Cultivating Resilience: Two-Day Workshop on Permaculture in Ri Bhoi

The School of Livelihood and Rural Development (SLRD), in collaboration with the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), organized a two-day practical workshop on Permaculture at the Thad Multipurpose Co-operative Society, Thad Village, Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya, from 25th–26th July 2025. The workshop attracted 27 farmers, local representatives, and resource persons, creating a platform to learn about sustainable farming practices and community-based ecological solutions.

Day 1: Foundations of Permaculture

  • Session 1 : Mr. Graphite Lyngdoh (ATMA) introduced the principles of permaculture and explained the layout of a multi-cropping system.
  • Session 2 : Ms. Bada Aihok Khymdeit spoke on Agroforestry and Forest Gardening, highlighting multi-layered planting systems and water harvesting methods using bamboo drip irrigation and terracing.
  • Session 3 : At a farmer’s field, Ms. Khymdeit demonstrated multi-cropping techniques such as growing ginger alongside Gliricidia, terrace farming of pineapple, and pest-repellent plant use (lemongrass, neem, chili sprays).
  • Session 4 : Mr. Lyngdoh demonstrated zero tillage methods for paddy-cum-fish farming, organic mulching, and the SRI method for paddy cultivation. Farmers also learned how to reuse husk and rice bran for composting.

Day 2: Practical Applications in the Field

The second day emphasized field visits and live demonstrations.

  • Session 1 : Ms. Iladeibiang Kharkongor guided participants on Seed Saving and Indigenous Crops, including preservation of local rice, maize, and ginger varieties. She demonstrated the traditional “Three Sisters” method (Maize + Bean + Squash) and shared examples from farmers in Umden Village.
  • Session 2 : Mrs. Grace Nora Kharsamai demonstrated Composting and Organic Inputs, teaching participants to make compost from cow dung, leaf litter, and kitchen waste, along with fermented bio-liquids like Jeevamrut and vermiwash. She also showcased kitchen garden designs and companion planting (Tomato + Basil, Cabbage + Marigold), alongside natural pesticides.

Key Achievements

  • Farmers gained hands-on skills in multi-cropping, zero-tillage paddy, organic composting, and kitchen gardening.
  • Traditional practices such as the Three Sisters system and bamboo-based water harvesting were revived.
  • Greater focus was placed on women and youth participation, ensuring long-term community leadership in climate-resilient farming.
  • Emphasis was placed on seed saving, soil health, and biodiversity conservation, laying the foundation for
    food security and ecological stewardship.

Way Forward

The workshop highlighted the need for:

  • Establishing permaculture training centers in collaboration with KVK, ICAR, and NGOs.
  • Strengthening community seed banks and farmer cooperatives.
  • Exploring eco-tourism and farm-based learning tours as sustainable income sources.

Conclusion

The two-day workshop on Permaculture in Ri Bhoi proved to be a milestone in introducing farmers to regenerative design systems. By combining indigenous knowledge with modern ecological techniques, the programme empowered participants to transform their farms into self-sustaining, climate-resilient ecosystems. The enthusiasm and active participation of farmers reflected a collective commitment to building a greener, more sustainable future for Meghalaya.