Khliehriat, Jun 25: The Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF) team inspected Community Livelihood Improvement Project (CLIP) sites in East Jaintia Hills, calling for stronger focus on value addition and marketing of local organic produce, especially Lakadong turmeric.
The team, comprising Technical Expert on Environment Naba Bhattacharjee and Conservator of Forests H Lato, visited project sites at Iongkaluh and Kairang villages. They were accompanied by Block Resource Management Committee (BRMC) Chairman DS Wankhar, Secretary A Laloo, District Programme Manager of State Rural Employment Society (SRES) S Sutnga, district officials, traditional heads, Farmer and Producer Groups (FPGs) and community members.
At Iongkaluh, the team was felicitated by the local FPG before inspecting plantation sites. Addressing farmers, Bhattacharjee said Lakadong turmeric has gained national and international recognition after being presented to world leaders during the recent G7 Summit. He said the state has the potential to become a leading organic hub, with turmeric, ginger and other crops offering strong opportunities for value addition and marketing.
He urged farmers to look beyond traditional livelihoods, noting that farming remains one of the community’s greatest strengths. The CLIP initiative, he said, is part of the mining-affected area reclamation programme aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods at the grassroots. Based on performance, more villages would be considered for support in the next phase, he added.
The team assessed project implementation at both villages, guiding beneficiaries on best practices and measures for sustainability. It also assured continued government support, including possible interventions in medicinal plants, agriculture and horticulture.
