Shillong: Earthbanc has announce the official launch of the Meghalaya Reforestation and Sustainable Livelihoods Project (Regeneration Meghalaya Project). It in partnership with AstraZeneca, Earthtree, Hill Farmers Shiitake Mushroom Coop Society and Worldview Impact (India).
Chief minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma attended the launch of the project on Meghalaya Farmers’ Day. Minister for Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh also attended the event. Delegates from the Swedish Embassy and British High Commission and all partner organisations were also present.
Regeneration Meghalaya Project aims to support farmers to restore 22,670 hectares of land. It also aims to support biodiversity and soil conservation, as well as climate and catchment health co-benefits. Also, the plantation includes species suitable for farmers to sustainably produce agricultural and agro forestry non-timber commodities. These include essential oils and foods that align with Meghalaya Aromatics Policy. And crop management that aligns with the Organic and Natural Farming Policy.
The authorities have planted around 200,000 trees in the state. And soil and water conservation works are underway to enable further planting of millions of trees in 2024. They will also monitor biophysical indicators such as biomass, soil organic carbon, land productivity and land cover. These are in alignment with the UNCCD Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) Global Mechanism.
CEO at Earthtree, Mr. Rishabh Khanna, said, “I am excited to announce this regenerative agroforestry project that will scale up natural farming, bamboo and orchards in alignment with the State Government of Meghalaya’s Aromatics and Natural Farming Policies. We are keen to support farmers to regenerate their land and grow healthy food to meet strong market demand, which will boost farmer income and increase prosperity.”
Minister Dr Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh mentioned that the Regeneration Meghalaya Project is set to change the landscape of the state. She mentioned that this is a green revolution in the heart of the state. And that it is a commitment to plant hope, nature sustainability and growing a green future.
