In the heart of rural India, where the land meets labour, where tradition entwines with innovation, and where resilience defines life, a quiet revolution is taking place. At the forefront of this movement is the Sesta Development Services an entity of Sayanant group, a Guwahati-based consulting firm serving as a beacon of hope for farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural communities striving for sustainable livelihoods across India. Beyond statistics and policies, SDS’s work is woven with deeply human stories—of farmers finding new purpose, of women stepping into leadership, and of villages transforming into self-sustaining ecosystems.
Empowering Women: The Success of Maa Chandka FPC
In Chaygaon Block, Kamrup District, Maa Chandka Farmer Producer Company is reshaping how women participate in agriculture. This FPO, supported by SDS, has mobilised women in the mushroom cultivation business. Previously, many women in the area struggled to find stable incomes, but with training and financial assistance, they have successfully grown and marketed fresh and dried mushrooms.
The impact is significant—90% of the women involved have found a steady income source, boosting their economic independence and community development. “With our FPC, we conducted over 23 training sessions across villages on mushroom cultivation and adopting it as a business opportunity,” says Jintu Saloi, CEO of Maa Chandka FPC. Their success story is a testament to how rural women, when given the right tools, can transform local economies.
From a Struggling Farmer to an FPO Leader: Bijendra Kumar Sah’s Journey
When Bijendra Kumar Sah, a poultry farmer from Bihar, first heard about SDS’s Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), he was uncertain. For years, he had toiled under the sun, battling low prices and middlemen who took most of his earnings. His family had seen many seasons of hardship, and opportunities were scarce.
But change was coming. With SDS’s intervention, Bijendra learnt modern poultry farming techniques and efficient value chain improvements. His business, once limited to local sales, expanded to reach larger markets, ensuring stable prices and a higher profit margin. Today, he runs a successful poultry business and mentors’ fellow farmers, demonstrating that with the right support, rural entrepreneurship can thrive.
Reviving Local Traditions through Sustainable Growth: Nalchar Bhumi FPC
Nalchar Bhumi FPC, established in Tripura, focuses on empowering local farmers and bamboo artisans. The village, known for its traditional bamboo craft, faced challenges like limited market access and resources. SDS helped connect artisans and farmers to national markets, provided skill development training, and ensured financial literacy.
As a result, their handicrafts and agricultural products now reach wider markets, ensuring year-round income. Sridham Sarkar, a bamboo artisan, shares, “SDS has been a game-changer for us. It provided us with access to markets, affordable farm seeds and resources, and opportunities to exhibit our work at fairs.
Modernising Agriculture: Hailakandi FPC’s Journey to Mechanisation
In Hailakandi, Assam, SDS played a pivotal role in transforming traditional agricultural practices through the Hailakandi Farmer Producer Company (FPC). Initially, farmers in the region faced low productivity and lacked access to modern farming equipment. With SDS’s support, the FPC has mobilized almost 1000 shareholders from nearby villages, equipping them with better technology and resources. The FPC is one of the biggest farmer producer companies in Assam.
The Village Level Farm Mechanisation Scheme (VLFMB) marked a significant milestone by providing essential tools such as tractors and power tillers. These machined solutions not only boosted productivity but also reduced labour-intensive tasks. Regular training sessions and participation in government programs further empowered the FPC members, ensuring they could access markets and agricultural inputs more efficiently. Today, the Hailakandi FPC stands as a model of modernisation, proving that strategic intervention can uplift entire farming communities. Besides, they also participated in the recently concluded Advantage Assam 2.0 conclave, where they showcased their products, which may result in opening new pathways for them.
NE Locals: A Farm-to-Fork Revolution
SDS’s NE Locals initiative, launched in 2018, has transformed the local farm-to-fork supply chain by eliminating middlemen and directly connecting farmers to consumers. With over 200 local products now available through online platforms, farmers enjoy better prices, and consumers get access to fresh, organic produce.
This initiative ensures that agricultural entrepreneurs—especially those in farmer producer organisations (FPOs)—have a reliable and profitable market for their products, making sustainable marketing a reality.
The Road Ahead: A Vision of Inclusive Growth
In thirteen years since its inception, SDS’s mission remains unwavering: to empower, innovate, and transform. With over 93,720 entrepreneurs nurtured, 68 farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) established, and 851 producer groups formed, SDS is not just bridging gaps—it’s building bridges to a future where rural India thrives on its own terms.
At the core of these achievements are real people—farmers like Bijendra Kumar Sah, women-led businesses like Maa Chandka FPC, artisan networks like Nalchar Bhumi FPC, and modernized farming communities like Hailakandi FPC. Their journeys prove that sustainable development is not just a theory—it’s a movement driven by resilience, collaboration, and opportunity.
Also Read: Holi 2025: Auspicious Date, Muhurat, Rituals & Significance of the Festival
