Last week, at Zizira, we sort of played this game. Suddenly we were associating the word Turmeric with Festival! I soon discovered one of the most outrageous Haldi Festivals of India. It seems to have started from an auspicious ceremony for the folk deity of the Deccan Plateau named Khandoba. This deity goes by many other names. The history behind this diety's legend seems fascinating. Instead of trying to explain the history, read Dr. Prachi Moghe excellent and short article "Touch of Turmeric"
Kong Angie is in her late 50s but her heart is evergreen. Having lived most of her life in almost all the metros of India because of her husband’s job she is now finally ‘retired’ with him. Suddenly, she discovered she has green fingers too.
On our first visit to Bah Freeman’s farm, he shared the story behind his tea plantation and what motivated him to keep going forward with his idea despite all the hardships he had to encounter because of his lack of knowledge and training in growing tea. We felt we had to help him achieve his dreams for his tea farm.
How often have you wondered if those vegetables and greens you buy from your local vendor or market are really as wholesome as you imagine them to be? Are they safely grown, free from contamination of any kind? Are they untainted by toxic chemicals and fertilizers? Once you bring them home you wash them thoroughly, especially the green leafy ones, because you know your family needs safe food besides nutrition and taste. You hope that every trace of chemicals or physical impurities, and insects are totally eliminated. You know what havoc their presence can create for your family’s health. Still, the dilemma persists, you aren’t sure the veggies are one hundred percent safe. It’s getting tougher these days to get pure stuff.
Have you ever wondered why most people nowadays complain about the general insipidness of vegetables and fruits, and even meats? Many of these folks even aver this is due to the widespread use of fertilizers, insecticides and artificial growth hormones. They may not be far from the truth.
Blessed with ideal climatic conditions and fertile soil, the state of Meghalaya prides itself in having a wide variety of vegetation, ranging from different species of medicinal herbs to unique fruits, vegetables, and other plants. Traditions of collecting, processing, and preserving plants have been passed down from generation to generation. These traditions continue to be followed by the farmers of Meghalaya.
Like all hill states, Meghalaya is also a region that has favorable climatic and soil condition for tea plantation. The first tea nursery was introduced in the late 70s, where the government brought samples from Assam and planted them in Ri Bhoi and two other locations. There were very few takers then. With a little help and support from the government, a few farm owners and entrepreneurs started investing in tea. Zizira team of explorers visited Bah Freeman, an entrepreneurial tea farmer from Umran, Ri Bhoi district.
One of Meghalaya's greatest advantages is that its tea quality is better than most other tea-growing states in India. Like all Hill States, Meghalaya is the ideal place for tea plantations. The fertile soil, the hilly terrains, the climatic conditions, and everything makes it one of the most favorable conditions for tea plantation. However, very few dared to venture into this profession.
With over 70% of India’s population engaged in agriculture, bringing cereals, vegetables, fruits and other farm products to our table, the farmer community is, no doubt, our lifeline. Presently, the country is witnessing many skilled, as well as the educated population, widely accepting agriculture as an employment option. They have realized the potential in agriculture, which is why a few Top B school graduates are giving up their dream jobs to become farmers.
Meghalaya is located in one of the most beautiful places in India. Regardless of the modern technology, the aura of the place remains pleasant with sun kissed weather and cloudy skies. It is blessed with tropical, semi-tropical and temperate climates, it has a perfect ambiance for a variety of horticultural crops to grow.This special factor is reflected in the extensive cultivation of orange, pineapple, turmeric, ginger and other indigenous fruits and vegetables in the state.