People and Process

Green Tea Processing with Simple DIY Tools Created by Zizira

Green Tea Processing with Simple DIY Tools Created by Zizira

On our first visit to Bah Freeman’s farm, he shared the story behind his tea plantation and what motivated him to keep going forward with his idea despite all the hardships he had to encounter because of his lack of knowledge and training in growing tea. We felt we had to help him achieve his dreams for his tea farm. 
Green Tea Processing with Simple DIY Tools Created by Zizira

Green Tea Processing with Simple DIY Tools Created by Zizira

On our first visit to Bah Freeman’s farm, he shared the story behind his tea plantation and what motivated him to keep going forward with his idea despite all the hardships he had to encounter because of his lack of knowledge and training in growing tea. We felt we had to help him achieve his dreams for his tea farm. 
Regenerative Farming Health for Soil | Zizira

The Magic of Regenerative Farming for Soil & Human Health

Have you ever wondered why most people nowadays complain about the general insipidness of vegetables and fruits, and even meats? Many of these folks even aver this is due to the widespread use of fertilizers, insecticides and artificial growth hormones. They may not be far from the truth.
House Construction Using Bamboo | Zizira

Sustainable Construction Using Bamboo

Blessed with ideal climatic conditions and fertile soil, the state of Meghalaya prides itself in having a wide variety of vegetation, ranging from different species of medicinal herbs to unique fruits, vegetables, and other plants. Traditions of collecting, processing, and preserving plants have been passed down from generation to generation. These traditions continue to be followed by the farmers of Meghalaya.
The Journey of a Tea Farm Owner | Zizira

From Cowherding to Tea Cultivation - The Journey of a Tea Farm Owner

Like all hill states, Meghalaya is also a region that has favorable climatic and soil condition for tea plantation. The first tea nursery was introduced in the late 70s, where the government brought samples from Assam and planted them in Ri Bhoi and two other locations. There were very few takers then. With a little help and support from the government, a few farm owners and entrepreneurs started investing in tea. Zizira team of explorers visited Bah Freeman, an entrepreneurial tea farmer from Umran, Ri Bhoi district.
Less Known Tea From Meghalaya: Sharawn Tea

Less Known Tea From Meghalaya: Sharawn Tea

One of Meghalaya's greatest advantages is that its tea quality is better than most other tea-growing states in India. Like all Hill States, Meghalaya is the ideal place for tea plantations. The fertile soil, the hilly terrains, the climatic conditions, and everything makes it one of the most favorable conditions for tea plantation. However, very few dared to venture into this profession.
Farmers Community – An Important Lifeline

Farmers Community – An Important Lifeline

With over 70% of India’s population engaged in agriculture, bringing cereals, vegetables, fruits and other farm products to our table, the farmer community is, no doubt, our lifeline.

Presently, the country is witnessing many skilled, as well as the educated population, widely accepting agriculture as an employment option. They have realized the potential in agriculture, which is why a few Top B school graduates are giving up their dream jobs to become farmers.

Pineapple Production Technology - A Venture For Meghalaya Farmers

Pineapple Production Technology - A Venture For Meghalaya Farmers

Meghalaya is located in one of the most beautiful places in India. Regardless of the modern technology, the aura of the place remains pleasant with sun kissed weather and cloudy skies. It is blessed with tropical, semi-tropical and temperate climates, it has a perfect ambiance for a variety of horticultural crops to grow.

This special factor is reflected in the extensive cultivation of orange, pineapple, turmeric, ginger and other indigenous fruits and vegetables in the state.
Traditional Farming Practices in Meghalaya, Northeast India.

Traditional Farming Practices in Meghalaya, Northeast India.

Want to hear interesting real-life stories about farmers in a remote corner of India?

I bring you this story based on our first-hand experience of working with farmers of Meghalaya.

Zizira operates from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya in the Northeast part of India – a region known for its verdant landscape, natural springs that irrigate fields, and unique herbs and spices.

Visit to a Honey Bee Farm | Zizira

Visit to a Honey Bee Farm to Meet an Amazing Entrepreneur of Khetri, Assam

Mr. Arun Mitra's story is an extraordinary saga, of someone who went beyond what could have been a humdrum life in a village called Oujari in Assam's Kamrup District. Oujari is off the national highway 37 which skirts the Kaziranga National Park. A harmonious mix of Assamese and Bengali inhabitants populate this small farming village that grows paddy, areca nut, betel leaves and vegetables.
Sustainable Farming Methods, A Farmer’s Small Step for A Better Tomorrow

Sustainable Farming Methods, A Farmer’s Small Step for A Better Tomorrow

Farmers are hardworking folks who make the best of what nature provides them. Many implement sustainable farming methods and their goal is to get good yield each harvest, enough to make a living and feed the population. Sustainable agriculture provides farmers with opportunities while having a beneficial impact on the environment.
Traditional Farming – Helping Nature To Feed The World

Traditional Farming – Helping Nature To Feed The World

Many farmers in Meghalaya still use indigenous farming methods and techniques developed over centuries, like using natural manures and growing mixed crops that complement one another. The inputs, irrigation systems, farm equipment and tools etc are largely traditional, manufactured with indigenous raw materials. Time and again this strategy ensured steady and sustainable yields, and has remained fail-safe and gentle on the environment.
Honey Bee Farming Entrepreneur of Khetri Assam

Honey Bee Farming Entrepreneur of Khetri Assam

Honey is a well-loved food; hardly anyone will disagree. Honey can come from many floral sources, giving it the distinctive flavour of the flowers the nectar is drawn from - wildflowers, multi-flora, mustard, orange…wherever the bees go foraging, they regurgitate honey of that flavour. Some time ago Zizira explorers had got in touch with a beekeeper from Assam’s Kamrup district for his honey derived from the nectar of litchi blossoms. As unprocessed honey is a product health conscious people are looking for, the team decided to visit the beekeeper and find out more. In late June 2017 we took a tourist cab to Jorabad, 80 km north of Shillong on the Shillong-Guwahati highway, and from there another vehicle eastwards to Khetri, 35 km away. 
Pure and Simple - Popular Traditional Khasi Food

Pure and Simple - Popular Traditional Khasi Food

When it comes to food, people nowadays are spoilt for choice. There’s food every way one looks. The streets are full of them, suiting every palate and pocket.

But, are they healthy?  Possibly. Possibly not.

There is one undoubtedly healthy option: traditional fare of the tribes that has stood the test of time, still using age-old cooking methods.

Appearance, taste and texture look the same as when your grandmother first dished them out to you. Unchanged through the years. Made from ancient grains, original, non-GMO, traditionally grown, and unique.