Ribaitki Langstang

My name is Ribaitki Langstang and I am a Cinnamon farmer from Madankynsaw village, Laskien block, Meghalaya, India. I am a third-generation farmer — my grandmother taught me everything I know about growing cinnamon.

My grandmother passed down this knowledge to me. Our whole plantation started from just one tree that she cared for. That tree dropped seeds, and over the generations we have nurtured them to grow what we have today.

We take good care of it because we saw early on that there is high market demand. But it is also what my family has always done. The plantation is part of our history.

We grow our cinnamon without using any pesticides — it is completely organic. We work with what nature provides, nurturing new trees from the seeds of the old ones, the same way my grandmother did.

Expanding the plantation takes time. You cannot rush it. Each tree grows at its own pace, and we must be patient.

Right now we sell locally. We would like to reach more customers who understand the value of organic cinnamon and are willing to pay fairly for it.

To keep expanding. The market opportunities are strong, and I want to grow this plantation even further than what my grandmother started.

When I sell our organic cinnamon, both the buyer and I benefit. They get something pure and natural, and I can support my family. That is a good exchange.

Knowing that everything we have grew from one tree my grandmother planted. I am continuing something she started, and maybe one day someone will continue what I am building now.