By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 1: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday called for coordinated and sustained efforts from all stakeholders to advance Meghalaya’s organic farming mission.
Speaking at the conclusion of the 4th Organic Youth Summit at Courtyard Marriott, he said farmers remain central to government policy, and programmes are being designed to be “target-based and time-bound.”
Sangma emphasised that organic farming is deeply rooted in Meghalaya’s cultural heritage. “Our traditional practices have remained intact for centuries, and today they stand as a blessing,” he said, adding that the state is rolling out an ambitious plan to expand organic cultivation while addressing logistical challenges that hinder access to national and global markets.
APEDA general manager Vinita Sudhanshu highlighted the Northeast’s growing influence in India’s organic sector and praised Meghalaya’s community-led development model. She noted that APEDA’s capacity-building initiatives, the recent Buyer–Seller Meet, and upcoming exposure visits will further strengthen market linkages.
IFOAM Asia Executive Director Jennifer Chang described Meghalaya as a potential global model for integrated organic development and urged the state to take the lead in championing the UN’s International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Agriculture Secretary Isawanda Laloo noted that Meghalaya remains naturally organic and said the partnership with APEDA has already facilitated the export of more than 50 metric tons of Khasi Mandarin, pineapple, and ginger to Gulf countries.
Young entrepreneur Ibalahun Thangkhiew, CEO of Jirang Organic Agro FPC, shared her company’s success in uniting smallholder farmers and exporting Khasi Mandarin to Dubai.
The four-day summit featured exhibitions, experience sharing, and the launch of the Organic Compendium and the MEGNOLIA website. It also hosted the 1st Northeast India Organic Week-cum-Buyer–Seller Meet, providing a platform for market access, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation in organic agriculture.
