Shillong,June 26: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mr. Conrad K Sangma today attended the International Conference on Women Farmers and Sustainable Organic Agriculture at State Convention Hall, Shillong.
Organised by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with IFOAM – Organics Asia, the conference witnessed participation from national and international delegates, including representatives from organizations such as KfW and IFOAM, along with policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from the organic agriculture sector.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, addressing the gathering, emphasized the Government’s sustained commitment towards farmer-centric policies and sustainable agricultural practices.
He highlighted that over the past eight years, the State has consistently worked towards strengthening the agricultural ecosystem, placing farmers, particularly women at the center of its development agenda.
The Chief Minister underlined the unique advantage of Meghalaya’s matrilineal society, where women play a central role as custodians of land and agriculture. He noted that this sense of ownership fosters deep commitment, responsibility, and sustainability in farming practices.
He further suggested that such models could serve as valuable case studies for global agricultural policy, particularly in understanding the link between land ownership, productivity, and sustainability.
Highlighting the State’s approach, he stated that Meghalaya focuses on building systems tailored to its local strengths, rather than replicating external models.
The Government has made significant progress in promoting community-based institutions, recording substantial growth in self-help groups and farmer producer organizations, thereby strengthening collective action and rural livelihoods.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of preserving indigenous agricultural knowledge and natural heritage, particularly in the Northeast, which has sustained traditional practices for generations. He called for a balanced approach that combines traditional wisdom with modern technology to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Speaking on the broader vision, he emphasized the need to view the Northeast as a unified region with shared ecological and cultural characteristics. Such a regional approach, he noted, would enhance opportunities for scaling up initiatives, attracting investments, and creating a larger global impact.
He further underscored the importance of partnerships, including responsible engagement with the private sector, to ensure adequate resources, innovation, and scalability while safeguarding the interests of farmers.
The conference also focused on key themes such as guardianship of natural heritage, strengthening collective action, and promoting sustainable organic farming practices. It provided a vital platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and building meaningful partnerships among stakeholders.
Earlier, the Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Timothy D. Shira, along with other dignitaries, welcomed the participants and reiterated the State’s commitment to advancing organic agriculture and empowering women farmers.
