International Terra Madre begins in Shillong

One of India's biggest food festival, the International Terra Madre or Slow Food festival, bringing in cuisine of indigenous tribes from nearly 60 countries kick-started here today.
The five day event will also allow guests to visit 41 tribal partner villages in the state where sharing of indigenous knowledge on food and sustainability will be availed for the guests.
Noted American environmentalist, economist, and writer, known for her work on tribal land claims and preservation, Dr Winona LaDuke urged the people "to stop industrial agriculture, but to begin growing your own food".
In his address, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said his government wished to make Meghalaya as the most favoured and most talked about destination.

"We need to design an approach to increase the vegetation cover, biodiversity reserved and enable recharging the catchment area and hydrology of our rivers," he added.
Earlier, representatives from all participating nations were given a ceremonial welcome during the event which saw participation of over a 100 tribes from 58 countries.
Two video messages by Prince Charles, well known for his humanitarian and social interests and championing organic farming, and from Dr M S Swaminathan, described by the United Nations Environment Programme as the 'Father of Economic Ecology' were also shown during the event.
Among those who were present were the International Slow Food Movement founder, Carlo Petrini, besides others.