SHILLONG, July 11: The Meghalaya government’s Farmers’ Market is emerging as a key platform for connecting farmers directly with consumers, helping growers secure better returns while promoting natural farming and locally produced food.
The seventh edition of the monthly market, organised in Shillong by 1917 iTEAMS under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare with support from the Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission, showcased a wide range of seasonal produce, including pineapples, plums, cabbages and organically grown vegetables.
The initiative seeks to eliminate intermediaries by creating a direct farm-to-consumer marketing system, enabling farmers to sell their produce directly while giving consumers access to fresh, locally grown food.
Farmers participating in the market said the initiative has improved their earnings and increased public awareness of organic and natural farming.
Returning participants noted that direct interaction with buyers has strengthened consumer confidence and expanded market opportunities for their produce.
The initiative has also partnered with Shillong-based hyperlocal delivery platform SOMOI, allowing products from the Farmers’ Market to be delivered to households across the city.
The collaboration has expanded the market’s reach beyond the venue while creating employment opportunities for local youth engaged as delivery partners.
Officials said the Farmers’ Market has evolved into a community-driven platform that supports small and marginal farmers, encourages local entrepreneurship and promotes shorter, more transparent food supply chains across Meghalaya.
