Shillong, August 19: The Meghalaya government and the Spices Board India have signed a pact to promote sustainable and scientific spice cultivation in Meghalaya, with a focus on building high-value livelihood opportunities for farmers.
The agreement was signed between officials of the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) and Spices Board on Wednesday under the ADB-financed Integrated Eco-tourism and Sustainable Agri-based Livelihood Development (IESALD) Project. It aims to strengthen technical cooperation and support farmers in adopting improved cultivation practices.
The MoU was signed by Gavede Sachin Shankar, Executive Director, MBMA and Team Lead, Agriculture Component of the project, and M.S. Manivannan, Secretary, Spices Board, in the presence of D. Vijay Kumar, Project Director of the ADB IESALD Project.
The collaboration will initially focus on black pepper, large cardamom and cinnamon—spices with potential to generate higher returns while supporting diversified and sustainable agriculture in the state.
The Spices Board will provide technical expertise and guidance on scientific cultivation methods, helping strengthen Meghalaya’s spice production systems and improve livelihood opportunities for farming communities.
Officials attending the signing included Dharmendra Das, Director (Development), Spices Board, and Dr John Jo Varghese, Scientist, Spices Board, besides officials from both organisations.
The partnership is expected to strengthen institutional cooperation and give a push to Meghalaya’s emerging spice economy by linking farmers with improved production practices and sustainable, high-value agricultural opportunities.
