Bhogtoram Mawroh’s research paper captioned ‘Indigenous Peoples’ Food System’ published in the prestigious London-based weekly scientific journal Nature
SHILLONG, July 29: In a significant achievement, noted city geographer Bhogtoram Mawroh’s research paper captioned “Indigenous Peoples’ Food System” has been published in the prestigious London-based weekly scientific journal Nature.
As a multidisciplinary publication, Nature features peer-reviewed research from a variety of academic disciplines mainly in science and technology. Nature has its offices spread across the United States, Europe, and Asia under the international scientific publishing company Springer Nature. Nature is one of the world’s most cited scientific journals by the Science Edition of the 2022 Journal Citation Reports, making it one of the world’s most-read and prestigious academic journals.
Mawroh is a research fellow at the North East Society for Agroecology Support (NESFAS), which implements numerous projects aimed at strengthening Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems to build climate-resilient food systems.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Mawroh said that he led the research efforts. “My role involved designing methodologies for data collection and analysis. Additionally, I conducted workshops with community members in Meghalaya and carried out field visits, which provided valuable insights into local farming systems, their practices, and underlying principles. These research findings were then integrated into ongoing projects, enabling the organization to continuously refine and improve its interventions. Research was, therefore, a key part of my job responsibilities within NESFAS,” Mawroh stated adding that the research was a huge learning experience for him.
Mawroh, who has a PhD in Geography from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), says the research itself challenged many misconceptions he was taught during his graduate studies—such as the negative stereotypes around jhum (shifting cultivation) and the unquestioned dominance of Green Revolution technologies.
“My courses had also overlooked the cultural, spiritual, and ecological benefits of local farming systems, as well as their vital role in building a sustainable food system,” Mawroh said adding that his interaction with local community members especially the elders opened his eyes to their extensive ownership of environment knowledge and the strong socio-cultural bonds that have sustained Indigenous peoples for thousands of years.
An important revelation was that many principles underlying these local farming systems—particularly the emphasis on biodiversity—are now recognized as key factors in enhancing food system resilience to climate change.
“This research was crucial in helping me truly understand and value the knowledge and belief systems of Indigenous communities and their essential role in shaping a more sustainable future,” Mawroh observed.
Asked about the key learnings from the research project, Mawroh said he is convinced that Indigenous peoples are the guardians of much of the world’s remaining biodiversity, which includes not only wild plants and animals but also domesticated species. In fact, many of the regions where plants and animals were first domesticated lie within indigenous territories.
He cited the example of the Khasis who, as part of the broader Austro-Asiatic migration from South China to South Asia, played a key role in introducing domesticated rice to the region. Today, Northeast India, including Meghalaya, is recognised as a hotspot of rice diversity.
Another learning is that traditional farming systems practiced by indigenous peoples are not primitive but highly sophisticated and deeply connected to the local ecology. The principles that guide these systems have sustained indigenous communities for thousands of years and continue to do so.
Mawroh pointed out that currently, indigenous food systems face significant challenges, as farmers shift toward industrial farming focussing on cash crops like broom and areca nut, which pose long-term risks to the environment and undermine local food sovereignty. The neglect of traditional foods, especially wild edibles, has contributed to rising malnutrition, particularly among children. These adverse changes are driven not only by local factors but also by global forces reshaping food systems worldwide and intensifying climate change.
Asked how he managed to get his paper published in Nature, Mawroh says, “The journal runs a section called Where I Work, which highlights individuals working across various fields who are striving to make a meaningful impact in their discipline and community. Sayan Hazra, a documentary photographer and National Geographic Explorer, approached me to do a story on my work. My name was recommended to him by the late Tarun Bhartiya, who had known Sayan through a workshop. I agreed to be part of the project, and in April this year, Sayan visited Shillong to document my work. Over two days, he captured both my office and field activities,” Mawroh said.
Following Sayan’s visit, Mawroh was contacted by Nikki Forrester, a science journalist based in the US, who was assigned to write the accompanying piece.
“We had an online conversation where I shared more in-depth information about my work. The story was published on July 28, 2025. It is a tremendous honour to be recognised among scientists around the world who are working to bring about positive change. I am deeply grateful to the late Tarun Bhartiya, Sayan Hazra, Nikki Forrester, and Nature for considering my work worthy of this recognition,” Mawroh concluded.