Shifting cultivation in Northeast India is still prevalent and is practiced by the indigenous communities. This farming system has been widely disputed as environmentally destructive and economically unfeasible. Shifting cultivation has been part and parcel of the region’s tradition and culture since time immemorial and its practice is widespread even to this day.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR NEH Region), has been advancing agriculture and allied areas in Northeast India. The institute was set up to improve and develop a sustainable farming system in the region. It is now one of the biggest of its kind and has research centres across all Northeast states.
Zizira explorers ‘discovered’ the world of essential oils after a visit to CIMAP, Bangalore. That was in March 2016. Once back home we seem to be discovering more and more about the Medicinal and Aromatic plants (MAPs) that can and could grow in Meghalaya. We cannot wait to share the news with all of you! Please read on…
More so than other parts of India, Northeast India region is an agrarian economy, and the northeast India agriculture is dominated by rice cultivation. Driving past the lush paddy fields and fruit-laden trees of Shillong, the capital of the state of Meghalaya, one can’t help but feel envious of the people who work in those fields. The beauty and serenity of their surroundings never cease to calm the white-collar worker’s mind which is bursting with number crunching and information overload 24x7!
India is on the brink of an exploding workforce that will need a sustainable means of livelihood in the immediate future. The Census of India 2011 estimates that by 2020, over 65% of the country’s population will attain working age, which has been summed up as India’s “demographic dividend”. But on the other hand, there is also the fact that one out of every three graduates in India is unemployed.
Do you know that a few pockets of Meghalaya have the potential to grow high-quality coffee? 😊 Zizira is focused on Meghalaya, to unleash the unrealized agricultural and horticultural potential of our state and help farmers improve their livelihood. Now, let us get on with the story on coffee startups in India.
Zizira’s explorers are on a pursuit to discover and create a profitable market for the farmers of Northeast India. It’s fascinating to see the multitude of discoveries on our way as we venture to discover and unleash the potential of Northeast India. In late February 2016, the Zizira team reached Ahmedabad for the 13th World Spice Congress (WSC) themed 'Target 2020: Clean, Safe and Sustainable Supply Chain”.
In India, more than 70% of rural households depend on agriculture as their primary means of livelihood. Combined, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, account for one-third of India’s GDP, making them the largest contributor (13.9%, 2013-14) to the country’s economy. With numbers like that, it is no wonder that government schemes for farmers abound, which provide a large platform to expand and grow the agricultural sector along with its allied sectors.
Much has already been documented on the agricultural reforms in Northeast India while at the same time discovering the hidden agricultural potential of the region. From entrepreneurs to business firms and explorers alike, agriculture, as well as the rich biodiversity of Northeast India, has remained the subject of widespread interest and discussions.
The Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya is home to the finest turmeric in the world with its "Lakadong" variety. Here, turmeric farming is popular among subsistence and marginal farmers who cultivate it for self-consumption and sale at the local markets. But that doesn't take away the high demand it has both at the national and international spice market.