Baghmara, Feb 26: Riverbanks along the Simsang River and other stretches in South Garo Hills have transformed into thriving winter vegetable belts, with nearly 110 hectares brought under cultivation this season through convergent government support.
The initiative, led by the District Horticulture Office, Baghmara in coordination with the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, marks a significant shift from traditional jhum (shifting) cultivation to organised, scientific riverine farming.
It draws on central and state schemes including Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), along with state vegetable development programmes.
Farmers were provided high-yielding seeds, essential inputs and technical guidance on precision irrigation, enabling productive use of fertile riverbeds during the dry winter months.
The model has reduced fallow periods and optimised land use in areas traditionally left uncultivated after the monsoon.
Preliminary estimates suggest total production between 1,500 and 1,800 metric tonnes this season. Participating farmers are provisionally earning between Rs 1.40 lakh and Rs 1.50 lakh during the winter cycle.
“My family now has fresh vegetables daily from our riverbank plot, and the excess we sell provides a steady minimum income ranging from Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000 from just 0.5 hectare during the winter months,” said Mary R. Marak of Nengkong Songmong village.
Alongside improved varieties, many cultivators have continued growing traditional heirloom seeds preserved over generations. The chemical-free produce has found strong demand in markets across South Garo Hills and nearby Tura, ensuring remunerative prices.
Officials say the success of winter cultivation along the Simsang and other riverbanks highlights the potential of riverine farming as a scalable model for sustainable income enhancement and rural employment across Meghalaya.
Also Read: UDP legislator urges CM to consider Jaintia Hills’ development
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
