To be safe is all that we want, when we talk about being sheltered, protected or being healthy. To top the list, food safety is one such priority that everyone desires. We are in an era where we look for food safety to avoid expenses that come with treatment for consuming something that hampers our health and to avoid fatal incidents.
With all the aid money that’s thrown at international development, very little is spent supporting what actually enables it--entrepreneurship. Developed countries got that way in large part due to thriving small businesses, so why not build entrepreneurs in developing countries?
Rural Resource and Training Center (RRTC) is an autonomous organization working with farmers and training them on sustainable farming techniques. RRTC trains farmers in organic farming and low-cost agricultural practices to make the best use of their land and other resources. Beekeeping is one such sustainable technique which RRTC offers as training to the farmers. Farmers here are trained on collecting honey, beeswax and taught how it can boost their farming produce. Honey bee culture is called Apiculture.
Meghalaya, a state in the Northeast of India, with its pristine lands and hilly terrain, is home to a number of naturally grown herbs and spices. Zizira, based in Shillong the capital of Meghalaya, sources select, high-value, produce directly from the farmers and reaches them to households in other states of India through our eStore. Read our story – how our conscious business is making a difference to the community of farmers. As part of our work, we stay in touch with organizations working with farmers. The Rural Resource and Training Centre (RRTC) is one such.
Organic Industry in the US was worth $ 43 Billion in 2015. We are picking up the threads from an earlier post, which brings you highlights from an interesting book. The story so far: Zizira explorers come across a breezy book by Peter Laufer, on the truth behind food labels that carry the stamp of ‘Organic’. The book is about the author’s hunt to find the origin of two products labeled ‘Organic’, which he buys off the shelves of two major retailers in the U.S. One, a packet of walnuts from Trader Joe’s, and the other, a can of beans from Natural Directions.
Zizira explorers have always been on a quest for hidden potentials of the region, so the farmers in Northeast India can benefit. We have picked several gems, stories which we have shared with you. Recently, when digging deeper for a better understanding of the farmers and their produce, something hit us.
In an attempt to promote different agricultural produce and to encourage the farmers of Ri-Bhoi district, the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Farmers Association (ERBFA) organized an exhibition and sale of agriculture, horticulture and Aqua cultural products in collaboration with the ICAR, Umiam, NEH Region on the 28th January 2016 at Kurkalang playground, Bhoirymbong.
We recently met with Mr. Barry Syiem, District Horticulture Officer, South West Khasi Hills, Mawkyrwat who gave us valuable insights into his work. We were introduced to Mr. Syiem by none other than his brother Professor Don Syiem of NEHU!
Organic farming in the hills of Meghalaya has been a natural tradition. It has developed through practice and experience, as I found in my travels through the farmlands. Here is an example of how sticky rice, a high value product, has been traditionally grown by a farmer whose family lives on normal rice. I also got a glimpse of the ginger cultivation, the organic way. This seems the future of farming success in the state in such hilly regions anywhere.