Shillong, January 31: The HID Foundation, under its Initiative for Sustainable Livelihood Promotion Programme (ISLPP), has undertaken a pioneering 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” at Marngar–Umden Cluster, Umling C&RD Block, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya.
The project, funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India, was proposed in 2019 and subsequently approved and sanctioned in the financial year 2021-2022. Implementation formally commenced on May 9, 2023, under the supervision of the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Meghalaya, with technical monitoring provided by the Office of the District Horticulture Officer, Ri-Bhoi District.
Project Impact & Progress, the project directly benefits 100 farmers while indirectly benefiting over 1,000 farming families in the region, Farmers receive 100% financial assistance, covering inputs such as planting materials, manure, bio-fertilizers, and daily labor wages, The first-year implementation of the planting component has been 100% completed, The second-year implementation is at 95% completion, with harvesting already initiated for the first component of the scheme, The organic certification process (Component 2) is underway, with an expected completion timeline of three years, The Processing and Manufacturing Unit (Component 3) is in progress and Overall project implementation is currently at 85%, while financial execution stands at 65%.
Addressing Rural Challenges, the project aims to tackle the critical shortage of high-quality turmeric seed rhizomes and promote rural livelihood development in Meghalaya. This initiative is particularly significant in light of the economic hardships faced by farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic. By enhancing organic turmeric production and ensuring certification, the project offers a sustainable and long-term solution to improve farmers’ income and economic stability.
HID Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to the North Eastern Council (NEC) and the Government of India for their unwavering support in strengthening rural livelihoods. Additionally, we acknowledge and appreciate the Directorate of Horticulture and the District Horticulture Officer, Ri-Bhoi District, for their continued technical and administrative support in implementing this project. This as per press communique released by Smt. Jinysha D. Maiong, Chief Executive Officer, Hid Foundation Shillong
