Nandita Kalita, an Assamese woman from a small village in Dhemaji, has redefined resilience and reinvention in the face of adversity. After serving as a Middle English (ME) school educator and Hindi teacher for over 28 years, she faced an unexpected setback in 2021 when she was laid off from her job. For a woman who had devoted her entire life to educating young minds, the loss was not only financial but deeply emotional. However, what seemed like the end turned into a new beginning.
A Sudden Turn in Life
In 2021, the unexpected layoff left Nandita disheartened and uncertain about her future. Being the sole earner in the family, the pressure was immense. But rather than succumbing to despair, Nandita chose to look ahead. After numerous heartfelt discussions with her husband and father-in-law, she decided to step into an entirely new realm of agriculture.
Venturing into Agriculture
In February 2021, with the support of her family, Nandita took a bold step. She began by acquiring an 8-bigha land plot from her daughter. Since the land was low-lying, she decided to convert 3 bighas into a fishery. Encouraged by initial success, she then acquired another 4 bighas from her husband, using 2 more bighas to expand her fishery. Gradually, what began as a modest 5-bigha fishery turned into a thriving 32-bigha enterprise by 2024. Her journey reflects not only the entrepreneurial spirit but also the importance of determination and family support in overcoming life's hurdles.
Smart Land Utilization
Nandita didn’t stop with just fish farming. She mastered land use with an integrated approach that turned her farm into a multi-crop and multi-livestock hub. Along the banks of her fishery, she planted Som trees, which are vital for rearing Muga silkworms, unique to Assam. She also introduced banana plantations along the periphery and mulberry trees to support silk farming.
Understanding the risks of soil erosion due to the low-lying nature of the land, Nandita strategically planted bamboo along the borders to act as natural barriers. Additionally, she cultivated a significant quantity of Napier grass, fast-growing fodder highly valued by livestock owners. Not only did this help maintain the ecological balance of the area, but it also became a consistent source of income, as locals frequently visited her farm to procure Napier for their cattle.
A Model of Integrated Farming
Nandita’s farm is a vibrant example of integrated farming. In addition to fishery and crops, she raises six goats, chickens, and ducks, further diversifying her income streams and creating a self-sustaining ecosystem. In another 4.5 bighas, she successfully grew pumpkin and rapeseed (rape) last year, bringing in notable profits. Currently, she is preparing to transplant rice on 8 bighas and is in touch with the KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) officials in her area to procure high-quality seedlings.
This combination of aquaculture, horticulture, sericulture, and livestock management showcases Nandita’s adaptability and business acumen. She has proven that with careful planning and dedication, even a modest piece of land can be turned into a thriving, sustainable enterprise, earning her an impressive annual profit of around Rs 5 lakhs.
Role of Family Support
Nandita's transition from teaching to farming was not easy, but the unwavering support from her family played a crucial role in her success. Her husband and father-in-law not only encouraged her but also actively participated in farming activities. Their belief in her vision and consistent involvement helped her navigate the complexities of agriculture. Today, Nandita proudly manages her farm with the help of four full-time labourers and occasional support from family members.
She often acknowledges that without this support, her success story might have taken a different turn. The role of her neighbours and well-wishers in boosting her morale during the initial tough days also cannot be overlooked. This strong community network became her strength and gave her the confidence to move forward.
Challenges in Transportation and Marketing
Despite her phenomenal growth and productivity, Nandita continues to face significant challenges, particularly in transportation and market access. Her farm is located in a remote part of Dhemaji, close to a riverbank, with minimal road connectivity. This has often resulted in heavy post-harvest losses.
Many of her crops, especially bananas and pumpkins, have perished due to delays in reaching the market. Similarly, she has had to discard fish due to the lack of cold storage facilities and transport logistics. The absence of proper roads not only limits her market access but also affects the morale of other farmers in the region who face similar struggles.
Nandita has made multiple appeals to local authorities and government departments for road development, but her requests have gone unanswered. She emphasizes that while hard work can yield produce, infrastructure is essential to turn that produce into profit.
A Voice for Women Entrepreneurs
Nandita Kalita's journey is not just a story of personal triumph but also a beacon of hope for countless rural women. Her message to other women is simple but powerful: "Women have to do household chores, but that should not be the limit." She encourages women to explore small avenues for self-reliance, be it rearing a few goats, keeping chickens, or growing vegetables in the backyard.
She firmly believes that even small steps toward self-employment can make a big difference. She was fortunate to have a supportive family, but she acknowledges that not all women may have the same privileges. Yet, she insists, resourcefulness, determination, and a willingness to start, no matter how small, can open doors to greater independence.
Nandita Kalita’s journey from a laid-off teacher to a successful farmer showcases resilience, adaptability, and vision. Managing a 32-bigha fishery, diverse crops, and livestock, she built a thriving integrated farm. Her inspiring transformation proves that with determination and support, challenges can become stepping stones to extraordinary, fulfilling success in agriculture.
