Guwahati, Sept 8: What does Meghalaya have to offer to the country and to the rest of the world in alternate crops?
At the first Asia-Pacific Congress on Alternate Crops to be attended by experts from the country and abroad on September 9 in Guwahati, Meghalaya will talk about its intervention approaches in Buckwheat cultivation, transforming wasteland through aromatic agrotechnology for livelihood and wellness enhancement under the Megh Aroma Mission, nutrition security and Livelihood promotion through Jackfruit processing in Meghalaya, Piper peepuloides: A potent alternative crop of Meghalaya with remarkable medical properties and others.
The conference is being organised by Assam Royal University in collaboration with The Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission (MFEC) and NECTAR, Government of India at Royal Global University, Guwahati from September 9-12.
Alternate crops, distinct from traditional staples, offer high potential as phytoceuticals/ nutraceuticals, enhancing farm income through differing cultivation protocols, seed sources, and marketing strategies.
The International Network of Food Data Systems (INFOODS) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has drawn up a list of alternate crop species with potential to bridge the food-nutrient gap amongst different societies.
The MFEC has identified buckwheat as a potential crop of agricultural significance well suited to mountain agriculture production systems, to meet nutritional and food security requirements of small and marginal farmers while supplementing their farm income basket.
Pilot trials were initiated in 2020 in 4 acres with subsequent trials being conducted parallelly in farmers’ field and the experimental fields of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, East Khasi Hills.
There has been a rapid expansion of areas under buckwheat cultivation from 4 acres in 2020 to close to 400 acres spread across the state despite setbacks in the initial phases of the pilot due to adverse weather events.
A structured buyback has been put in place to manage and utilize the farmers’ harvest for further expansion of area under the crop.
The fruit wine industry has stimulated the increased cultivation of fruits, both local and exotic, spawned awareness about beekeeping and has opened sustainable livelihood opportunities for local farmers and communities thereby supplementing their incomes while simultaneously addressing issues of climate change through preservation and
increased area coverage under fruit tree species combined with beekeeping.
Furthermore, by integrating modern wine making techniques and traditional knowledge with tourism, this industry can significantly improve the socioeconomic status of rural populations.
The jackfruit processing in Meghalaya has the potential to significantly enhance nutrition security and promote sustainable livelihoods. Processing of jackfruit to value added products provides secondary income to farm women that in turn improve the overall economic stability of farm families.
Increased income further allows for better access to nutritious food, healthcare, education and ultimately help achieve an improved quality of life. With continued support and the establishment of proper processing units, the jackfruit industry can thrive, benefiting the local population and contributing to the state’s economic growth.
Meghalaya, possesses significant areas of underutilised wastelands that have tremendous scope for establishment of alternate crops with potential to catalyse livelihoods, create enterprises, and promote the health and wellness industry with consequent economic dividends.
The Megh Aroma Mission, Government of Meghalaya, is a key initiative, utilizing the state’s wastelands and agro-climatic advantages combined with CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) expertise to cultivate and process high-value MAPs, including Lemongrass, Citronella, Geranium, Peppermint, and Lavender.
The MFEC and the Horticulture Department recognising the potential of Piper peepuloides has initiated efforts to multiply and distribute Piper peepuloides propagules among farmers. With a current market price of ₹800-1200 per kg and a strong market demand, Piper peepuloides emerges as a promising alternative crop for Meghalaya’s farmers, potentially boosting their income.
The Congress aims to bring together researchers, medical practitioners, and industry experts to address these issues. The outcomes are expected to foster international collaborations and create a roadmap for future domestication of these crops as “Smart Foods”.
Speaking to The Meghalayan Express, B.K. Sohliya, Executive Adviser and Chairman in-charge, Meghalaya Farmers (Empowerment) Commission (MFEC), highlighted the importance of presenting to the global audience the tremendous natural wealth of Meghalaya exemplified by the wild pepper species peepuloides and buckwheat as alternate crops and the work of various national and state level institutions in collaboration with the MFEC to upscale farming incomes and catalyse rural enterprises through value addition interventions like jackfruit processing, medicinal and aromatic plants oils, fruit wines and creation of a honey NMR database in the larger national interest.
