Jaikhlong Farmers Producer Company Limited

Jaikhlong Farmers Producer Company Limited is right near Golondihabi Chowk in Udalguri. It’s a busy intersection where people meet to catch the bus or grab a snack. We have a small space there where we handle our business. Most of us are farmers from the surrounding villages in Udalguri district. We grow a lot of different things, from rice to some seasonal fruits. The company was started because it’s hard for one person to negotiate with the big buyers. When we are together, we have a bit more power. We don't have a fancy website or a lot of equipment. We mostly use our hands and old tractors. The office is usually dusty because of all the trucks passing by the chowk. We sit there on plastic chairs and look at the ledgers. It’s a lot of work to keep track of everyone’s contribution. Sometimes the harvest is great and everyone is happy. Other times, the bugs get into the crops or the rain doesn't come, and things get tense. We don't use big business words. We talk about the price of diesel and how the soil feels. It’s a group effort to keep the company going. We are just regular people trying to make the most of the land we have. It’s a tough life but it’s familiar. We hope to see the younger generation stick around and help out too.