SHILLONG, May 16: Cabinet Minister Marcuise Marak pitched coffee and cocoa as the cornerstones of a transformative rural economy, calling them high-value crops capable of providing sustainable livelihoods to farmers across the state.
During a recent visit to Dura Kalakgre village in West Garo Hills, Marak inspected a coffee plantation initiated by the Soil and Water Conservation Department under a state scheme and expressed satisfaction with the progress.
“I went to check how the plantation is doing. The coffee is growing well and the villagers are optimistic,” he said.
The project falls under the North Tura constituency, represented by Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma.
In a social media post, Marak described the initiative as a sustainable livelihood revolution. “This high-value crop is more than just a beverage; it’s a sustainable livelihood revolution for our farmers. The Garo Hills’ elevation makes it ideal for specialty Arabica Chandragiri and S9 varieties. With the government initiative, we could rival international coffee regions. The rich aroma of progress is in the air.”
He told reporters coffee cultivation is now being taken up in various parts of the state, including Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills, with Arabica and other climate-suited varieties showing significant potential.
“The department’s goal is not only to generate income but also protect the environment,” he said.
Referring to the ecological importance of the region, he said, “Dura Kalakgre is part of the Ganol River catchment, which supplies water to Tura. This initiative will help safeguard spring sources and water supply schemes.”
The coffee plantation, he clarified, is solely managed by the Soil and Water Conservation Department and forms part of a broader, inter-departmental push that includes the Agriculture, Horticulture, Forest, MDMA and C&RD departments to promote sustainable rural development.
Later, during a visit to Aguragre village, Marak inspected a cocoa plantation and described it as a promising alternative for farmers.
He said, “Cocoa is in high demand, and Cadbury has shown interest. The plants are thriving, with some bearing fruit within three years of plantation.”
Spread over five to six acres of private land, the plantation is being managed by the department. According to the minister, once the crop is fully established, it will be handed over to the beneficiary farmer.
He further noted, “The entire cost has been borne by the department—no subsidy model. After the handover, the farmer will take charge of upkeep.”
Marak pointed out that cocoa cultivation could be expanded to other low-lying areas such as Ri-Bhoi. He said the Aguragre farmers have adopted an ideal mixed cropping model by growing cocoa under the shade of arecanut trees, creating conditions favourable for both crops. Cocoa thrives in warm climates.
In Aguragre, farmers are growing it under the shade of arecanut trees — an ideal model for mixed cropping. This is a real opportunity to diversify farmer incomes.
