Today, it is impossible to imagine a shop without a shopkeeper. But the farmers and society of Mizoram have kept this unthinkable practice alive to foster trustworthiness to each other between the farmers/sellers and the buyers.

In the misty hills of Mizoram, amidst lush landscapes and vibrant communities, a timeless tradition thrives—a tradition that transcends mere commerce, embodying the essence of trust and camaraderie. Welcome to Nghah Loh Dawr, the “Shop without Shopkeeper,” where farmers and buyers forge bonds that endure generations, revitalizing age-old practices and fostering a spirit of community resilience.

Under this practice, farmers set up thatched bamboo shops displaying various goods such as vegetables, fruits, fruit juice bottles, dried fish, and fresh produce from the farm. They place small signboards indicating item names and prices. Customers select desired items and deposit payment into the payment box, even receiving change if needed. The whole transaction is done without the shopkeeper with complete trust and cultural bond.

Even a documentary on Nghah Loh Dawr was filmed in the 2nd Phase of the FARM Northeast Project with the facilitation of Caritas India at Tachhip village, one of the FARM Northeast I & II covering villages.

During the transition of the FARM Northeast III project from Aizawl District to Serchhip District, the commitment to promoting Nghah Loh Dawr remained unwavering. As the team engaged with farmers and explored new villages, it became apparent that this cherished tradition was sparsely present, if at all. Through consultations held both collectively in Farmers’ Club meetings and individually, the potential and benefits of Nghah Loh Dawr were highlighted. It was during these discussions that Pi Vannunziri of Khumtung village found inspiration and courage to pioneer a new Nghah Loh Dawr, embodying the spirit of community-led development.

Pi Vannunziri from Khumtung village was about to enter her 70s when she embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship with the support of FARM Northeast. Her decision to open a Nghah Loh Dawr wasn’t just about commerce; it was a leap of faith, a nod to tradition, and a promise of prosperity.

For years, Pi Vannunziri sold her produce to middlemen, tethered to the fields with no time to explore alternative avenues. But with FARM Northeast’s encouragement and guidance, she took the plunge. Today, her humble roadside shop showcases an abundance of farm-fresh delights—bananas, passion fruit, papayas, and more—harvested from her own land.

What sets Nghah Loh Dawr apart is its essence—a seamless blend of commerce and community. Pi Vannunziri’s shop operates sans shopkeeper, relying on the mutual trust between seller and buyer. It’s a model built on reciprocity and respect, where transactions transcend mere commercial exchanges, fostering bonds that endure generations.

Pi Vannunziri’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of grassroots initiatives. Her daily earnings have soared, surpassing expectations and alleviating the burden of middlemen’s intervention. With each sale, she not only sustains her family but also nurtures a tradition deeply rooted in the ethos of Meghalaya.

In Pi Vannunziri’s words, “The Nghah Loh Dawr isn’t just a shop; it’s a testament to our community’s spirit—a reminder that prosperity blooms when we trust each other.”

Indeed, the success of Nghah Loh Dawr transcends economic metrics; it’s a narrative of resilience, revival, and reverence for tradition. As travelers from far and wide traverse the winding roads of Meghalaya, they too become part of this age-old tradition, honoring its legacy and embracing its ethos.

In Mizoram’s cultural landscape, Nghah Loh Dawr showcases a testament to the power of community-led development and the enduring spirit of a people united by trust, tradition, and transformation.

The FARM Northeast Project, Zoram Entu Pawl, appreciates Pi Vannunziri’s determination for achieving this level of progress and congratulates her for having a regular and higher income from Nghah Loh Dawr. It is remarkable to realize that most of the customers are travellers from different parts of the state, all valuing and respecting this tradition.