The Hid Foundation Shillong, as part of its ‘Initiative for Sustainable Livelihood Promotion Programme’ (ISLPP), has initiated an organic turmeric project titled, “Providing Sustainable Livelihood and Income Opportunities through Improved & Scientific Method of Organic Production of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa), along with Certification as Organic Produce of Hid Foundation.”
This project is located in the Marnagr-Umden cluster, under the Umling C&RD Block in Ri-Bhoi district.
The project was funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC) initiated in 2019, and after continuous efforts, the project received approval and funding in the financial year 2021-2022. Implementation began in May 2023.
The project is being implemented through the Directorate of Horticulture with monitoring and technical supervision provided by the Office of the District Horticulture Officer.
A total of 100 farmers are direct beneficiaries of the project, benefiting over 1000 farming families in the region.
Under this scheme, 100 per cent financial support is provided to farmers, which includes the supply of inputs such as planting materials, manure, bio-fertilizers, and daily labour wages.
The first year of implementation has been completed 100 per cent, while the second year is currently 75 per cent in progress for the first component of the scheme, the foundation said.
The project is essential in addressing the shortage of high-quality turmeric seed rhizomes and aims to enhance the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
Pointing out that many farmers have been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the foundation said that the project seeks to provide a long-term solution to their challenges.
The Hid Foundation has expressed gratitude to the NEC and the central government India for their support to rural livelihoods programs for the farming community. It also thanked the Directorate of Horticulture and the District Horticulture Officer for their continued assistance.
