Organic Pineapples Provides Livelihood for a Meghalaya Farmer

Organic Pineapples Provides Livelihood for a Meghalaya Farmer

Bestarwell Shadap Nongkynrih is a second generation farmer who grows organic pineapples on his two-acre farm in the Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya. He was orphaned when he was about 6 months old and considers himself lucky to have had family support till he grew up to fend for himself and his sister as a farmer. His life is now, the organic pineapple farm that he tends. Here is Bestarwell holding a freshly harvested organic pineapple from his farm in Shangbangla. Taking care of a two-acre tract of land in the hilly terrains of Meghalaya, that too tending to pineapple plants, which need lots of weeding and care is not easy! Yet, Bestarwell seems to be doing really well. 
A Model Family Farm Using Sustainable Agriculture Methods In Meghalaya

A Model Family Farm Using Sustainable Agriculture Methods In Meghalaya

Nah, a lady farmer using sustainable agriculture methods, is like a successful female entrepreneur. Her family farm land is in Puriang Village, in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. They grow a variety of crops, use animal dung to fertilize, try new methods of farming, experiment with new seeds and have a system to reach their produce to the market.

What she makes off the land provides her family a good quality of life and better education for her children. We would like to share their success story of using sustainable agriculture methods. Read on…
Meghalaya Going Organic – No Turning Back

Meghalaya Going Organic – No Turning Back

Mr. Canning Shabong is passionate about agriculture and not just because he is a senior officer in the Department of Agriculture with over 20 years of experience in this field. There seems to be a further calling, which is evident when you read his informative blog posts on the GOM website.
Village Growing High Curcumin Turmeric in Meghalaya

Village Growing High Curcumin Turmeric in Meghalaya

You may have read our post on high curcumin turmeric that is exclusive to Meghalaya called Lakadong Turmeric. There is a growing demand for curcumin (the pigment in turmeric that has health benefits) and hence for high curcumin turmeric. Interestingly Lakadong turmeric is grown only in a small region in the state of Meghalaya.
Organic Farming in India - A Push by The Government of Meghalaya

Organic Farming in India - A Push by The Government of Meghalaya

Zizira is a food products company that 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. Over 80% of the population depend on agriculture but struggle to market their produce. Zizira is striving to open markets for them.
Next Generation Farmers Moving Away From Farming?

Next Generation Farmers Moving Away From Farming?

What happens if next-generation farmers move away from farming in an agrarian economy? This question came up during a Zizira field visit where the team met with farmers who have been following farming as that is what their parents did.
Organic Ginger Is A Specialty At Duh's Farm An Mawtnum Village

Organic Ginger Is A Specialty At Duh's Farm An Mawtnum Village

A small team of three visited Duh in her farm in Mawtnum village in early May 2015. Read all about Cinnamon that grows in Duh’s field. Other than Cinnamon, Duh also grows organic ginger, bird eye chillies, Pineapples and green pepper. The fruits and vegetables she grows are sold in the local markets of Meghalaya.
Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides used in Meghalaya | Zizira

Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides Used in Nongthadroin Village, Meghalaya

The ill effects of using chemical fertilizers and pesticides are well known. In Meghalaya, one of the seven states of Northeast India, many depend on agriculture for their living. Most farmers in this beautiful, verdant state are known to follow natural, organic farming, as did their parents and generations before them. A field visit by Zizira throws up interesting facts. Read on..
Strawberry from Meghalaya

Growing Strawberries Changed the Lives of Farmers

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. Over 80% of the population depend on agriculture but struggle to market their produce. Zizira is striving to open markets for them.