Their sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in the hilly terrain of Khasi Hills, have been known to the Khasi tribes of Meghalaya in a long time. Farming tools still remain simple and perfectly crafted to meet all peculiarities of doing agriculture in the highlands. Such is the importance of this iron sickle that it becomes invaluable to harvest or clear vegetation. The tool has a flat, straight iron blade with a serrated edge, perfect for blades from crops, grass, and the little curve at its tip for effective harvesting motion. A short tang at the base of the blade is inserted into a compact wooden handle, creating a firm grip for the user. Interestingly enough, this design is a traditional Khasi sickle that has the handle much shorter than the blade, implying better control and agility
This is primarily used for cutting paddy and millet during harvest and for clearing thick vegetation in the fields of shifting cultivation. Apart from being a much-beloved hand tool, this brings maximum effort with cutting precision owing to its serrated edge. As more than a farming tool, this iron sickle is a complex artifact, handcrafted by local artisans using indigenous techniques, carrying with it the deep agricultural wisdom and close affinity of the Khasi people with nature. Such implements are important for the heritage and traditional agricultural knowledge of Meghalaya's indigenous peoples.