Can you tell us about yourself and your farming journey?
My name is Dimse D Shira and I am a Black Pepper farmer from South West Garo Hills. Meghalaya India.

How long have you been farming Black Pepper?
I have been growing Black Pepper for a long time. My maternal relatives had passed on Black Pepper farming to my mother and now I care for the farm.

What motivated you to start cultivating Black Pepper specifically?
I am motivated to continue the legacy that my grandmother has left me, it has helped them with their livelihood and now it is helping me. So, you can say this is what motivates me.

Can you describe the process of growing Black Pepper?
We get the already germinated black pepper farm from the local nursery which I then grow around the roots of tall rainforest trees. These are for the new plants. The older black pepper needs to be cleaned and pruned and dead leaves need to be trimmed off and I have to make sure there are no pests. 

What are the main challenges you face in farming Black Pepper?
This year, 2024. Some of our older, matured black pepper vines died while the others didn’t bear much fruit. I am not sure about the causes; it could be because it is hotter this year.

What challenges do you face in reaching the market?
We do not have a direct market where we can sell directly to customers, but other resellers come and buy it from me.

What are your plans for farming? Or anything that you'd like to share about your dreams and aspirations?
The future as I see it, will be to continue farming the Black Pepper. This year I harvested 17 kgs I am hoping to yield more.

How has farming Black Pepper impacted your life and the lives of those in your community?
Yes, I can use it for my daily expenses at home and for my family, the others in my village also grow black pepper and are doing very well for themselves.

What do you enjoy most about farming? Any advice for young farmers getting started?
Besides black pepper, I am also growing nut trees, and cashew trees and I have a small kitchen garden. I do enjoy it.