband tried to motivate some rural youth in her locality and nearby areas and district specially in Nalbrai district to engage in mushroom production. Accordingly, she could be successful in motivating the local youths and a greater quantity of mushroom production took place. As of today, fifteen new mushroom growers have been developed by her. She was fully assisted by her husband and her husband regularly collects the fresh mushroom from the mushroom growers and supplies the products to Guwahati. On average 25 kg of fresh mushroom has been supplied every day at a price of Rs. 100 per kg of fresh mushroom. She has been assisted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barpeta through technical support from time to time. Mrs. Das has been fully engaged in the mushroom production unit and give away the interest of previous service. She has been growing mushroom round the year. As of today, more than 2000 (two thousand) mushroom bags are available at her farm for the production of mushroom. At present, she can earn an income of Rs. 30,000.00 per month and from which she can easily manage her family livelihood. She is now financially independent. Mrs. Das is a very good example of women empowerment. For more gathering of her knowledge, she underwent one month short term training course on ‘Mushroom Production Technology’ offered by the Directorate of Open and Distance Learning, Assam Agricultural University from 9^th March to 6^th April, 2023. She also attended a seven day vocational training programme on ‘Mushroom Production and Value Addition’ jointly organized by DICC Barpeta and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barpeta from 30^th May to 7^th June, 2023.

4.             Recognition:

Yet to receive

5.             Future plan

               Mrs. Das is a very enthusiastic and mentally strong woman. She has a very strong dedication to her jobs. Her future plan is to expand her business in a very bigger way so that the local and nearby unemployed youth can be motivated and can be made them self-employed. Her future plan is to produce value added products of mushroom and create some employment opportunities for the youths of her locality.     

6.             Photograph:

Sent in a separate folder

7.             Contributor of the story:

                        i.     Dr. Ghana Kanta Sarma, SMS (Agril. Economics), KVK, Barpeta

                      ii.     Dr. Kuldeep Talukadar, SMS (PP), KVK, Barpeta

1.             Title : Entrepreneurship development through Tailoring

2.             Name, Address, Block, Village, Phone No. Adhar No.

3.             Category-agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fishery, Sericulture etc.

Cutting-Knitting and Tailoring

4.             The journey to success:

               Miss Mamoni Ray belongs to a very poor family. She lives with parents and four sister. She is the eldest of all the sisters. Her father was a marginal farmer and grew all the crops in traditional methods for which he could not manage his family expenditure and used to face financial problem. Even, he could not manage a healthy food, and clothes to all the family members in due course of time. During the last covid period he lost his life. This was the challenging time for Miss Ray. When she became older, she thought to start stitching of required dresses for her and her sisters at home without any formal training. Her mother inspired her a lot to continue the job.  Initially, she got a training on embroidery, making of handkerchief, table cover cloth etc. Accordingly, she started to make handkerchief, table cover cloth as per the local demand and order from the school children for their work experience activities. In this way she could earn Rs.1800.00 (Rupees one thousand eight hundred) only per month. In the year 2015, she attended a vocational training on Knitting and Tailoring organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barpeta where she could learn cutting, knitting, blouse making, embroidery, petticoat and chalwar making. After that, she expanded her activities and business and started to make and stitch all the ladies wear and even, the school uniforms for girls at home. In the year 2018, she started a tailoring shop at Bhalukadoba market. She has been assisted by her one younger sister. Presently, her monthly income from her business id more than Rs. 20,000 (Rupees twenty thousand) only per month.  In the meantime, she was engaged as Krishi Sakhi under State Rural Livelihood Mission, Chakchaka Block in 2018.        

5.             Recognition:

Yet to receive

6.             Future plan

               Miss Ray is a very enthusiastic and mentally strong woman. She has a very strong dedication to her jobs. Her future plan is to expand her business in a very bigger way and in a specialized manner so that more income can be received from the enterprise and some of the local youth can be engaged in her enterprise.

7.             Photograph:

Sent in separate file

8.             Contributor of the story:

                             i.     Dr. Ghana Kanta Sarma, SMS (Agril. Economics), KVK, Barpeta

                           ii.     Dr. Swapna Choudhury, SMS (Community Science), KVK, Barpeta

1.             Title : Entrepreneurship development through Goat Farming

2.             Name, Address, Block, Village, Phone No. Adhar No.

3.             Category-agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fishery, Sericulture etc.

Goat Farming

4.             The journey to success:

               Mrs. Hasina Khanoon ia a goat farmers. She has been rearing goat for about last six years; but not in a scientific way. After her engagement as ‘Pashu Sakhi’ under State Rural Livelihood Mission, under Bhwanipur Development Block, she put more interest on rearing of goat as a business enterprise. In 2020, she came to Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barpeta to gather technical knowhow on scientific rearing of goat and in 2021, she attended a three days training programme on ‘Scientific Goat Farming’ under DBT Bio-tech Kisan Hub programme. Observing her interest, skill and enthusiasm on livestock farming, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barpeta gave her two numbers of cross bred female beetal during 2021-22 under DBT Bio-tech Kisan Hub demonstration programme. In the first year, she got four numbers of kids from the does. Gradually, the number of goat is increasing and at present she has 12 (Twelve) number of goats. As per the recent information from her, three numbers of does are pregnant and it expected to get at least 4-5 more goats within a very short period of time. In addition to the beetals, she rears some local goats, cows, duck and poultry birds. She sells her does to the other women of her village and nearby villages. Five women of her village and two women of nearby villages collected goat from her for rearing. As a Pashu Sakhi she inspires the women under her jurisdiction for rearing of goat in a scientific way and to collect the kids of improved quality. In 2022-23 she earned Rs. 35,000.00 (Rupees thirty five thousand) only by selling goat.

Table: Income from goat rearing

5.             Recognition:

Yet to receive

6.             Future plan

               Mrs. Khanoon is a very enthusiastic and mentally strong woman. She has a very strong dedication to her jobs. Her future plan is to expand her business so that the local and nearby unemployed youth can be motivated and to make them self-employed.

7.            Contributor of the story:

                                  i.     Dr. Ghana Kanta Sarma, SMS (Agril. Economics), KVK, Barpeta and

                                ii.     Dr. Dilip Kumar Dev Choudhury, Programme Assistant (Animal Science)