Hanna Debbarma, a community service provider of Bairagi Para, a tribal hamlet in Purba Chandpur village in Hezamara R D block of West Tripura district, has positively impacted the lives and livelihoods of many tribal households in her village, after she convinced them to adopt organic farming. Here’s her story in her own words.
I grew up in Bairagi Para, in a financially challenged farming family belonging to a Tripuri tribal community.
Our family of five lived in a bamboo-and-mud house on the banks of the Sumili river that divides the village into two parts. Eventually we relocated to the other side of the village due to erosion of the river bank.
I helped my parents on the farm, particularly assisting my mother with weeding.
I fondly remember enjoying our farm-grown tapioca and yam roasted by my mother, and also savouring leftover rice – with a pinch of salt – in the mornings. On special occasions like Tring (New Year), my mother purchased new clothes for us.
Living in Bairagi Para had both moments of happiness and also difficulties.
During winter, Sumili’s water would recede. On moonlit winter nights, my friends and I would stroll along the riverbank, watching the glistening sand and playing games.
During summer rains, the river would swell and we would take delight in swimming in the river after returning from school – which was one-and-a-half kilometres away.
After Class VI, I stayed with relatives in Agartala to continue schooling. But I missed my parents’ care and guidance. After failing my class X exams twice, I returned home.
I followed my heart and married a man of my choice. After the birth of my first child, I lost my mother, which deeply affected me. Since then, I have remained here with my father.
As a woman farmer, I’ve been a member of a self-help group (SHG) since 2014.
In 2021, SeSTA (Seven Sisters Development Assistance) trained us on nutrition gardens, integrated pest and disease management, organic farming and various livelihood activities.
Visiting the Indian Council of Agriculture Research in Lembucherra and the Horticulture Research Centre in Nagicherra further fuelled my passion for organic farming.
That’s also when my journey as a change maker began.
I became the first woman farmer in my village to cultivate organic vegetables. I sell these vegetables in the local market and earn Rs 25,000 every quarter.
Initially, I was concerned that only 5 percent of farmers in my village practised organic farming. There were instances of pregnant women experiencing miscarriages due to unhealthy food. Growth of many children was also affected.
I’ve been spreading awareness about the benefits of organic farming.
My nutrition garden is a demonstration plot, helping farmers learn that nutrition gardens improve soil quality, provide access to healthy food and generate additional income.
I mobilised farmers to establish a farmers’ field school called Swrungthai. I prepare organic fertilisers. I grow and distribute vegetable saplings to SHG members.
I want my village to go organic. So I train farmers on various aspects of organic farming.
Thanks to my efforts, 35 percent of the community has now adopted organic farming.
I did face several challenges. People were not enthusiastic about organic farming since this hilly region is mainly rain-fed. There is also lack of awareness about scientific cultivation in this area, compounded by issues such as small land holdings and non-availability of a market in the vicinity for selling the produce.
But I never gave up, focussing on getting the women farmers to set up nutrition gardens and preparing organic fertilisers.
The Social Welfare and Social Education Department and the district administration recognised my work through an award on International Women’s Day this year.
I’m excited about my future plans – to use my unused pond for fish rearing and simultaneously start a kindergarten in my village.
I believe that by instilling these values from a young age, we can raise awareness about the significance of healthy eating and create a better future.
Reporting and photography by Shanti Bikas Chakma, a field executive at SeSTA.