Meghalaya

A look at the traditional harvesting techniques across the country.

Bamboo irrigation system

In the entire north eastern region, particularly in Meghalaya, this is very common form for irrigation. It is a 200-year-old system of taping stream and spring water by using bamboo pipes.

Spilt bamboo logs are used to divert perennial springs on the hilltops to the lower reaches by gravity. The flow of water into the pipes is controlled by manipulating the pipe positions. About 18-20 litres of water enters the system.

This system is primarily used for betel leaf and black pepper cultivation. The best examples are seen Khasi and Jainta hills of Meghalaya.

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