Shillong, Sep 10: The fourth Mei-Ramew (Mother Earth) Cafe in Meghalaya was inaugurated at Ladmawphlang on Thursday as a community-based initiative to strengthen farmers, promote indigenous food and support sustainable food systems.
Set up by the Ladmawphlang Primary Agroecology Cooperative Society through NESFAS with support from LIC HFL Sangam, the cafe is conceived not only as a commercial venture but as a platform linking farmers, food producers and consumers under a cooperative-led circular economy model.
Sohra MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem inaugurated the cafe in presence of MDC Titostar Well Chyne, NESFAS Executive Director Pius Ranee, cooperative members and community members of Ladmawphlang and Mawstep.
Speaking on the occasion, Mylliem said the initiative supports local farmers, improves livelihoods and creates opportunities for youth, and urged the community to maintain food safety and promote indigenous traditions.
Chyne recalled inaugurating the indigenous cafe two years ago and expressed happiness over its growth into a Mei-Ramew Cafe.
NESFAS Executive Director Pius Ranee said the vision is linked to reviving traditional crops like krai, strengthening biodiversity and creating sustainable livelihoods, and advised the society to work towards FSSAI registration.
Cooperative chairperson T. Sawkmie and member E. Rani said the cafe was made possible by collective hard work and NESFAS support.
The programme included welcome by the cooperative, remarks by Headman S. Dohling, traditional songs on indigenous food systems and a phawar performance, and concluded with an indigenous feast.
