Shillong, Aug 9: As part of the celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the North East Society for Agroecology Support (NESFAS) and the Mei Ramew State Level Cooperative Society Limited (MRSLCSL) launched the “Mei Ramew Cooperatives” at the head office of NESFAS in Laitumkhrah.
The MRSLCSL is made up of 19 Primary Cooperatives representing 19 villages. It will prepare their members in terms of capacity building, business plans, bookkeeping, networking among other activities. Several capacity-building programmes have been initiated in collaboration with SIRD & BRDC.
The event featured a Mei-Ramew farmers’ market. Local produce and cuisines from across communities that NESFAS works with were sold.
Addressing a gathering after the formal launch of the Mei Ramew Cooperatives, Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies RN Rymbai said they would like to see that the democratic setup of the Society is strong to ensure the participation of each and every member in its activities.
According to him, it is critical that as shareholders they should have a voice and are able to take part in the affairs to ensure the smooth functioning of the Society.
“It will not be a healthy trend if a few members control the affairs of the Society. We have seen that many of the cooperatives could not survive if the powers are bestowed only on a few people,” Rymbai said.
Mei Ramew State Agroecology Co-operative Society chairperson Shaiphar Dohling said the Society is designed to promote livelihoods and build relationships among partner communities and in the long run, work for the betterment of mother nature.
NESFAS chairperson Nestar Kharmawphlang said the Cooperative Society is aimed at supporting the local economy by providing vocational training, encouraging innovation and inspiring people to adopt environment-friendly methods of farming and other activities.
“The Mei Ramew State Agroecology Co-operative Society aims to bring sustainable change by supporting and empowering indigenous peoples. Mei Ramew literally translates to Mother Earth and this is a testament of NESFAS’ commitment towards respecting and protecting our planet,” Kharmawphlang added.
In his keynote address, Executive Director of NESFAS Pius Ranee cited a global study, undertaken by NESFAS and encompassing indigenous communities from India (Meghalaya), Kenya, Mexico and Thailand, which showed that local food systems can contribute substantially to solving some of the pressing global issues, including climate change and biodiversity loss.
“The results are highly promising and suggest that indigenous values of caring and sharing embedded in its governance structure can help the world overcome the ecological and social challenges besetting it,” he said.
The farmers’ market is a regular forward linkage activity promoted by NESFAS for farmers from across the state.
S Klein, a member of the Mei Ramew Cooperative Society from Plasha, said the initiation of this body has immensely benefited farmers following traditional farming practices.
Another member, Bisikrin Marwein from Mawlum Mawjahksew, believed that the society will help indigenous communities improve their well-being and livelihood.
