Shillong, August 09: Fresh seasonal produce, lively interactions between farmers and consumers, and strong public participation marked the eighth edition of the Farmers’ Market in Shillong, as Meghalaya’s monthly farm-to-consumer initiative continues to strengthen local agricultural livelihoods and natural produce while celebrating the State’s rich harvest.
The August edition of the Farmers’ Market once again brought together farmers from across the State, showcasing seasonal produce including cabbage, maize, pineapple, and a wide variety of fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and value-added products. The market continues to witness increased participation from consumers seeking fresh produce directly from the farmers.
Organized by 1917 iTEAMS under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, with support from the Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission, this monthly initiative has steadily transformed into a platform promoting transparent food supply chains while providing better returns to farmers.
The initiative also aligns with the vision of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma to empower farmers, strengthen agricultural value chain, shortening the gap between farmers and consumers, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through enhanced market access.
Aroma Talang of Thadmuthlong B, Laskein Block, West Jaintia Hills, shared that participating in the Monthly Farmers’ Market for the second time has been a very special experience. Having started organic farming in 2025, she said the practice has brought significant benefits to her livelihood. “At a time when chemical fertilisers and pesticides are widely used, organic farming is a natural and healthier alternative for both farmers and consumers,” she noted.
She appreciated the Farmers’ Market for providing a platform to showcase local produce and expressed happiness at the strong customer turnout at every edition. Aroma also thanked the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, 1917 iTEAMS, and the Government for supporting farmers and encouraging them to continue producing organically grown local produce.
A first-time participant, Store Kharlukhi of Kdiap, Thadlaskein, shared that she was delighted by the overwhelming customer turnout after being invited to take part in the Monthly Farmers’ Market. She said that some of her products were sold out within just a few hours of the market opening, which she described as an encouraging experience for a first-time participant.
She expressed her gratitude to everyone involved for providing farmers and local producers with such a valuable platform to showcase and sell their products. Encouraged by the positive response from customers, she also said she is eager to return and participate in the upcoming editions of the market.
The initiative is also strengthening Meghalaya’s local business ecosystem. Through the Government of Meghalaya’s partnership with SOMOI, Shillong’s home-grown hyperlocal quick-commerce platform, products from the farmers’ Market are delivered directly to households across the city, allowing farmers to reach customers beyond those visiting the venue. The collaboration has witnessed steady growth in customer orders with every edition while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for local youth working as delivery partners.
Consumers visiting the market across the last few editions appreciated the freshness, quality, and affordability of the produce and stated that buying directly from farmers helps to ensure that a larger share reaches the farmers who are the producers while also giving consumers the opportunity to avail fresh organically grown produce. Several buyers also appreciated the opportunity to interact with farmers and learn more about local organic growing practices.
The Monthly Farmers’ Market has witnessed a cumulative footfall of over 5000 visitors till date, highlighting strong public response and continued support for farmers and organically grown produce.
The farmers’ market has grown from a monthly agricultural produce sale into a lively community platform that promotes organic farming, supports women and farmers, and strengthens local entrepreneurship while encouraging consumers to choose fresh, locally grown produce.
As it completes eight successful editions, the market continues to connect farmers and consumers in urban areas. The continued participation of stakeholders, including farmers, women, young entrepreneurs, and consumers, indicates a growing need and support for local organic produce grown in the State.
