The project ‘Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods through Targeted Skill Interventions’ has been implemented at the Agriculture Training Centre, Joropara, North Garo Hills district, with support from the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) since 2022. The initiative focuses on equipping local youth, particularly school dropouts, with practical vocational skills relevant to the region’s rural context. The training modules include organic farming, mushroom cultivation, piggery, poultry farming, and Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), combining technical knowledge with business planning, marketing, and financial management to promote self-employment and reduce out-migration.

Three skill-based trainings, Pig Farmer, Organic Farmer, and Mushroom Grower, have been successfully completed, enhancing employability and entrepreneurial potential among rural youth. Two additional trainings on Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) and Piggery & Poultry Farming, were conducted under the Inter State Border Area Development Programme. As part of the post-training support, each of the 17 trainees received a piglet to initiate their own piggery units, demonstrating the project’s commitment to fostering real livelihood opportunities.

These programmes have laid the foundation for inclusive rural development by equipping communities with sustainable skills and resources. The positive response from trainees reflects a growing readiness among border-area residents to embrace integrated and livestock farming as viable sources of income.