Shillong, Feb 28: The February edition of the Monthly Farmers’ Market, organised by 1917 iTEAMS under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and supported by the Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission (MFEC), was held today after the successful completion of January’s First Edition at the Parking Lot of the Directorate of Fisheries, opposite St. Edmund’s College, Shillong.
Driven by the vision of Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Meghalaya, to promote farmers’ welfare and boost their income, the first edition of Farmers’ Market that featured winter crops such as oranges and pumpkins, witnessed a strong response from farmers and buyers. The February market spotlighted fresh strawberries and premium black pepper, alongside a diverse range of locally cultivated produce from multiple districts.
The initiative continues to provide farmers with direct, transparent access to buyers and consumers, enabling better price realisation and eliminating middlemen. Meghalaya currently produces around 1,200 metric tonnes of strawberries annually, with cultivation expanded to over 250 villages and benefiting more than 4,000 growers. In black pepper, the State produces approximately 2,000 metric tonnes across 2,083 hectares, supporting over 2,600 farmers.
Smt Stialinda Khasain, a farmer from Nongwah, Tyrsad, stated that the Farmers’ Market arrangement has been beneficial for strengthening farmers’ businesses. Shri Persevere Rani, another farmer from Jirang, Ri Bhoi, described the market as an important platform and expressed satisfaction at the positive response from buyers.
The Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) members trained at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Shillong demonstrated a live kitchen where visitors enjoyed farm-to-plate experience by having value-added dishes made by strawberries and black pepper, with live music performances by Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program (CM-MGMP) artists.
In addition to the record footfall of walk-in customers, the presence of SOMOI online delivery app, in partnership with the government, expanded the market’s reach, ensuring that farmers maximize their revenue. SOMOI, a local homegrown quick-commerce app, procures produce in bulk directly from the farmers, empowering the farmers financially.
The Monthly Farmers’ Market is part of the Government’s broader strategy to strengthen rural incomes, promote high-value agriculture and deepen rural-urban market linkages through a structured, State-supported platform.
