In a remarkable fusion of traditional wisdom and modern innovation, Wanpoiri Sumer, a teacher and farmer from Lumtrep Village in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills District, is revolutionizing ginger cultivation with an eco-friendly approach that promises to transform agricultural practices in the region.

Wanpoiri’s journey began in March 2023 when she attended a training session on sustainable ginger cultivation using eggshells, organized by the Caritas India FARM Northeast Project, with support from the Jaintia Hills Development Society (JHDS). Despite initial scepticism, Wanpoiri embraced the technique, combining eggshells with vermicompost to enrich the soil for her ginger crop.

The results were remarkable. Wanpoiri observed significant improvements in crop health and productivity, demonstrating the potential of this sustainable method. The success lies in the powerful combination of eggshells and vermicompost. Eggshells, rich in calcium, prevent issues like weak stems and fruit rot while balancing soil acidity and deterring pests. Vermicompost, produced by earthworms, provides essential nutrients that strengthen plants, improve soil moisture retention, and enhance root health.

As Secretary of her Village Organization, Wanpoiri has become a vocal advocate for sustainable farming practices. She actively shares her experiences with other women farmers, mainly focusing on her successful ginger cultivation technique. Her efforts have inspired Self-Help Group (SHG) members to adopt eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers.

Wanpoiri ‘s innovative approach has not gone unnoticed. On August 9, 2023, she was honoured with the prestigious “Biodiversity Champion” award at the state level, recognized by a consortium of organizations, including the World Bank and the Meghalaya Basic Management Agency (MBMA).

The impact of Wanpoiri ‘s work extends far beyond her village. Farmers in neighbouring Larnai, Sohmynting, and Ksehrynshang have begun adopting the eggshell-based manure technique for ginger cultivation. Wanpoiri has also shared her findings at district-level Agroecology Learning Circles (ALC) workshops and state-level training under the Community Led Landscape Management Project (CLLMP).

The benefits of this eco-friendly approach are manifold. It reduces dependency on expensive chemical fertilizers, improves soil health, enhances crop quality, and provides natural pest resistance. Most importantly, it aligns with sustainable and organic farming principles, contributing to healthier food production and environmental conservation.

Francis Langlein, Field Programme Associate at Jaintia Hills Development Society (JHDS), praised Wanpoiri ‘s efforts, highlighting how her commitment to sustainable farming has created a ripple effect, encouraging more farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Wanpoiri ‘s journey exemplifies the power of grassroots innovation in transforming agricultural practices. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques, she has not only improved her farming practices but has also empowered other women farmers and promoted sustainable livelihoods in her community.

While challenges remain – such as the labour-intensive process of collecting eggshells and financial constraints – Wanpoiri remains committed to her chosen path. “To avoid chemical inputs in agriculture, I have chosen this method as a long-term solution,” she stated, emphasizing her dedication to sustainable farming.

As climate change and environmental degradation continue to threaten global food security, Wanpoiri ‘s story offers a beacon of hope. It demonstrates that by harnessing the power of nature and combining it with innovative thinking, farmers can create sustainable, productive, and environmentally friendly agricultural systems.

Wanpoiri ‘s success story is more than just about ginger cultivation; it’s a testament to the transformative power of eco-friendly farming practices. As her methods gain traction, they have the potential to reshape agricultural landscapes, not just in Meghalaya but across India and beyond, paving the way for a more sustainable and food-secure future.