Meghalaya unveils ₹295-crore organic mission expansion, seals global pact on women-led farming

SHILLONG, June 28: Meghalaya has unveiled an ambitious ₹295-crore expansion of its organic farming programme and forged new international partnerships to position women farmers at the centre of sustainable agriculture and global value chains.

The announcements came at the conclusion of the two-day International Conference on Women Farmers and Sustainable Organic Agriculture, organised by the Meghalaya Natural and Organic Farming Society for Livelihood and Innovation in Agriculture (MEGNOLIA) in collaboration with IFOAM Organics Asia and the German development bank KfW Development Bank in Shillong. The conference concluded on June 27.

Held under the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer theme, “Women Farmers Leading Change Globally for Organic Food Systems,” the conference brought together around 400 delegates, policymakers and farmers from more than 10 countries.

A major highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between MEGNOLIA and IFOAM Organics Asia, alongside the adoption of a conference declaration committing participants to global organic standards and women-led agricultural transformation.

The state government also officially launched Phase II of the Meghalaya State Organic Mission (MSOM) 2024-2028, which aims to bring an additional 44,000 hectares and 46,000 small and marginal farmers under certified organic cultivation.

Meghalaya unveils ₹295-crore organic mission expansion, seals global pact on women-led farming

Backed by an investment of ₹295 crore over the next three years, the initiative seeks to transform Meghalaya into a globally competitive organic hub while integrating women farmers into profitable agricultural value chains.

The conference also witnessed the distribution of cheques worth ₹5.80 crore to Integrated Village Cooperative Societies across all 12 districts as the second tranche of organic input support under Phase I of the mission.

Closing the conference, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Secretary Isawanda Laloo said the event had created a platform for women from across the world to exchange ideas and experiences.

“The state has invested and is continuing to invest in events such as these because we believe that we are investing in our farmers, we are investing in our future, we are investing in our children,” she said.

The conference strongly highlighted Meghalaya’s matrilineal social structure as a unique advantage in promoting women-led agricultural development.

Karen Mapusua, President of IFOAM Organics International, described Meghalaya’s matrilineal framework as an inspiration for women farmers globally.

“When a young woman in a village in the Philippines or Taiwan or Tamil Nadu sees a woman like the one in this room, who leads with confidence, the whole agriculture future shifts,” she said.

The event also showcased successful global models of sustainable agriculture from countries including Japan, New Zealand, Nepal, Bhutan and Kyrgyzstan.

Padma Shri awardee Trinity Saioo highlighted how collective action had transformed women farmers in Meghalaya from isolated labourers into a self-reliant economic force.

She also credited government support in securing organic certification and market linkages and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting Lakadong turmeric at the G7 Summit, saying it had brought global recognition to the efforts of Meghalaya’s women farmers.

Delegates from Central Asia also praised Meghalaya’s approach. Highlighting organic berry value chains among nomadic communities in Kyrgyzstan, Tungalag Lkhundevjamts said, “I can see the strong commitment of your government to supporting mountain communities. I believe Central Asia has much to learn from Meghalaya.”

The conference concluded with a field visit to Ri-Bhoi district, where delegates interacted with women-led farmer groups, organic pineapple growers, self-help groups and producer cooperatives, witnessing firsthand the state’s efforts to build a women-driven organic economy.

Officials said the conference had positioned Meghalaya as a model for integrating gender empowerment, organic farming and sustainable rural development, while leveraging its matrilineal traditions to create a globally relevant agricultural framework.

Also Read: Meghalaya’s rare pitcher plant has a favourite address: northwest-facing hillsides

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Meghalaya Cricket Association sacks coach, manager over sexual harassment of women cricketers; BCCI asked to step