Sigma 100-400 OS C @100mm, f5, Nikon D750 Late morning, Meghalaya Betel leaf is the main crop for Khasi people here. Most plantations are on steep slopes mixed with the surrounding forest. Tall palms that have tops chopped off are used for growing this viny plant (piper) that climbs up the tall sun-exposed trunks. Tea gardens in Assam use a similar way of growing pepper (piper genus) on the tea-shading trees. The harvested leaf is used in combination with the betel nut (for paan, a popular chewing stimulant) which is the second main crop for trade. The betel nut palms (Areca palm) start fruiting ten years after planting. Just like with the river, the inherent inclination of the locals is not to overexploit their resources, though there are always ways to “get more”. The same goes for getting rid of all living nature from their environment.
Nikkor 200-500 VR/TC 14 III @460mm, f8, Nikon Z 6; Noon, low tide; 4.5 metre male getting onto the bank; Odisha
Nikkor 24-70/2.8 S @50mm, f2.8, Nikon Z 6; Women fishing using rods Meghalaya
