Shillong, Feb 19: Farmers from different parts of Meghalaya sold their produce directly to customers for the first time at Shillong’s Monthly Farmers’ Market, with several stalls reporting complete sell-outs by the end of the January edition of the initiative.
The market was organised by 1917 iTEAMS under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, with support from the Meghalaya Farmers’ Empowerment Commission. The initiative aimed to eliminate middlemen and ensure that rural producers received fairer returns, an issue that became particularly pressing during the pandemic.
P S Thangkhiew, Chairman of the Meghalaya Farmers’ Empowerment Commission, said the idea was to create a monthly platform where vendors from across the state could directly access urban consumers. He added that there were plans to expand the model to other major district headquarters in the future.
For many participants, the experience went beyond financial gains. Pynhunlang Mynsong, who travelled from Puriang in East Khasi Hills, said the platform offered recognition and engagement with buyers. She said consumers showed interest in understanding cultivation practices and expressed optimism that future editions would provide greater opportunities to showcase local produce.
Theris Syngkon from Nongkynrih in West Jaintia Hills, who sells organically grown crops, said the positive response from customers had strengthened her confidence. She noted that training in organic farming had brought several benefits and that seeing shoppers appreciate the produce encouraged her to continue.
Collectives also found value in the local platform. Victoria Tongper represented the Iatreilang Van Dhan Vikas Kendra from Mawshun in Pynursla Block, a group formed in 2021 with nearly 300 members that had previously participated in fairs outside the state. She said the Shillong market felt more meaningful because of its proximity to home and direct engagement with consumers. The group offers products such as betelnut, broom grass, oranges, honey and black pepper.
Organisers said the next edition of the market is expected to see increased participation from farmers and a broader range of products, with plans underway to replicate the initiative in other parts of Meghalaya.
