Farmers’ Exposure Visit

Community Development Society (CDS), the Project Implementing Agency of the NABARD-supported THEIHUAN-II Project, organised a Farmers’ Exposure Visit to the farm of Mr. Obed Songtal at Songtal Village on 30 June 2026. The activity was aimed at providing farmers with an opportunity to learn from the experiences of a fellow beneficiary, observe improved farming practices and explore ways to increase farm productivity and household income.

A total of 16 representative farmers from the project villages participated in the visit. They were given the opportunity to interact directly with a progressive farmer and learn how he has utilised project assistance to develop and diversify his farming activities.

Mr. Obed Songtal is one of the 200 beneficiaries supported under the THEIHUAN-II Project. He received barbed wire fencing for farm protection, 102 orange plants and 300 pineapple suckers for cultivation on one acre of farmland. Through regular care and maintenance, he has successfully established the crops, with several orange trees already beginning to bear fruit.

Apart from the crops supported under the project, he has also expanded his farming activities by cultivating bananas and sugarcane using his own resources. These additional crops have helped him diversify his farm and create further income opportunities. According to the farmer, his agricultural activities generate an estimated annual income ranging from ₹70,000 to ₹1,00,000.

During the visit, Mr. Songtal shared his farming experiences, cultivation methods and the challenges he faces in maintaining his plantation, particularly during the rainy season. He explained how continuous rainfall often leads to excessive weed growth, making regular farm maintenance more difficult. Despite these challenges, he continues to look after his crops and maintain the plantation.

The visiting farmers observed the orange plantation, pineapple cultivation and other farming activities. They also interacted with him and asked questions about crop management, maintenance and income generation. His experience encouraged them to consider adopting similar practices on their own farms.

The participants were accompanied by Mr. Lianbiaksang, Project Coordinator, and Mr. Jamzavum Guite, Cluster Coordinator, of CDS. The organisation also arranged transportation for the visit.

The exposure visit provided the farmers with valuable practical knowledge and an opportunity to learn from the experience of a fellow beneficiary. They expressed appreciation for the visit and showed interest in applying some of the practices they had observed.