Shillong, April 19: The April edition of the state’s Monthly Farmers’ Market drew around 600 visitors on Saturday, underlining growing consumer demand for fresh, locally sourced produce and stronger market linkages for farmers in Meghalaya.
Organised by 1917 iTEAMS under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, with support from the Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission (MFEC), the market was held at Risa Colony, opposite St. Edmund’s College.
This month’s focus crops—potatoes, coriander, and spring onion (locally known as ‘jyllang’)—were sourced directly from farmers across districts, reflecting the State’s seasonal agricultural output.
Officials said the initiative aligns with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s push to improve farmer incomes, expand market access, and build a more resilient farm economy by reducing intermediaries.
The market model enables direct farmer-to-consumer transactions, offering better price realisation and fostering greater engagement between growers and buyers.
Participation remained strong, with farmers, producer groups, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) showcasing a wide range of farm and value-added products. Regular footfall and repeat customers point to rising trust in the platform as a reliable outlet for fresh, local produce.
First-time participant Bansaralin Mukhim from Ri Bhoi district said the platform allowed her to reach a wider customer base beyond traditional markets such as Iewduh Market. A solo entrepreneur under the PMFME scheme, she credited government support—from saplings to market access—for enabling her participation.
Another debutant, Dona Dkhar from East Jaintia Hills, said the market provided improved price discovery and exposure for her organic produce. “It boosts our confidence and opens up better earning opportunities,” she noted.
The event also featured a live kitchen by Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), highlighting dishes made from the focus crops, alongside performances by local artists under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme.
To expand reach, hyperlocal platform SOMOI partnered with the government to procure produce directly from farmers in bulk, helping enhance their earnings.
Visitors, including tourists, praised the initiative for offering unique regional products such as bamboo-smoked fish and a diverse range of organic vegetables not commonly found in conventional markets.
Launched in January 2026, the Monthly Farmers’ Market has steadily scaled up, with earlier editions featuring crops such as oranges, pumpkins, strawberries, black pepper, bananas, and sesame seeds.
Officials say the initiative is emerging as a key intervention in reshaping agricultural marketing in Meghalaya by strengthening direct sales and improving rural livelihoods.
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