In a noteworthy improvement to Assam’s agrarian economy, the Transforming Agriculture through Market-led Interventions in the Northeast Region (TAMI-NER) project is making quantifiable development in reshaping farming practices and market access for smallholder farmers.
Implemented by Seven Sisters Development Assistance (SeSTA) in partnership with Palladium, the initiative is growth of a new era of commercially feasible agriculture across Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh.
In Assam, the impact is particularly noteworthy, with focused interventions in Sonitpur and Karbi Anglong districts. Over 10,000 farmers related with the project since October 2024 have together earned Rs. 2 crore through better price realisation and direct market networks.
“SeSTA is committed to rural livelihood enhancement. We’ve connected farmers who earlier lacked market access to institutional buyers like Dabur and SnoBite,” said Pranab Jyoti Bharali, District Co-ordinator, while speaking to Business North East.
“For instance, the price of ginger has increased from Rs.20 to Rs.30 per kg due to direct market linkages and better processing.”
Building Value Chains: From Pork to Ginger
In Sonitpur, the project has created a robust pork value chain cluster, while Karbi Anglong is witnessing a surge in ginger production. Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in these areas have benefited from reduced need on middlemen, hands-on technical training, and formalised market access—consolidation of their role as sustainable agribusiness units.
A major milestone was a two-day international training session in Dhekiajuli, conducted by a scientist from the French Institute for Pig and Pork Industry (IFIP).
The meeting equipped local pig farmers with knowledge on breeding, feed optimisation, healthcare, and hygiene, aligning their practices with global standards and elevating product quality.
Institutional Backing reinforces Sustainability
Institutional partners have played a key role in supporting the initiative. The Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM) and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) have helped mobilize Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into FPCs, while also facilitating infrastructure development, access to finance, and alignment with government schemes.
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Their support has been crucial for building long-term sustainability.
To date, over 2000 farmers in Assam have undergone training under TAMI-NER. FPCs have reported tangible developments in product quality, sales volumes, and organizational management, leading to better incomes and a stronger market attendance.
A Scalable Model for Rural Transformation
With its emphasis on market-driven agricultural growth, TAMI-NER is fast emerging as a replicable model for rural development. By amalgamation of technical expertise, strategic partnerships, and policy meeting, the project is allowing farmers to thrive as self-reliant producers in a competitive marketplace.
The early fulfilments in Assam point to a larger capacity for climbing up across Northeast India unlocking rural economies and altering the livings of thousands more smallholder farmers.
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