People and Process
Producing The World's Finest Coffee From Meghalaya - Myth Or Dream
With coffee grown in India set to record the highest production in 2015-16 (348,000 MT as against 320,000 MT the previous year), the market for coffee is huge with many up and coming coffee outlets and startups joining in. Given that 70% of what is produced is exported, India emerges as the third largest producer of coffee from Asia.
In view of this upsurge, coffee growers from Northeast India produced 220 MT of coffee in 2014-15 which translates to a meagre 0.07% of the total production in India. However, the potential is much higher owing to the conducive climatic and topographical conditions of Northeast India.
In view of this upsurge, coffee growers from Northeast India produced 220 MT of coffee in 2014-15 which translates to a meagre 0.07% of the total production in India. However, the potential is much higher owing to the conducive climatic and topographical conditions of Northeast India.
Reasons Why Meghalaya Farmers Are Abandoning Farming
Similar to most of the states in India, Meghalaya also is an agrarian state where 83% of the population depends on agriculture. Through all of Zizira explorers’ numerous field visits we learnt that majority of the farmers in Meghalaya are small-scale farmers. This means that each such farmer holds no more than 0.2 hectares on an average. Because of these limited and restrictive plot sizes, these farmers produce only enough for self-consumption.
Top 5 Challenges Faced by Farmers of Northeast India
More so than other parts of India, Northeast India region is an agrarian economy, and the northeast India agriculture is dominated by rice cultivation. Driving past the lush paddy fields and fruit-laden trees of Shillong, the capital of the state of Meghalaya, one can’t help but feel envious of the people who work in those fields. The beauty and serenity of their surroundings never cease to calm the white-collar worker’s mind which is bursting with number crunching and information overload 24x7!
The Challenges of Being a Traditional Turmeric Farmer
The Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya is home to the finest turmeric in the world with its "Lakadong" variety.
Here, turmeric farming is popular among subsistence and marginal farmers who cultivate it for self-consumption and sale at the local markets. But that doesn't take away the high demand it has both at the national and international spice market.
Challenges And Potential Faced By Meghalaya’s Agriculture Sector
Meghalaya’s agricultural potential is yet to be unleashed. The state’s agrarian population is at a staggering 83%! And as impressive as that number may sound, the truth is far from it. In fact, the farmers of Meghalaya face numerous challenges and they have been struggling with the same for decades.
Water is Life and Soil is the Soul – Farmers’ Exhibition at Bhoirymbong
In an attempt to promote different agricultural produce and to encourage the farmers of Ri-Bhoi district, the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Farmers Association (ERBFA) organized an exhibition and sale of agriculture, horticulture and Aqua cultural products in collaboration with the ICAR, Umiam, NEH Region on the 28th January 2016 at Kurkalang playground, Bhoirymbong.
Creating a Market for Farmers is Top Priority – Mr. Barry Syiem
We recently met with Mr. Barry Syiem, District Horticulture Officer, South West Khasi Hills, Mawkyrwat who gave us valuable insights into his work. We were introduced to Mr. Syiem by none other than his brother Professor Don Syiem of NEHU!
What I Learned from a Ginger Farmer in Meghalaya
Organic farming in the hills of Meghalaya has been a natural tradition. It has developed through practice and experience, as I found in my travels through the farmlands.
Here is an example of how sticky rice, a high value product, has been traditionally grown by a farmer whose family lives on normal rice. I also got a glimpse of the ginger cultivation, the organic way. This seems the future of farming success in the state in such hilly regions anywhere.
![Pros And Cons Of Jhum Cultivation [Infographic]](http://www.zizira.com/cdn/shop/articles/d8fcd8e2a81abefe6edbc5f922bf05c1_12230b32-bf34-4e4b-8aad-2e1bd690978c_{width}x.jpg?v=1594210180)
Pros And Cons Of Jhum Cultivation [Infographic]
Jhum cultivation is a significant agricultural practice in the Northeast India. It is considered to be the oldest method of cultivation and is regarded as the beginning of the transformation of humans from food collector to food producer. This agricultural practice is believed to be 9000 years old.
Meet An Organic Farmer Of Garo Hills, Meghalaya
Eline A. Sangma is a lady organic farmer who has been practising organic farming for the past 20 years and is no less than a successful agricultural entrepreneur. Her family farm is in Mukdangra Village, West Garo Hills district, Meghalaya. She grows a variety of crops and uses natural fertilizers like animal dung. Team Zizira visited her farm on the 26th December 2015 and we bring you this first-hand report from the field visit.
Bird’s Eye Chilli Of Meghalaya - From Dulongnar Village
Bird’s Eye chillies are common chillies of India. They are hot, but decent enough to be used regularly in Indian meals. They are grown organically widely in Meghalaya and provide great taste to your meals.
It was mid October 2015 when Zizira explorers made a trip to Dulongnar, a small village in the Ri-Bhoi district, which is famous for Bird’s Eye chillies. The team met with farmers growing Bird’s Eye chilli, spent time to understand all about their cultivation and bought high quality, organically grown ones for the Zizira store.
It was mid October 2015 when Zizira explorers made a trip to Dulongnar, a small village in the Ri-Bhoi district, which is famous for Bird’s Eye chillies. The team met with farmers growing Bird’s Eye chilli, spent time to understand all about their cultivation and bought high quality, organically grown ones for the Zizira store.
Discovering Meghalaya – Topography, Climate And Farming
Meghalaya is a predominantly agrarian state where about 80% of its population depends on agriculture for livelihood. Rice is the main food grain crop, complemented by other like maize, wheat and a minority share of pulses. Oil-seed crops like rape and mustard are also grown. Fiber crops like cotton, jute and mesta are the traditional cash crops.