Shillong: In the remote village of Khliehrangnah, nestled within the rolling hills of Meghalaya, a remarkable transformation has taken root, spearheaded by the vision and determination of a local woman. Bina Sungoh, the Secretary of the Village Employment Council, has orchestrated a profound shift in her community’s economic landscape, turning once-desolate wasteland into thriving agricultural fields.
Sungoh’s ambitious land reclamation project, spanning 20 hectares, has not only revitalized the land but also provided a sustainable alternative to the region’s reliance on coal mining. This initiative, a collaborative effort under the Aroma Mission involving government employment schemes and research institutes, has yielded over Rs 5.4 lakh in revenue through the sale of essential oils and plants.
The project’s impact extends far beyond financial gains. It has generated stable employment for approximately 50 households, offering a dignified livelihood and freeing them from the environmental degradation associated with mining. Workers now contribute 25 days annually to agricultural activities, fostering a sense of ownership and connection to the land.
Central to this transformation is the establishment of distillation units for processing lemongrass, citronella, and turmeric leaves into valuable essential oils. A dedicated working shed provides a safe and efficient space for the women-led operation, empowering them to take control of their economic futures.
Sungoh’s leadership has sparked a ripple effect, inspiring replication in 16 neighbouring villages. Her vision extends beyond cultivation, encompassing community nurseries and vermicomposting, effectively converting plantation waste into valuable resources through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
Driven by a desire to empower her community further, Sungoh self-funded her training in entrepreneurial development at CSIR-CIMAP in Lucknow. Equipped with new knowledge and skills, she now mentors self-help groups in creating herbal teas and oil blends, fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance.
Read More: Meghalaya Lok Adalat Settles 143 Cases, Facilitates Over ₹75 Lakh in Settlements