People and Process
Bah Ha Lyngdoh – Farmer, Grandfather, And Village Leader
Like most people the world over, the Khasis of Meghalaya too love chillies. They have been raising varieties of these fiery plants in their backyards ever since the Christian missionaries introduced them into the Northeastern part of India … maybe five centuries ago.
MBDA Shillong Mission: Conserving Natural Resources & Improving Livelihoods
As part of Zizira's effort at 'getting to know the agricultural and other livelihood imporvement potentials of Meghalaya', a team of three visited the office of the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), Shillong and met with its Director, Mr Aiban Swer, in mid-September 2015.
Top 5 Reasons Why Agriculture Is A Good Profession
India is on the brink of an exploding workforce that will need a sustainable means of livelihood in the immediate future. The Census of India 2011 estimates that by 2020, over 65% of the country’s population will attain working age, which has been summed up as India’s “demographic dividend”. But on the other hand, there is also the fact that one out of every three graduates in India is unemployed.
Organic Agriculture In Meghalaya: Opportunities And Challenges
Till only a century ago natural farming was the norm everywhere. Then the Green Revolution happened in the mid-twentieth century. It created the era of mass food production, of modern, conventional agriculture. To increase food production, we use chemicals and invade forest lands. But now we see a small but a significant shift back towards organic agriculture.
Living With The Bees: Story from our Epic Trips
“If you live in harmony with nature you will never be poor; if you live according what others think, you will never be rich.” This is one of our favorite quotes by Seneca.
Zizira explorers recently visited Mawsynram. Known as the wettest place an Earth, Mawsynram also is known for its honey. And quite literally, we experienced living with the bees.
Meet Kong Elvira – A Bee Keeper From Mawsynram
Meet Kong Elvira from Mawsynram. Working with Zizira has given her a chance to sell her honey to a bigger market and increase her business. Read her story.
Young Entrepreneurial Farmer Who Grows Lemongrass in Meghalaya
Lemongrass is a herb of many purpose uses. Its leaves and the extracted oil are commonly used in aromatherapy (using aroma from the plant for healing and cosmetic purposes). The plant is native to tropical countries like India, China and Thailand. It flourishes in hot climate, rich and well-drained soil.
Each Trip Expands Our Network: A Visit to Lawbah Village
Zizira explorers regularly set out on field trips to visit villages which are off the beaten track – in remote areas - as there is a good chance of meeting farmers struggling to find a market for their produce.
Why Farmers Are Moving Away From Farming: Meghalaya Farmer Stories
Do you ever wonder how the food you eat reached you? What hard work goes behind it? Who helps you maintain a continuous supply of food?
Yes, it's the farmers and their hard work.
We often complain about the high price of the crops or vegetables we buy. But hardly do we think about the farmers, their lives, and the conditions they live in.
Traditional Beekeepers in Meghalaya - the Ethics of Bee Keeping
You love honey. Everyone does. But do you know the way honey is processed? You may not know it but that favourite bottle of honey on your kitchen shelf may have not been processed ethically. Wait a minute, is there even something like processing honey ethically? It's natural food. The bees make it, so there can’t be any foul play, right?
#ZiziraSpotlight: Women of The Sung Valley & Traditional Art of Pottery
Sung Valley – Home of Black Clay Pottery
Sung Valley cradles between West Jaintia Hills and East Khasi Hills districts of the state of Meghalaya. I...
Growing Turmeric: Practices in the Lakadong Country
The world’s best turmeric comes from the Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. In their quest for Lakadong turmeric, Zizira explorers ensconced themselves in Lakadong country with one sole purpose, to bring out the best the world can offer in turmeric. Hand in hand with their supplier the team gave their all unstintingly to realise that purpose. All that would not have been possible without the unreserved devotion of Bah Shadap, the soul behind the sourcing of pure, genuine and unmixed Lakadong turmeric with curcumin content upwards of 7.5%.