People and Process

Farm located in Meghalaya

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!
Farm located in Meghalaya

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!
3 of the Top Fastest-growing Coffee Startups in India

3 of the Top Fastest-growing Coffee Startups in India

Do you know that a few pockets of Meghalaya have the potential to grow high-quality coffee? 😊 

Zizira is focused on Meghalaya, to unleash the unrealized agricultural and horticultural potential of our state and help farmers improve their livelihood.

Now, let us get on with the story on coffee startups in India.

World Spice Congress 2016: Vision of a Sustainable, Clean and Safe Supply Chain

World Spice Congress 2016: Vision of a Sustainable, Clean and Safe Supply Chain

Zizira’s explorers are on a pursuit to discover and create a profitable market for the farmers of Northeast India. It’s fascinating to see the multitude of discoveries on our way as we venture to discover and unleash the potential of Northeast India.

In late February 2016, the Zizira team reached Ahmedabad for the 13th World Spice Congress (WSC) themed 'Target 2020: Clean, Safe and Sustainable Supply Chain”.

Meghalaya Government Schemes for Agriculture for Farmers and Unemployed Educated Youth

Meghalaya Government Schemes for Agriculture for Farmers and Unemployed Educated Youth

In India, more than 70% of rural households depend on agriculture as their primary means of livelihood. Combined, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, account for one-third of India’s GDP, making them the largest contributor (13.9%, 2013-14) to the country’s economy. With numbers like that, it is no wonder that government schemes for farmers abound, which provide a large platform to expand and grow the agricultural sector along with its allied sectors.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, a Proactive Agricultural Extension Service in Meghalaya

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, a Proactive Agricultural Extension Service in Meghalaya

Much has already been documented on the agricultural reforms in Northeast India while at the same time discovering the hidden agricultural potential of the region. From entrepreneurs to business firms and explorers alike, agriculture, as well as the rich biodiversity of Northeast India, has remained the subject of widespread interest and discussions.
The Challenges of Being a Traditional Turmeric Farmer

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

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.
Committed to Helping Northeast India Farmers

Committed to Helping Northeast India Farmers

Traditional organic farming in Meghalaya has yielded a better strain of the magic spice turmeric. The missing link was the technique to provide the best product for the market. See how this has been achieved now. It has been proven over and over again that the Meghalaya variety of organic turmeric is superior to similar varieties around India. It is not just the state’s traditional organic farming methods that make it special. It is also the special genetic strain of the spice with higher curcumin levels that make it a unique and healthy product.

Small Farmers - Are They Benefiting As India Develops Digitally?

Small Farmers - Are They Benefiting As India Develops Digitally?

As India develops digitally, do you not wonder whether small farmers are benefiting too, from technology? After all, a largely agrarian economy, agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for about 58 per cent of India’s population. And, 81% of them are small and marginal farmers with holdings of less than 2 hectares. What do you know! Looks like there is an initiative to use digital technology to help farmers and that too in the Northeast of India!
Farmers’ Exhibition at Bhoirymbong | Zizira

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 | Zizira

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

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]

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.