Shillong, Nov 20: NESFAS and Laitsohpliah community hosted a special gathering of Agroecology Learning Circles (ALCs) on today in Laitsohpliah, East Khasi Hills, to celebrate its recent distinction at the FAO World Food Forum in Rome.
NESFAS’ pioneering ALC model was conferred the 2025 Global Innovation Award, “When Farmers Lead Innovation, 2025 Innovation Award on Farmer Field School for Sustainable Agrifood Systems” on October 16, a global recognition of community-led agroecology rooted in indigenous knowledge systems.
The gathering began with a procession into the village led by the Ki Sur Pynbang Band from Umsawwar, accompanied by community members and dignitaries in a symbolic display reflecting the shared spirit and unity of the gathering.
A felicitation ceremony honoured five headmen from different communities for their leadership, and the gathering also remembered the contributions of a late ALC member by observing a solemn moment of silence.
Alethea Kordor Lyngdoh, Deputy Executive Director of NESFAS described the award as a milestone for over 600 partner communities across Meghalaya and Nagaland. She emphasised that the award is not about NESFAS but a result of partnership and collective effort “that grew from a small idea into a movement that today inspires others around the world.”
Carl O Rangad, Former Vice Chairman, Operations, NESFAS, credited community leadership and the contribution of women and youth for the award. He stressed that the ITM 2015 was a turning point that uplifted Indigenous identity and reminded attendees not to take natural resources for granted.
Others who spoke on the occasion were H.H Mohrmen, Former Chairperson NESFAS and president of SURE, Fr. Teibor Lyngdoh, Director SSC, Dr. Sushil Saigal, Executive Director of TNCC, Nestar Kharmawphlang, Chairperson NESFAS and ALC member, M. Syiem, Syiem of Hima Sohra, Sohra MLA Gavin M Mylliem, Pius Ranee, Executive Director of NESFAS and Phrang Roy, Coordinator TIP, and founding Chairperson of NESFAS.
