Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Shillong: Meghalaya is putting women at the center of its push for organic farming. The state kicked off a two-day international conference in Shillong on Friday, bringing together experts from 10 countries to focus on women-led sustainable agriculture. The event drew 400 participants, including policymakers and farmers.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma credited the state's success to its matrilineal roots. Women own the land and treat the soil with deep pride. Sangma said, "Meghalaya is a matrilineal society, but what makes things even more special is when you connect farming, sustainability and organic farming with our matrilineal system. You actually unlock something magical."
The state government is banking on this momentum. Officials launched the second phase of the Meghalaya State Organic Mission on Friday. This project aims to bring 44,000 additional hectares under organic cultivation. It will support roughly 46,000 small-scale farmers over the next four years.
Sangma argued that the Northeast must act as one unit. He believes a unified approach will draw better investments and boost market reach. The government is also pouring money into infrastructure. They want to turn indigenous crops like Lakadong turmeric into profitable, branded goods.
Progress is already showing. Authorities distributed 5.80 crore rupees to village cooperatives during the event. Currently, 24,000 hectares of land carry official organic certification. The state expects to hit its one lakh hectare target within two years.
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