Guwahati: The State Innovation and Transformation Aayog (SITA) is making significant strides in empowering Assam’s rural communities through sustainable, innovative projects. SITA currently has 20 projects dedicated to improving the livelihoods of Assam’s rural populations, mainly through long-term, transformative solutions.
During an exclusive interview with Business North East (BNE), SITA Vice Chairman Narayan Borkataky shared his insights into the organization's mission and the impact of these initiatives.
"We have undertaken 20 projects, with 13 completed and seven ongoing. We plan to launch more projects as we move forward," Narayan Borkataky said, highlighting SITA’s focus on leveraging Assam’s natural resources to drive development and innovation.
"Our mission is to develop solutions that make a long-lasting impact on the rural communities of Assam," he added.
A core focus of SITA is its agro-based projects, which aim to harness the region’s rich natural resources. These projects will boost local economies and foster innovation, ensuring long-term benefits for rural communities.
"We believe in using the region’s resources to their fullest potential, ensuring that the local population benefits from sustainable development practices," Narayan Borkataky explained.
One of SITA's flagship projects is the medicinal plant conservation and cultivation initiative. This project aims to preserve endangered plant species and promote the cultivation of rare medicinal herbs.
"We are planting medicinal plants and setting up herbal gardens in various parts of Assam," Narayan Borkataky said and added, "The project has been progressing well, particularly at Rangia College, where botany professors and senior students are actively involved in cultivating rare plants. The local community has played a crucial role in supporting the project."
Additionally, SITA has focused heavily on empowering rural women through income-generating projects. One of the most impactful initiatives in this regard is scientific goat farming, a project that supports rural women by providing them with goats and training in modern farming techniques. SITA is collaborating with Assam Agricultural University to ensure women receive high-productivity goats and the veterinary care necessary for their health and well-being.
The initiative, currently operational in Guwahati and Nalbari, provides rural women with four certified goats each, chosen for their high productivity.
"The women involved in the goat farming program are doing remarkably well. They are receiving full support from the veterinary department, and we have seen first-hand how this initiative has improved their quality of life," Narayan Borkataky said, emphasizing the project's success.
Narayan Borkataky also shared that for many, the project has proven life-changing. "One woman told me she no longer has to ask for money from her husband. She manages her income and contributes to the family’s finances,” Narayan Borkataky said while speaking of a woman beneficiary.
This success story underscores the project's broader impact, providing women with financial independence and self-reliance.
In addition to goat farming, SITA supports rural women through poultry farming. The Samriddhi Poultry initiative focuses on providing women with 40 hens each, which they rear and manage as part of a sustainable livelihood model. The project's first phase has already launched in the Dimoria block of Kamrup District, with assistance from the Assam Agricultural University and local veterinary professionals.
Narayan Borkataky revealed that the poultry farming initiative is a success. Many women earn income from selling eggs and gain confidence in managing their businesses.
"This project has empowered rural women to become entrepreneurs. They are contributing to their households in meaningful ways while developing essential business skills," the SITA Vice Chairman said.
The impact of SITA's initiatives on women is far-reaching. Both the goat and poultry farming programs have provided much-needed opportunities for economic independence and personal growth to rural women.
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"These programs have encouraged women to take charge of their financial futures. They are not just making a living. They are building a foundation for sustainable development within their communities," Narayan Borkataky told BNE.
Looking to the future, SITA remains committed to expanding its reach and continuing its work in rural development. "Our work is far from over," Borkataky said.
"We will continue to explore new opportunities for innovation that enhance the lives of rural people. SITA is committed to ensuring these projects benefit as many people as possible."
Through its dedication to sustainable, agro-based initiatives, SITA is transforming rural communities in Assam. The organization’s work is helping to build stronger, more resilient communities where women are key players in driving economic growth and development. With a clear focus on innovation and empowerment, SITA is paving the way for a more prosperous future for Assam’s rural population.
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