Farmers’ market in Ladmawphlang: A boost for Indigenous food systems

SHILLONG, Sep 27: The Mei-Ramew State Agroecology Cooperative Society launched its first Farmers’ Market in Ladmawphlang on Friday.
The event brought together farmers from various communities, providing them a platform to showcase and sell their organic, chemical-free produce.
The market was a collaborative effort between NESFAS, Cooperative society, and partner villages which included Ladmawphlang, Laitsohpliah, Mawstep, Pyrda, Mawbri, Laitlyndop, Nongpriang, Nongtraw, Dewlieh, Mawmihthied, and Kshaid.
The market featured varieties of organic products, including Sha Shiah Krot (root tea), Rosella jam, bayberry pickle, Sohiong jam, and wild edibles like Jatira, Jasim, and Jamyrdoh.
Babu Richard Ranee, a school teacher from Nongtraw village, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating that the farmers’ market is a crucial step towards empowering rural farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture, and providing a much-needed platform for them to sell their produce and receive the recognition they deserve.
The event attracted tourists visiting Sohra, who were delighted to discover the hidden gem and learn about the region’s unique agricultural heritage. Sohra MLA Gavin Mylliem expressed his delight in seeing tourists frequenting the indigenous café.
He extended his gratitude to NESFAS for promoting organic produce that has become a rare commodity in this day and age.
NESFAS thanked all the attendees and participants for their support. “We hope to decentralize these farmers’ markets and make them more accessible to farmers in rural areas,” Chairperson of NESFAS Nestar Kharmawphlang said.
“This is just the beginning of a larger movement to promote indigenous food systems”, he added.