Shillong: The Meghalaya government has launched a partnership with the Shillong-based delivery platform SOMOI to bring products from the monthly Meghalaya Farmers Market directly to city households. This initiative aims to expand market reach for local growers while creating new delivery jobs for the state's youth.
The sixth edition of the market took place on Friday, offering residents fresh harvests like tomatoes, radishes, and pineapples. Organised by 1917 iTEAMS under the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare department, with help from the Meghalaya Farmers Empowerment Commission, the event serves to connect producers and consumers by removing middlemen from the supply chain.
Gavin C. Shullai, the programme manager of 1917 iTEAMS, said that approximately 20 farmers participate in each edition, with more than 100 farmers having benefited since the market’s inception. The event also highlighted the Mauritius pineapple, a variety promoted by the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency for its long shelf life, which makes it ideal for export outside the state.
Farmers participating in the programme have expressed enthusiasm about reaching a larger urban customer base. Previous markets have helped boost the profile of regional specialties like Khasi mandarin oranges, lychees, and strawberries by offering a direct platform for farmers to showcase their seasonal goods.
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