Shillong, Sept 12, 2026: What began as a monthly marketplace for locally grown produce is gradually becoming a space where Meghalaya’s farmers, consumers, and local enterprises come together around the State’s food and agricultural economy. The ninth edition of the Farmers’ Market in Shillong continues this growing journey, drawing farmers and consumers together into a familiar space for sharing and supporting locally grown produce.
The September edition of the Farmers’ Market today brought with it seasonal produce including sohiong (wild cherry), tomatoes 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, with the wide variety of produce reflecting the richness of Meghalaya’s agricultural landscape offering consumers an opportunity to access fresh, locally grown products directly from producers.
This initiative, organized by 1917 iTEAMS under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, with support from the Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission, forms part of the State’s wider efforts to strengthen market access for farmers, while building stronger agricultural value chains in Meghalaya. The monthly Farmers’ Market has witnessed the participation of more than 300 farmers from across the State till date.
The Farmers’ Market also reflects the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma to empower farmers, provide better market opportunities, strengthen the connect between farmers and consumers and support sustainable livelihoods through a stronger and more resilient agricultural sector. The government continues to support this vision through initiatives focused on natural and organic farming, farmer collectives, value addition, and rural entrepreneurship.
Creating a regular platform like the Farmers’ Market helps to shorten the distance between farm and table while giving local producers greater visibility and access to urban markets. Over the course of nine editions, the farmers’ market has provided an opportunity for consumers to be introduced to seasonal produce connected to Meghalaya’s soil. The September edition also highlighted the diversity of indigenous and locally cultivated produce available within the State.
Simendaris Ryntathiang from Mairang in Eastern West Khasi Hills District, a second time participant and an organic farmer who cultivates her own plot of land expressed her happiness at being able to participate in the market. She said that she was delighted by the response from customers, with the three baskets of sohiong she had brought being sold out by the first half of the day, along with her other produce. She added that given another opportunity to participate, she would bring more produce, describing the market as a blessing for farmers like her as it allowed them to bring their organic produce directly to customers in the city.
Philisha Mynsong of Mawjam, Mawkynrew, East Khasi Hills District, a first-time participant at the Farmers’ Market, expressed her happiness at being given an opportunity to showcase her produce. Although initially nervous, she was encouraged by the response from customers who began visiting her stall soon after she set it up, enquiring about and purchasing her produce, adding that she looks forward to participating in the market again in the future. Another first-time participant, Rhinda Susngi from Thadlaskein in West Jaintia Hills, said that the market was a blessing for farmers as it provided them with an opportunity to bring their organic produce directly to consumers. She expressed her happiness at being part of the market and thanked the Government for creating such a platform to support farmers and connect them with customers in the city.
The growing response to the Farmers’ Market has also opened opportunities beyond the venue itself. Through the Government of Meghalaya’s partnership with SOMOI, a homegrown hyperlocal quick-commerce platform, produce from the market also reach consumers across Shillong through home delivery. This has also made it possible for the connection created at the market to be expanded to households across the city providing farmers an additional channel to reach consumers while creating livelihood opportunities for local youth working as delivery partners.
For consumers, the market’s appeal lies as much in the experience as in the produce itself. Regular visitors have expressed their appreciation for the freshness, quality and affordability of the products, along with the opportunity to interact with farmers, understand their way and learn about local organic practices. Several buyers also stated that the presence of such markets ensure that farmers avail themselves of the larger share of the work they put in.
As the Farmers’ Market completes its ninth edition, the growing participation is a simple yet important change; that consumers care not only about the products they purchase but also where they come from and who are the ones behind it. The Farmers’ Market is now more than just a monthly marketplace – it has gradually turned into a community space centered around the State’s local food economy, celebrating its agricultural diversity while building stronger ties between farmers, consumers and local enterprises.
