In the lush, undulating hills of West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, where traditional farming meets challenging terrain, one man’s dedication has transformed organic black pepper cultivation into a thriving enterprise. Nanadro B. Marak, a pioneering farmer from Gonda Jasingre village in Tikrikilla block, has become a beacon of sustainable agriculture in Northeast India. Through perseverance, innovation, and respect for nature, he popularized the premium “Karimunda” variety of black pepper and proved that organic methods can yield impressive results.
Marak’s journey began in 1986 when he inherited a small patch of land from his in-laws. With a modest investment of around ₹10,000, he planted his first 100 vines of the Karimunda variety — renowned for its medium-sized berries, rich chestnut-black color, strong aroma, excellent taste, and high oil content. The early years were far from easy. Without relying on chemical pesticides or fertilizers, he faced pest attacks and the uncertainties of hill farming. Yet, Marak remained committed to fully organic practices.
He focused on building healthy soil through traditional and improved techniques: leveling the land, using high-quality seeds, mulching with dried leaves, grasses, and banana stems, and enriching the soil with compost, vermicompost, and cow dung manure (10–20 kg per plant). He adopted proper spacing of 8×8 feet between vines and intercropped black pepper with areca nut trees, creating a multi-layered farming system that maximized land use and provided additional income.
His hard work paid rich dividends. Today, Marak’s farm spans several acres with thousands of productive vines. Each vine yields an average of 3.2 kg of pepper — nearly three times the typical yield in the state. With two harvests a year, his annual production exceeds 10,000 kg, generating substantial income (reportedly around ₹17 lakh in 2019). What makes his success even more remarkable is that it was achieved entirely through organic methods, preserving the environment and soil health for future generations.
Recognition followed naturally. In 2018, the International Pepper Community (IPC) honored him as the ‘Best Pepper Grower from India’. In 2021, the Government of India conferred the Padma Shri award on him for his outstanding contribution to agriculture. These accolades highlight not just his personal achievement but also the potential of organic farming in the region.
Beyond his own farm, Marak has become a mentor and guide to thousands of farmers. He regularly conducts training sessions, sharing his knowledge on sustainable techniques — from natural pest management and timely harvesting to post-harvest processing methods such as brief boiling of berries to ensure uniform color and superior quality. His efforts have inspired many in Meghalaya and neighboring areas to adopt organic black pepper and areca nut cultivation, creating a ripple effect of economic and ecological benefits.
Nanadro B. Marak’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of traditional wisdom combined with scientific temper and unwavering determination. In the hills of Meghalaya, he has shown that sustainable farming is not only viable but can also become a pathway to prosperity while protecting the fragile ecosystem of Northeast India. His success continues to motivate a new generation of farmers to embrace organic practices and turn their land into thriving, green enterprises.
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