Women farmers in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district are playing an increasingly important role in driving the state’s rural economy by working alongside men to promote locally cultivated agricultural produce in both domestic and international markets.
Their contribution spans the cultivation and marketing of premium horticultural crops such as pineapples, Khasi mandarins, ginger and black pepper, helping establish a distinct identity for Meghalaya’s farm produce while creating better income opportunities for rural households.
Among the state’s major horticultural products, Meghalaya’s premium-quality pineapples have earned recognition across the country. Cultivation is widespread in the rain-fed hills and valleys of Ri-Bhoi, Garo Hills, and parts of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, making the state one of India’s leading pineapple producers.
Pineapple farming continues to support the livelihoods of thousands of agricultural families and remains a vital component of Meghalaya’s horticulture sector. According to farmers and officials, ongoing efforts to improve product quality, strengthen branding and expand market access are enabling the state’s produce to reach wider national and international markets.
Women are taking on a growing role throughout the agricultural value chain, participating in cultivation, harvesting, post-harvest processing and marketing. Their increasing involvement is contributing to the expansion of Meghalaya’s agri-economy while creating greater economic opportunities for farming communities across the state.
