NECTAR introduces natural dye technology in Ri-Bhoi

SHILLONG: The North East Center for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) is creating livelihood opportunities for the people of Ri-Bhoi and other parts of the State.
As part of its venture, NECTAR has introduced the technology of natural dyes in Ri-Bhoi where dyes are extracted from plants like indigo, madder, turmeric and seven other colours. Indigo plants were introduced in the area to see their fitness for growth in the North East.
“Indigo plant is a fast growing crop. It takes about six months (to grow),” informed Ajay Kumar, Director, NECTAR.
He also said that small plants will be set up to generate employment opportunities for the people of the area.
Eri silk project is also underway in the district to work on improving its quality in order to increase the returns to the weavers.
Kumar informed that extracts from indigo, madder and turmeric would be used to produce natural dyes to be used in the silk industry.
At the same time, NECTAR has studied and assisted people in Lakadong, Jaintia Hills to market the Lakadong turmeric in other parts of the country and has been considering technology interventions to ensure that the “value addition from turmeric could be built into a sustainable project”.
NECTAR has been working with the State Government in making societal interventions in the field of bamboo as well.
The organization is also making an effort to process ginger etc., to integrate the agricultural produce of the North East with the requirements of high value items, both in other parts of the country, as well as abroad.
The institution trains and gives financial aid by procuring raw materials for the farmers.
“No middlemen are involved, we give cent per cent help to the people, we meet the people directly to prevent cheating,” Kumar said.
NECTAR utilizes the latest advancement in technology for the development in areas of agriculture, telemedicine, horticulture etc.
The organization plans to map 10 watersheds in Meghalaya by using state-of-the-art technology at “very high resolution” so that detailed plans for water management can be prepared.  The Data Processing Centre established in Shillong along with Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) will process this data to provide solutions so that water is available throughout the year for drinking and agriculture.