Shillong, Jan 28: Meghalaya stepped into the national spice market with the announcement of its first-ever Meghalaya Spice Festival, scheduled to be held from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at Jio World Drive in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. The initiative marked a focused push by the state government to secure better markets, stronger value chains and export opportunities for farmers and producer groups.
Officials said the festival was designed as a business-oriented platform, bringing together farmer producer organisations, self-help groups, cooperatives and MSMEs from Meghalaya with buyers, exporters, retail chains, HoReCa players, nutraceutical brands and institutional purchasers. The objective was to position Meghalaya as a dependable source of high-quality, traceable and sustainably produced spices.
Key products showcased at the festival will include GI-tagged Lakadong turmeric, known for its high curcumin content, along with ginger, black pepper, bay leaves, cinnamon and indigenous spice blends. Officials said the selection reflected the state’s emphasis on natural and organic cultivation, certification, branding and value addition.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the initiative aimed to create direct market linkages for the state’s organic produce. He said Meghalaya’s strength lay in its farmers and rich natural resources, and platforms like the Spice Festival were intended to connect producer groups with national and global markets. Sangma added that the focus was not only on promoting premium spices such as Lakadong turmeric and ginger, but also on ensuring sustainable livelihoods, stable incomes and long-term economic growth for rural communities.
The three-day festival will feature B2B meetings, buyer–seller interactions, culinary demonstrations and farmer-led storytelling. A dedicated Brand Meghalaya pavilion will highlight government programmes related to agriculture, livelihoods and rural enterprise development.
Officials said the festival aligned with the state government’s target of bringing one lakh hectares under organic cultivation by 2028 and its broader strategy to build durable spice value chains that enhance farm incomes. Mumbai’s position as a major commercial and trading hub is expected to provide Meghalaya direct access to domestic and international spice networks.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Timothy Shira said the initiative focused on strengthening the entire agricultural value chain. He said opening new markets and encouraging value addition would help improve farmers’ incomes, enhance economic security and create resilient agri-based enterprises.
Cultural performances under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project will also be held alongside the trade-focused activities, adding a local cultural dimension to the festival aimed at expanding markets for Meghalaya’s spices.
