Problem Addressed
Coal mining activities around fertile farmlands in the East Jaintia Hills have resulted in barren landscapes. Traditional livelihoods have been eroded, accompanied by environmental degradation, and adverse health outcomes.
Technology
The innovator created organic manure by drying and grinding garden grass and mixing it in a pit with cow dung and swine manure for thirty days. She added weeds, areca nut husk, and other biodegradable waste, and dried the mixture. She used limestone to reduce soil acidity before using the manure.
Societal Impact
The manure improved the water retention and overall fertility of the soil. The innovator’s fields grew vegetables abundantly within three years. In the last couple of years, almost 500 farmers across 300 hectares have reported good results from using the manure.
Current status
She increased manure production with support from the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority and World Bank under the CLLMP project. She has produced almost two tonnes of organic manure and sold 1.79 tonnes. She imparts training to VNRMC and VCF members on land rehabilitation.
