Shillong, Jan 25: Meghalaya’s push to strengthen farmer incomes through direct market access received a major boost as the January edition of the State’s Monthly Farmers’ Market recorded steady sales underlining growing consumer demand for fresh, locally sourced produce and transparent pricing.
Organised by 1917 iTEAMS under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, with support from the Meghalaya Farmers’ Empowerment Commission (MFEC), the market was held on January 24. It brought together farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and local tech-based aggregators on a single platform, cutting out middlemen and enabling direct farmer-to-consumer engagement.
The January edition highlighted Meghalaya’s seasonal harvest, with oranges and pumpkins emerging as key attractions. Over 30 curated stalls showcased fresh produce, fishery and animal husbandry products, along with agri-entrepreneurship initiatives. A live kitchen run by Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) members—trained at the Institute of Hotel Management, Shillong—served orange- and pumpkin-based dishes made entirely from locally sourced ingredients, clocking sales of over ₹20,000.
A major highlight was the integration of digital commerce, with local quick-commerce platform SOMO enabling online orders alongside walk-in sales. Officials said the hybrid model helped farmers reach a wider consumer base, leading to all participating producers selling out by the end of the day.
“The response shows Meghalaya’s immense agricultural potential and the need to scale up farming activities,” said Harish Chandra Choudhary, Principal Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya, who attended the event.
Referring to the diversity of produce on display, he underlined the importance of sustained institutional support for farmers.
Farmers on the ground echoed similar sentiments. Victoria Tongper from Mawshun, a member of an iatreilang VDVK formed in 2021, said the market had given farmers greater pricing confidence and visibility. “Direct interaction with consumers helps us improve incomes and plan better,” she said.
MFEC Chairman P. S. Thangkhiew said the initiative would not remain confined to Shillong and would gradually expand to other district headquarters to ensure farmers across the State get access to remunerative markets. He also stressed the importance of farmer-centric platforms and technology-driven solutions such as SOMO.
Saloni Verma, Director of 1917 iTEAMS, said the long-term vision is to combine agriculture with tourism value. “If we can turn fresh agricultural produce into a monthly farmers’ market experience, it becomes something people—locals and tourists alike—look forward to,” she said.
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