Shillong, July 12: Meghalaya’s seventh Farmers’ Market was held in Shillong on Friday, strengthening the state government’s initiative to connect farmers directly with consumers and promote natural farming and rural entrepreneurship.
Organised by 1917 iTEAMS under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, with support from the Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission, the monthly market featured seasonal produce such as pineapples, plums, cabbages and other locally grown vegetables.
The initiative allows farmers to sell directly to consumers without intermediaries, helping growers secure better returns while giving buyers access to fresh, locally produced food.
“This is a very good platform for farmers. It benefits us while also creating awareness about organic farming.
Consumers are able to buy fresh produce directly from farmers at fair prices, and we receive better value for our hard work,” said Jacinta Lyngdoh of Umngi in Ri-Bhoi district.
Lyngdoh, participating in the market for the second time, sold organic vegetables grown on her family farm.
Blackstone Nongkrot of Mawriang in East Khasi Hills returned to the market with freshly harvested pineapples after his litchis sold out within hours during the previous edition.
“The market has helped us a lot. People are increasingly looking for fresh produce that comes directly from farmers,” he said.
Consumers said they valued the quality of the produce and the assurance that a larger share of the payment went directly to farmers.
The initiative is part of the state government’s efforts to promote natural farming, support small and women farmers and strengthen agricultural value chains.
The market’s reach has also been expanded through a partnership with Shillong-based quick-commerce platform SOMOI, which delivers products from participating farmers to households across the city.
Officials said orders have been increasing each month, while the delivery service has also created employment opportunities for local youth.
The Farmers’ Market has developed beyond a monthly sales platform by supporting local entrepreneurship, shortening food supply chains and improving the visibility of rural producers, officials said.
