A new Mei-Ramew (Mother Earth) Cafe was inaugurated in Ladmawphlang on September 10, 2026, as a community-based initiative aimed at strengthening local farmers, promoting indigenous and locally produced food, and supporting sustainable community food systems. It is the fifth Mother Earth Cafe established in Meghalaya. The cafe was established through the NESFAS initiative, supported by the LIC HFL Sangam Project.
The launch event was attended by the NESFAS team, community members of the Ladmawphlang and Mawstep communities, Bah Gavin M. Mylliem, MLA, 28-Sohra Constituency, Bah Titostar Well Chyne, MDC, Sohra Constituency, and representatives of the Ladmawphlang Primary Agroecology Cooperative Society.
Run by the Ladmawphlang Primary Agroecology Cooperative Society, the cafe has been established not merely as a commercial enterprise, but as a platform connecting local farmers, food producers and consumers. Through its cooperative-led model, the cafe aims to create livelihood opportunities for farmers and contribute to a circular local economy by bringing locally produced food into the community food system.
The initiative is grounded in community ownership and farmer-centred livelihoods. Unlike conventional cafes established primarily by individual entrepreneurs, Mei-Ramew Cafes seek to create opportunities for local farmers while strengthening the role of cooperative societies in the local economy. By connecting farmers with food preparation, processing, marketing and consumers, the model seeks to build stronger and more sustainable community food systems.
The inauguration programme included the formal inauguration of the café by Chief Guest Bah Gavin M. Mylliem, MLA, 28-Sohra Constituency, and an exploration of the premises, followed by the formal session and concluded with an indigenous feast.
The programme featured a welcome address by Kong T. Sawkmie, Chairperson, Ladmawphlang Primary Agroecology Cooperative Society. In her address, she acknowledged NESFAS for creating opportunities for the community and noted that the hard work and dedication of the Society had made the opening of the Mei-Ramew Cafe possible.
This was followed by remarks from Bah S. Dohling, Headman, Ladmawphlang, who expressed gratitude to the Dorbar Shnong and the Cooperative Society for making the initiative possible. He shared his hope that the cafe would continue to grow and develop into a successful livelihood opportunity.
Bah Shaiphar Dohling, Lead Associate, Livelihoods, NESFAS, in his remarks, expressed his appreciation for the progress of the Cooperative Society and its collective efforts. He said, “I am very happy to see the Cooperative Society growing and moving forward. I believe this initiative will bring real benefits to the members, farmers and community. Your unity and collective efforts have made this possible, and we hope that the shop will create livelihood and income opportunities, especially for those in need. We will continue to support you and hope the Cooperative Society grows into a good example of creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and supporting the farmers who produce our food. May the Society become a good example of how communities can establish sustainable livelihood opportunities and support farmers, who are the producers of our food.”
Bah E. Rani, Member, Ladmawphlang Primary Agroecology Cooperative Society, in his special remarks, reflected on the Cooperative Society’s journey, saying,“It has been only two years since we opened our Indigenous Cafe, and today, I am extremely happy and proud to see it become a Mei-Ramew Cafe. This achievement means a lot to us. I sincerely thank NESFAS for guiding and supporting us throughout this journey. Through the hard work and dedication of our members, along with the support of our farmers, we have grown step by step. We hope to continue expanding this initiative, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for our community while supporting local farmers and strengthening the local economy.”
Bah Pius Ranee, Executive Director, NESFAS, emphasised the organisation’s broader vision for indigenous food systems and community-led livelihoods. He said, “Our vision is closely connected with Mei-Ramew, with our programmes focused on reviving and promoting indigenous foods, strengthening biodiversity and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities. From reviving traditional crops such as krai (finger millet) to promoting initiatives such as the fish sanctuary and Biodiversity Park, we continue to explore how our natural resources can contribute to nutrition, livelihoods and community well-being. The Mei-Ramew Cafe is a community-led initiative built on the vision and hard work of the community, and we hope it will continue to grow and prosper. We also encourage the Society to work towards FSSAI registration and further strengthen the café as a sustainable livelihood opportunity. We sincerely thank the MLA, MDC, Dorbar Shnong and especially LIC HFL Sangam initiative for their support in making this initiative possible.”
The Guest of Honour, Bah Titostar Well Chyne, MDC, Sohra Constituency, shared his views, saying, “I never imagined that within just two years you would achieve the status of a Mei-Ramew Cafe.” He reminisced about inaugurating the Indigenous Cafe two years ago and recalled encouraging the community to continue developing the initiative. He expressed appreciation for the progress made and encouraged the Society to maintain high standards of hygiene and quality while continuing to create sustainable livelihood and employment opportunities within the village. He also shared that he had submitted a proposal to support the cafe and urged the Society to continue working hard and take the initiative to greater heights.
A traditional song on indigenous food systems was performed jointly by the communities of Ladmawphlang and neighbouring villages, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating traditional food knowledge and practices.
Bah Gavin M. Mylliem, MLA, 28-Sohra Constituency, in his address, expressed his appreciation for the progress of the Society and the establishment of the Mei-Ramew Cafe. Reflecting on the journey of the community, he said, “A few years ago, you established the Indigenous Cafe, and I have witnessed the journey of the Society and its progress despite the challenges. Today, there are five Mei-Ramew Cafes in the state, which is a matter of great pride. With the support of NESFAS, the Dorbar Shnong and the Society, this café has become a reality. I am pleased that the initiative is supporting local farmers, improving livelihoods and creating opportunities for youth within the community. Therefore, I encourage everyone to work together to sustain and preserve the cafe, maintain food safety and quality standards, and continue promoting our indigenous food and traditions for future generations.”
A phawar was also performed by members of the Ladmawphlang Primary Agroecology Cooperative Society, adding a traditional cultural element to the programme.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Bah R. Nongrum, Member, Ladmawphlang Primary Agroecology Cooperative Society, who highlighted the strategies adopted by the Society in managing the cafe, with a continued focus on maintaining quality service and promoting indigenous foods. He expressed his hope that visitors would appreciate and remember the community’s traditional food and beverages, and thanked NESFAS for guiding and supporting the Society throughout its journey, along with everyone who has continued to encourage, motivate and support the initiative.
