Shillong, Dec 30: A group of farmers from Meghalaya recently returned from an exposure trip to Kerala, where they discovered a wide range of ginger varieties and learned new beekeeping techniques.

“We were not aware of the different types of ginger that exist until we visited Kerala,” said Banskhem Lang Kharmuti, General Secretary of the Khasi-Jaintia Farmers’ Association (KJFA).

Kharmuti was part of a 25-member delegation of farmers from Meghalaya who attended a training and exposure trip on meliponiculture and apiculture in Kerala, organized by the Meghalaya Farmers’ Empowerment Commission, Government of Meghalaya, from November 17 to 24, 2024.

During their visit, the farmers discovered new ginger varieties, including Kanchipuram Ginger, Erode Ginger, and Cuddalore Ginger, which are grown in Tamil Nadu. “These varieties are know

n for their high oil content, high quality, and unique flavor,” Kharmuti said.

Kharmuti also observed that the living standards of farmers in Kerala were significantly higher than those in Meghalaya. He attributed this to the slow dissemination of information to farmers in Meghalaya. “The government announces schemes for farmers, but by the time the information reaches us, it’s often too late,” he noted.

The exposure trip also included training on beekeeping techniques, which the farmers found to be highly beneficial. “We learned about the importance of beekeeping and how it can improve crop yields,” Kharmuti said.

The trip has inspired Kharmuti and his fellow farmers to adopt new farming practices and explore the potential of ginger cultivation and beekeeping in Meghalaya. “We will definitely try to cultivate these varieties in our state and see how they perform,” Kharmuti said.

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