At 50 years old, while many people were slowing down and worrying about the uncertainties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, AS Yangmaso of Khamasom village chose a different path: a path of hope, resilience and vision for the future.
In the year 2020, during one of the most difficult times in recent history, he began planting avocado saplings on his land. With courage and determination, he planted his first 90 avocado plants, believing that one day this high-value crop would transform not only his family’s livelihood but also inspire others in his community. As a father of five children, his dream was simple yet powerful, to create a better and more secure future for his family.
The journey was not easy. Avocado cultivation requires patience, care, and long-term commitment. But AS Yangmaso never gave up. He carefully nurtured every plant, applying the knowledge he gained through trainings and field guidance. One important lesson he learned was proper spacing; planting the avocado trees 23 feet apart from plant to plant, allowing healthy growth and better productivity in the future.
A turning point came in 2024 when he joined the Avocado Cluster under the MOVCDNER Phase-IV scheme implemented by Manipur Organic Mission Agency. Through the support of the scheme, he received valuable capacity-building trainings, technical guidance, and timely interventions that greatly helped him scale up his plantation. Encouraged by the support from officials of MOMA and the dedicated DSSS Team a service provider, he expanded his orchard from 90 plants to an impressive 350 avocado plants.
Then came a moment of encouragement that strengthened his belief in the venture. In 2025, five of his avocado plants bore fruits for the first time, yielding around 250 kilograms of avocado. Selling the produce at Rs. 100 per kilogram, he earned Rs. 25,000 from just five trees. For him, this was not merely income, it was proof that his hard work, patience, and faith were beginning to bear fruit.
Today, AS Yangmaso stands as a symbol of perseverance and visionary farming in Khamasom village. With optimism and confidence, he believes that this year he can generate an income of nearly Rs. 1 lakh through avocado cultivation. More importantly, he looks ahead with great hope, knowing that the real returns of his investment will unfold over the next five years as more trees mature into full production.
His story is an inspiration to farmers and rural youth alike, a reminder that agriculture is not merely about survival, but about building dreams, creating opportunities and transforming lives through patience and innovation.
With gratitude in his heart, AS Yangmaso acknowledges the noble initiative of promoting high- value crops under MOVCDNER and expresses sincere appreciation to the officials of MOMA and the service providers for their continuoussupport, training, and encouragement.
From planting 90 saplings during a global pandemic to nurturing a thriving orchard of 350 avocado trees, the journey of AS Yangmaso is a living testimony that with determination, knowledge, and support, even a small beginning can grow into a future filled with abundance and hope.