Shri Charles Born Rapthap of Mawphlang village in East Khasi Hills district is one of the successful beneficiaries who got the opportunity to transform his economic condition through intervention of HMNEH Scheme. Shri Rapthap has been a sincere and dedicated farmer ever since he took over from his parents to start farming on commercial basis by growing different kinds of vegetables, agriculture field crops etc. He further capitalised his knowledge on farm-based activities after he successfully attended the 5 months training programme for educated unemployed youth organized by the Department of Agriculture. It was this particular training programme that led him to approach the office of the Horticulture Office for starting a new venture for sustainable livelihood.

Seeing the enthusiasm of Shri Rapthap, the implementing agency selected him as a beneficiary under HMNEH scheme during 2010-11 for growing commercial cultivation of Gerbera. Within a short span of one year, he realised a net income Rs.1.7 Lakhs from this particular unit, which he strongly believed that in future he will try his best to expand more areas under protected cultivation by growing other varieties of low volume high value crops.

Being a diploma holder from ITI, Shillong he never had any regrets of not seeking any job in government organization, but instead took up the challenge to emulate other successful entrepreneur of the State by exploring the fast growing business in Horticulture activities. He markets his produce at farm gate and at times, he finds a good demand in most of the flower boutique in Shillong. The success and endeavour of Charles Born has drawn the attention of other educated unemployed youth and also the neighbouring farmers to go for large scale horticultural activities including area expansion under protected cultivation especially from floriculture side. This is one of the unique achievements of the successful implementation of HMNEH scheme, and as a result, more farmers have come forward to address their needs and requirements for the support from the scheme.