How ‘Green Commandos’ Are Turning Forests into Sustainable Food Havens
In the lush forests of Sonapur, Assam, a revolution is quietly taking root, led by an unlikely army. In a region where most young people dream of joining the Army or security forces, a unique initiative is inspiring them to take up a different kind of service—farming. Samir Bordoloi, a visionary agriculturalist, launched the "Green Commandos" program with an innovative twist: instead of weapons, his commandos are armed with seeds, yams, and a deep respect for the land.A New Kind of CommandosSamir Bordoloi's Green Commandos program is a fresh take on what it means to serve the community. By adopting the discipline, pride, and structure typically associated with military life, this program makes farming an attractive and respectable profession. The participants, donned in uniforms, are not just farmers—they're part of an elite force dedicated to restoring the land and reviving traditional agricultural practices.Bordoloi’s approach is simple. “I tell them to drop these yams wherever they please. They attract animals like wild boars. Then come the leopards. We planted banana trees and bamboo, and in came the elephants,” he explains. These actions are not just about planting seeds; they’re about nurturing an ecosystem that invites wildlife back into the forests, creating a balanced and thriving environment.The Farm Learning Centre Bordoloi’s Farm Learning Centre and Food Forest is situated in the Rupnagar forest, just a short drive from Assam’s capital Guwahati, lies. This is the base camp for the Green Commandos, where the magic happens. Over the past eight years, this center has been drawing the young people across the Northeast back to the land and the joys of farming—a profession that, as Bordoloi says, is often overlooked.The idea for the center came about when Bordoloi was approached by a group of Bodo farmers in 2016. They had land in Sonapur that was under threat from land mafias and sought Bordoloi’s help. Instead of clearing the forest for conventional farming, Bordoloi envisioned a diverse food forest that would support various native plants and animals. The result is a multi-layered ecosystem that now boasts over 5,000 species of local plants.Making farming cool again (Source: Google Images)Farming with PurposeBordoloi’s journey began long before the Farm Learning Centre was established. After completing his degree in Agricultural and Extension Education from Assam Agricultural University in 1997, he realized that organic farming was his true calling. Preferring hands-on experience over theoretical knowledge, Bordoloi traveled across the Northeast, learning and understanding the unique agricultural practices of the region. His mission became clear: empower farmers to become stakeholders in their own “seeds to feed” cycle, focusing on native crops and sustainable farming.The Farm Learning Centre is the embodiment of this mission. Farmers here cultivate everything from king chillies to pumpkins, roselle, and squash, all without the use of pesticides or insecticides. The center operates on a zero-cost model, utilizing natural compost, and recycling resources to maintain the health of the ecosystem.The Green Commandos program officially began in 2017, with a rigorous three-week “army-style” training. Participants start with camping and physical exercises to build discipline and resilience. Then, they’re sent into the forest, equipped with yams and ‘seed bombs’—mud balls packed with seeds. The joy of seeing these seeds sprout and grow in the forest is a powerful motivator for the young commandos.To date, Bordoloi has trained over 2,000 Green Commandos, and the impact of his work is spreading.Last year, he guided four Green Hub-Royal Enfield Responsible Tourism fellows, teaching them sustainable practices and responsible tourism, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of his vision.The Green Commandos are more than just farmers; they are guardians of the land and pioneers of a sustainable future.
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