By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 21: In the heart of Meghalaya’s lush Ri-Bhoi district, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Farmers in the Marnagr-Umden Cluster under the Umling C&RD Block are embracing a sustainable future through the Organic Turmeric Project, initiated by Hid Foundation Shillong.
This initiative, part of the Initiative for Sustainable Livelihood Promotion Programme (ISLPP), is more than just a farming project—it is a lifeline for a community severely impacted by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
By introducing scientifically enhanced methods of organic turmeric cultivation, the project is not only revolutionising turmeric farming but also uplifting the lives of the farmers involved.
Funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the project was launched in 2019 and gained momentum in May 2023. Its primary objective is to address the scarcity of high-quality turmeric seed rhizomes while offering sustainable livelihood opportunities to farmers.
The Organic Turmeric Project directly supports 100 farmers, positively impacting over 1,000 farming families in the region. It provides 100 percent financial assistance, including planting materials, organic manure, bio-fertilisers and wages.
This comprehensive support alleviates the financial burden on farmers and sets them on the path to organic certification. Such certification not only boosts the market value of their produce but also enhances the region’s reputation as a source of premium organic turmeric.
Collaboration has been key to the project’s success.
The Directorate of Horticulture oversees its implementation, with technical guidance and monitoring from the District Horticulture Officer of Ri-Bhoi district. This collaborative effort ensures the project is aligned with local needs and best practices in sustainable agriculture.
Chief Executive Officer of Hid Foundation Shillong, Jinysha D. Maiong, expressed her gratitude to the NEC, the Government of India, and the Directorate of Horticulture for their support. She also highlighted the importance of the collective effort, particularly acknowledging the contributions of the District Horticulture Officer of Ri-Bhoi.
The project’s first year has concluded with remarkable success, achieving 75 percent of its initial goals. The second year is already under way, continuing to provide farmers with the tools and knowledge to improve their yields and incomes.
The pandemic left a lasting impact on the farming community, emphasising the need for long-term solutions.
The Organic Turmeric Project addresses this by equipping farmers with resources and training to cultivate a high-value crop, ensuring both immediate relief and enduring economic stability.