NESFAS

NESFAS We're a grassroots non-profit organisation dedicated to revitalising, safeguarding, and promoting Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems (IPFS) in North East India.

The mission of NESFAS is to connect people to the importance of agrobiodiversity and the pleasures of tasty, local food. It is a platform where indigenous peoples can voice their opinions, exchange knowledge between traditional practices and science and reaffirm pride in their local food systems. NESFAS believes that food, when responsibly produced, protects the environment, enhances our health and well being and highlights the role of women as custodians of our agrobiodiversity and our food ways. NESFAS therefore envisions a future where our food systems are defined by a strong bond between people, planet, plate and culture. NESFAS, which is chaired by Mr. Phrang Roy, emerged as the outcome of the collaborative efforts between the Indigenous Partnership for Agrobiodiversity and Food Sovereignty, Rome and Slow Food International. It is increasingly connecting many local and international partners interested in agroecological practices.

Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems are sometimes described as relic of the past. But they continue to feed c...
25/09/2026

Indigenous Peoples' food and knowledge systems are sometimes described as relic of the past. But they continue to feed communities today and provide knowledge that is highly relevant to the challenges we face.

For generations, Indigenous Peoples have developed knowledge through close relationships with land, water, food and the seasons. This knowledge continues to be practiced, shared and strengthened across generations.

The Global-Hub on Indigenous Peoples' Food and Knowledge Systems brings this work together and connects it with policy discussions. Today, the Global-Hub includes 40 members organizations, including research networks, working in all seven sociocultural regions.

Universities, researcher centres, Indigenous Peoples' organizations and UN agencies all contribute to this work.

Next month, we will meet at FAO in Rome for the fourth in-person meeting of the Global-Hub.

3 weeks to go. Over the coming weeks, we will share more about the Global-Hub, what it has achieved and what will happen in Rome. 🎉

NESFAS, in collaboration with the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), organised a two-day training on Species Collection a...
25/09/2026

NESFAS, in collaboration with the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), organised a two-day training on Species Collection and Documentation on September 23 and 24, 2026 in Shillong, Meghalaya. 🌱

The training brought together NESFAS team, Joint Action Committee (JAC) members and community representatives to strengthen their understanding of aquatic and amphibian biodiversity, species identification, systematic documentation and ethical collection methods, in the context of Community-led Fish sanctuary initiatives. 🐟

The second day included a field visit to the proposed Community-Led Fish Sanctuary site along Wah Umiong, Mawbri, where NESFAS, ZSI and JAC members observed the river ecosystem and explored fish species present in the area. The session also encouraged JAC members and local communities to work together towards the long-term conservation of the river. 🌱🐟

Applications are now open! 📢After two successful editions of the Food Systems Summit India, FOLU India is taking the con...
21/09/2026

Applications are now open! 📢

After two successful editions of the Food Systems Summit India, FOLU India is taking the conversation regional! The Regional Food Systems Summit India, Northeast 2026 will bring together CSOs, FPOs, farmers, researchers, universities, ICAR, KVKs, experts and other food systems actors to showcase field tested practices and successful models of sustainable and regenerative agriculture from across the Northeast.

The Summit will feature poster based presentations and create a space for regional learning, peer-to-peer exchange and dialogue around locally rooted solutions.

Thematic areas include:

Seed and Breed Stock Management
Soil, Nutrient & Water Management
Pest, W**d & Disease Management
Crop Harvesting, Loss & Residue Management
Livestock & Fisheries Management

Organisations and researchers are welcome to submit multiple applications. Selected presenters will have the opportunity to share their work with a diverse group of practitioners, researchers, policymakers and other food systems stakeholders.

Last date to apply: 27 September 2026

Apply here, https://www.foluindia.org/event/regional-food-systems-summit-2026-northeast-india/

From Jhum Fields to Food Systems: Rethinking Indigenous Food Knowledge 🌱We are pleased to share that a recent study unde...
16/09/2026

From Jhum Fields to Food Systems: Rethinking Indigenous Food Knowledge 🌱

We are pleased to share that a recent study undertaken through the collaboration between Central Agricultural University (CAU) and NESFAS, exploring indigenous food systems of the Garo Hills, has been published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

The study documents 'Mibang', a traditional practice where farmers gather edible leafy vegetables from within and around their jhum fields while working. The practice highlights how jhum landscapes provide diverse sources of nourishment and function as a micro-level food security and nutrition mechanism.

The research further highlights the close connection between food knowledge, biodiversity and traditional agricultural practices, while raising concerns about the loss of both plant diversity and knowledge as fewer households continue these practices.

The study was also featured in The Shillong Times yesterday, bringing further visibility to the research and the Indigenous food knowledge documented through this work.

For NESFAS and CAU, research like this helps create evidence around knowledge that communities have sustained for generations. Safeguarding Indigenous food knowledge is not only about preserving tradition, but also about strengthening nutrition security, biodiversity conservation and resilient food systems for the future. 🌱



Read more here, https://nesfas.in/uncategorized/indigenous-food-systems-of-the-garo-hills-of-meghalaya-nutritional-composition-and-potential-health-benefits-of-traditional-green-leafy-vegetables/

12/09/2026

Calling all Indigenous food lovers! 🥗

We are delighted to announce there’s a new Mei-Ramew Cafe in Meghalaya. 🌱

Located in Ladmawphlang community, along the Shillong–Sohra road, the Cafe is a place to discover, taste and enjoy food rooted in the rich traditions of Meghalaya.

Bring your family, friends and your love for indigenous food, and come be part of the Mei-Ramew experience! 🌱

📍 Mei-Ramew Cafe, Ladmawphlang, Shillong–Sohra Road

The Cafe will be open from Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM onwards. For any inquiries, please contact 📞 +91 98624 83303

Ladmawphlang’s journey towards a stronger local food system continues. 🌱On September 10, the Ladmawphlang Primary Agroec...
11/09/2026

Ladmawphlang’s journey towards a stronger local food system continues. 🌱

On September 10, the Ladmawphlang Primary Agroecology Cooperative Society inaugurated the Mei-Ramew (Mother Earth) Cafe, established through the NESFAS initiative with support from the LIC HFL Sangam project.

What began as an Indigenous Cafe two years ago has now grown into a Mei-Ramew Cafe, marking the community’s collective journey and efforts to strengthen local livelihoods. 🌱



Read more, Link in Bio 👆

Mei-Ramew Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds. 🌱Simple, refreshing and naturally sweet, Pear and Khasi Cherry dessert bri...
02/09/2026

Mei-Ramew Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds. 🌱

Simple, refreshing and naturally sweet, Pear and Khasi Cherry dessert brings together the crispness of pear with the rich, homemade goodness of Khasi cherry jam. Pears provide dietary fibre, vitamin C and antioxidants, while Khasi cherries add natural flavour and sweetness to this wholesome dessert.

Easy to prepare and served chilled, this dessert can be enjoyed after meals or as a refreshing snack, celebrating locally available ingredients and indigenous food traditions.

Stay tuned for more Mei-Ramew Recipes celebrating local food, community livelihoods and Mei-Ramew (Mother Earth).

Where every meal nourishes, connects and inspires. 🥗At Khweng LP School, school meals go beyond the plate. Teachers and ...
25/08/2026

Where every meal nourishes, connects and inspires. 🥗

At Khweng LP School, school meals go beyond the plate. Teachers and school cooks actively come together to prepare a diverse range of nutritious meals, making mealtimes something children look forward to and enjoy.

Supported by LIC HFL through its CSR initiative, this community-led approach shows how school meals can nourish children while celebrating the diversity of local foods and strengthening community participation. 🌾

Address

NESFAS, Kerie Ville, Arbuthnott Road
Shillong
793003

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+919362313910

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when NESFAS posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to NESFAS:

Shortcuts

Share

Category