Shillong, Feb 25: In a significant push towards community-led green livelihoods, the North East Society for Agroecology Support (NESFAS), with support from LIC Housing Finance Ltd (LIC HFL) CSR, on Wednesday launched the Mei-Ramew Farmer’s Market and Mei-Ramew Café at Mawstep village in East Khasi Hills district.
The launch marked the successful completion of the first phase of a special project aimed at strengthening indigenous food systems and nature-based livelihoods across Meghalaya.
The event, titled “Celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems for Nature-based Livelihoods,” brought together representatives from 15 partner communities across two districts and 10 newly onboarded villages from East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi. Sohra Civil Division Officer (SDO) Mark Andrew Challam attended as Chief Guest.
The newly launched Mei-Ramew outlets are expected to create structured market access for local farmers, promote traditional foods, and generate income opportunities rooted in indigenous knowledge systems.
Aligned with LIC HFL’s CSR commitment to sustainable community development, the initiative focuses on establishing seed banks, promoting local procurement for school meals, expanding farmer-led markets, training youth as natur guides and supporting beekeeping and eco-tourism.
With unemployment and youth migration emerging as major concerns in Meghalaya’s rural belts, the project seeks to generate local economic opportunities while preserving biodiversity and strengthening climate resilience.
NESFAS Executive Director Pius Ranee said migration in search of jobs remains a serious concern. “When we speak to young people, it saddens us that they feel compelled to leave. Our effort is to create dignified livelihoods here,” he said, adding that indigenous ecological knowledge remains a powerful asset.
He shared meeting an elder who could identify 504 tree species — a reminder of the region’s rich traditional wisdom.
Community members said the intervention has led to tangible transformation.
Stialinda Khasain of Nongwah Primary Agroecology Cooperative Society said their nursery helped restore barren land, improved access to clean air and water, and strengthened indigenous seed promotion.
“Earlier we used chemical fertilisers and pesticides. With NESFAS support, we shifted to organic methods. Farmers’ markets are now generating income for us,” she said.
The project has also supported piggery units for vulnerable households, established produce segregation centres, and expanded sustainable beekeeping practices.
The programme honoured community members and institutions driving indigenous livelihood initiatives.
Beekeeping Champion Awards were presented to:
Sonsing Rynjah and family (Mawstep)
Jeral Lating (Jatah Lakadong)
Bre Suting (Umsawwar)
Mawpynthymmai Primary Agroecology Cooperative Society
Nongwah Government LP School received the Best Performing School Meals Award for providing nutritious, locally sourced meals.
Itsohpair and Jatah Lakadong cooperatives were recognised as Best Performing Primary Mei-Agroecology Cooperative Societies.
Chief Guest Mark Andrew Challam underscored that indigenous food represents cultural identity beyond nutrition.
“Traditional food spaces are limited. We must promote and expand them. Indigenous food, like tourism, has the power to uplift livelihoods and strengthen communities,” he said, expressing hope that Mei-Ramew Café will evolve into a local tourist attraction.
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