Shillong, Sept 22: Various farmer collectives engaged in production, processing, branding and marketing of Meghalaya’s organic products are set for a huge backing of some marketing behemoths such as Amul and NDDB.
A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed during the ongoing World Food India 2024, a premium event to transform India’s food processing industry, where Meghalaya has taken centre stage as a ‘Focus Partner State’.
The MoU was signed between the National Cooperatives of Organic Limited (NCOL) and MEGNOLIA (Meghalaya’s Natural and Organic Farming Society for Livelihood and Innovation in Agriculture), an initiative that seeks to convert 100,000 hectares into organic farming by 2028 and turn Meghalaya into an organic hub by strengthening procurement, marketing, and sale of the state’s organic products.
It’s been considered a significant step toward empowering organic farmers, with NCOL’s marketing muscle linked to major players like NDDB and Amul, helping to expand the reach of Meghalaya’s certified organic products.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Pavilion at the international event showcased 21 food processing brands under the Meghalaya Collectives initiative.
These brands feature high-quality, value-added products such as Lakadong Turmeric, Khasi Mandarin, Kew Pineapple, local ginger, and cashew nuts — each representing Meghalaya’s rich biodiversity and agricultural heritage. “Our farmers work together as a tribe, as a community. That’s why it made sense for us tocreate a brand that reflects this spirit,” said Dr Vijay Kumar D, commissioner & secretary to Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department on the sidelines of the event.
Dr Kumar and NCOL managing director Vipul Mittal underscored the partnership as agame-changer for Meghalaya’s farmers, offering them unprecedented access to both domestic and international markets.
Lauding the innovation of Meghalaya’s farmers, Dr Ashish Kr Bhutani said, “Their creativity in packaging and processing is remarkable. With NCOL’s vast network, we can take Meghalaya’s produce beyond borders and ensure that every grain is bought at a fair price.”
Adding to the momentum, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) also launched a report at the event on the agri-export potential of Meghalaya.
A panel discussion featuring industry leaders and experts, including RM Mishra and Defenderson Shadap, provided valuable insights into building successful food brands for community-based organizations, further boosting the aspirations of Meghalaya’s farmer collectives to break into larger markets.
Meanwhile, to boost the organic movement, Meghalaya has established its own APEDA certified organic certification (NPOP) agency, the Meghalaya State Organic Certification Body, under the Planning Department. This is the second such entity in the North East region following Sikkim State Organic Certification Agency.
