North East Society for Agroecology Support

Empowers indigenous communities by preserving traditional food systems, promoting sustainability, and enhancing livelihoods through NESFAS.

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About

  • Headquarters

    Shillong, Meghalaya

  • Since

    2012

North East Slow Food and Agrobiodiversity Society is a pioneering organization dedicated to preserving indigenous food systems, biodiversity, and sust Read moreainable agricultural practices in Northeast India. Founded on the principles of the Slow Food movement, NESFAS works closely with local communities to protect traditional knowledge, empower farmers, and promote food sovereignty. At the heart of NESFAS's mission is its commitment to safeguarding agrobiodiversity by supporting indigenous farmers, seed keepers, and youth in reviving traditional farming methods. The organization fosters participatory research, knowledge-sharing, and policy advocacy to ensure food security while maintaining ecological balance. Through its extensive network of grassroots initiatives, NESFAS promotes sustainable farming techniques, strengthens community seed banks, and encourages climate-resilient agriculture. Beyond agriculture, NESFAS champions local food traditions by organizing food festivals, educational programs, and culinary initiatives that celebrate indigenous cuisines and their nutritional value. By integrating culture with sustainability, the organization highlights the importance of food heritage and the role of indigenous communities in shaping resilient food systems.

Programs

  • Climate Resilient Village

    In 2022, the North East Society for Agroecology Support launched the Climate Resilient Village Programme to address energy challenges in Meghalaya's remote villages. The initiative focused on implementing sustainable and scalable energy solutions to enhance overall development. Notably, the programme facilitated the electrification of Nongpriang and Mynriah villages, which had been without electricity for years, by installing solar energy systems. This effort significantly improved the quality of life for residents and contributed to environmental sustainability.

  • Restoring Indigenous Lands and Knowledge in Meghalaya

    The North East Society for Agroecology Support , in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), initiated the Indigenous Peoples’ Biocentric Restoration Project in Meghalaya during 2021-2022. This project aimed to rejuvenate degraded lands within Indigenous territories by reviving ancestral knowledge and territorial management practices. Five communities in East Khasi Hills—Dewlieh, Nongwah, Umsawwar, Ladmawphlang, and Nongtraw—led efforts to restore ecosystems, emphasizing the intrinsic value of all species and promoting biodiversity conservation. The initiative also established "Schools of Life" to facilitate intergenerational knowledge exchange, ensuring the preservation of Indigenous wisdom for future sustainability.

  • Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Agroecology Learning Circles

    The NESFAS Agroecology Learning Circles initiative focuses on strengthening indigenous communities through sustainable and innovative natural resource management. By fostering knowledge exchange and participatory learning, the program equips local farmers with agroecological practices to enhance food security, biodiversity conservation, and resilience to climate change. Implemented across multiple villages, ALCs serve as platforms for dialogue and collaboration, ensuring the preservation of traditional farming wisdom while integrating modern techniques. Through this approach, NESFAS empowers communities to lead in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

  • Participatory and Equitable Forest Conservation in Meghalaya

    The North East Society for Agroecology Support, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Meghalaya State Biodiversity Board, initiated a project in June 2022 aimed at conserving Meghalaya's forests through participatory, gender-centric, and equitable approaches. This initiative involved strengthening 71 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) across indigenous communities to develop People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs). These registers document local biodiversity and traditional knowledge, facilitating sustainable resource management and safeguarding intellectual property rights. The project underscores the vital role of indigenous communities and women in biodiversity conservation, ensuring the transmission of traditional knowledge to future generations.

Leadership Team

  • Nestar Kharmawphlang

    Chairperson

  • Rikynti Syiem

    Vice Chairperson

  • Ivan S Lyngdoh

    Executive member

  • Hendri G Momin

    Executive member

  • Hibi Suting

    Executive member

  • Amba Jamir

    Executive member

  • Nirupama James

    Executive member

  • Ability Bynnud

    Executive member

  • Pius Ranee

    Secretary

Demographics & Structure

  • No. of Employees

    51-100

M&E

  • Internal, External Assessors

    No

Policies

  • Ethics and Transparency Policies

    No

  • Formal CEO Oversight & Compensation Policy

    No

Political & Religious Declarations

  • On Affiliation if any

    No

  • On Deployment Bias if any

    No

Registration Details

  • Registration ID

    SR/NESFAS-5/12

  • VO ID / Darpan ID

    ML/2018/0202873

  • FCRA

    Not Available

  • CSR Registration Number

    Not Available

Location

  • Headquarters

    Kerie Ville, Arbuthnott Road, Laitumkhrah, behind Nazareth Hospital, Shillong, Meghalaya, 793003

    Directions

Other Details

  • Type & Sub Type

    Non-profit
    Society