The 2nd of March, 2021 observed a stepping stone in the expansion and furtherance of Mei-Ramew weaves in Meghalaya and the importance of having adequate and trained human resources to carry out the same. The NESFAS team ventured into the lush village of Mustoh to commence the training of ten individuals in the age-old artform of Khneng Embroidery.
Earth day, 22nd April, is a day where we inspire more awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s natural gifts. It now takes place in more than 193 countries around the world. On this day, the world would encourage everyone to turn off all the unwanted things away.
In a story titled ‘Her Yellow Revolution’ published by the Shillong Times on 9th March 2019, Sahana Ghosh tells the story of Kong Trinity Saioo’s endeavour in promoting the cultivation and boosting the popularity of the indigenous, high curcumin content (7.9% as against 2% of other varieties) Lakadong turmeric.
The year 2007 marked the inception of the Umngot Hydro Electric Project construction when initially survey started taking place. Umsawwar community, of Mawkynrew C&RD Block, East Khasi Hills, which presently homes 529 people, has always been at the forefront of protesting against this project since 2012 till date.
NESFAS inaugrated the 2021 Indigenous Youth Fellowship Programme on April 6, 2021 at the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) Nongsder, Umiam. This training programme will be for a period of one month, in three main venues; SIRD, Umsawwar (East Khasi Hills) and Khweng (Ri-Bhoi), to train grassroots youth to work towards reclaiming their autonomous food and livelihoods systems and in the process to defend their Indigenous Food Systems (IFS) and identity.
During the height of the pandemic, in 2020, members of the Madanrtiang Agroecology Learning Circle (ALC) looked up to two of their elderly members, Shildamon Lamare and Wing Lamare to help them document and preserve the local varieties in their community. “Most young farmers”, they said, “are losing the knowledge of the crop diversity in their community” and the need for a collective effort to safeguard the traditional seeds was felt.
