RiBhoi, Meghalaya: ICICI Foundation, the CSR arm of ICICI Bank, has launched a large-scale agricultural development programme in Umling block of RiBhoi district, aiming to boost crop productivity and farmer incomes through targeted interventions.
The initiative addresses persistent challenges such as low yields, soil erosion, outdated farming methods, and limited access to quality planting material. Under the programme, more than 12.6 lakh pineapple saplings, 1.38 lakh kilograms of ginger seeds, and 49,350 kilograms of turmeric seeds have been distributed among 310 farmers. Training in sustainable cultivation techniques tailored to Meghalaya’s high rainfall conditions is also being provided.
As a result, cultivated land has already expanded by 10 percent across 35 villages, with 300 acres under pineapple cultivation. Productivity is expected to rise to 9,000 kilograms per acre, potentially increasing farmer earnings by around ₹1.20 lakh per acre annually. Spice cultivation has also gained traction, with 871 farmers engaged in ginger and turmeric farming on 277 acres and 180.5 acres respectively. Ginger yields are projected at 3,200 kilograms per acre, while turmeric is set to reach 1,000 kilograms per acre, aligning with national averages. The foundation is also promoting inter-cropping, collective marketing through farmer groups, and plans for future processing and storage facilities. This initiative forms part of ICICI Foundation’s mission to scale sustainable rural livelihood models across India.
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