Porba farmer finds self-reliance through vegetable cultivation

In a remarkable journey of resilience and transformation, Kukhrusulu of Porba village, Phek district, has emerged as a shining example of self-reliance through vegetable farming.
According to Dr. Moakala Changkiri, Scientist, AICRP (VC), Department of Horticulture, Medziphema Campus, Nagaland University, Kukhrusulu—once dependent on daily wage labour to support her family—saw her fortunes change in 2023 when she received support under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Vegetable Crops, funded by ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi. The initiative, facilitated by Prof. S.P. Kanaujia and Dr. Changkiri of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, provided her with essential garden tools and high-value seeds including broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, and French beans.
With determination and care, Kukhrusulu cultivated the crops and earned Rs. 18,450 from her first harvest, significantly improving her family’s livelihood. She now cultivates vegetables on one acre of land.
Benefiting from Porba’s road connectivity, her farm—located just above the highway—allows her to sell fresh produce directly to buyers, ensuring better returns and reduced transport challenges.
Her success was further supported by Potsülü Thelüo, Agriculture Officer, Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, whose guidance helped connect farmers to relevant schemes and encouraged onion cultivation in the region.
Expressing gratitude, Kukhrusulu said, “I remain deeply indebted to AICRP on Vegetable Crops and ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi for their support to marginal farmers like me.”
Her story stands as a testament to how timely intervention, coupled with hard work, can empower rural farmers and inspire others to view agriculture not merely as a struggle for survival, but as a viable path to progress.