SHILLONG, June 26: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday said that Meghalaya’s vision of becoming a 100% organic state cannot be achieved overnight, insisting that a gradual transition can safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and ensure long-term sustainability.
Responding to questions over the government’s decision to lift the ban on chemical fertilisers while simultaneously promoting organic farming, Sangma described the approach as a “just transition”. He said agriculture in the state has evolved over decades, and any abrupt shift in farming practices could severely impact farmers who continue to depend on conventional methods.
The chief minister said while the government’s objective of making Meghalaya fully organic remains unchanged, policy decisions must strike a balance between environmental goals and the economic realities faced by cultivators. He stressed that it would be impractical to simply discontinue one system and expect farmers to immediately adopt another.
He said the transition will be carried out in phases over the coming years, with clear milestones to gradually reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers before eventually eliminating their use. He said achieving complete organic cultivation requires a robust ecosystem that includes affordable organic fertilisers, increased production capacity, competitive pricing, reliable markets, and efficient logistics that link farms to consumers.
Sangma further pointed out that the success of organic farming depends not only on production but also on ensuring that farmers receive viable returns for their produce. Organic inputs must become more affordable, while supply chains and market access have to improve to make the shift economically sustainable.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to organic agriculture, he said Meghalaya’s long-term direction is clear. He emphasised that the transition must be carefully managed to avoid disrupting livelihoods while creating the necessary conditions for a sustainable agricultural future.
