Attention focuses on key agricultural products such as turmeric, ginger, honey, pineapple, jackfruit and others. | Photo credit: ANI
In imagining a transformation of the State into an economy of $ 10 billion by 2028, Meghalaya is in a crucial moment in its history. The center of the economic ambition of the State is the agricultural sector of Meghalaya, which maintains more than 80 percent of our population and forms the backbone of rural media in the state. With the increasing needs of the state to take advantage of systemic development technology and improvement, the Meghalaya government has launched transformative initiatives aimed at empowering farmers, improving sustainability and fosted economic growth.
The mission mode projects that represent a cornerstone of the Meghalaya Agricultural Development Plan. It focuses on key agricultural products such as turmeric, ginger, honey, pineapple, jackfruit and others. These initiatives are strategies to build a robust ecosystem for high value crops through input support, training and infrastructure development.
Turmeric agriculture revolution
Since its launch in 2018, the Lakadong Mission of Meghalaya has revolutionized the agriculture of the turmeric. The number or producers has increased thirteen times. With 13,000 farmers in 124 villages, the mission has promoted a 60 percent increase in income by strengthening value chains and improving processing infrastructure. Similarly, the ginger mission provides quality seeds to more than 17,000 farmers. This mission has positioned the State not only as a favorite in ginger production, but also created important employment opportunities.
These efforts are part of the widest vision of the state to double the contribution of agriculture to its economy by 2028. By expanding organic agriculture to approximately a Hectares Lakh, Meghalaya aims to take advantage of the growing world demand for sacred and caemical. The State approach to link 50 percent of its farmers with high -value markets through collective marketing centers and processing centers has already begun to transform rural income. Programs such as the Piggery mission and the Apiculture Mission 2.0 have not only increased productivity, but also created thousands of jobs, regularly benefiting women and young people. These initiatives reflect our commitment to improve rural media while preserving the ecological balance of the State.
Technology and innovation are playing an increasingly vital role in the agricultural transformation of Meghalaya. The processing units and collective marketing centers have assured that our farmers obtain the total value of their work. At the same time, the integration of climate resistant practices, such as agroforestry and watercolor management, underline our commitment to sustainability. These approaches, together with the rebirth of traditional systems such as Jhum cultivation, ensure that economic growth does not cost our natural heritage.
Attract private investment
As Meghalaya progresses, it is imperative that agriculture remains central in the economic aspirations of the State. Meghalaya was strategically associated with the main international institutions such as the World Bank, the FIAD and JICA to implement projects that promote agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods. For example, the Meghalaya Mediaods and Access to Markets (Megha-Lamp) project and the Community Landscape Management Project (CLLMP) have empowered local farmers through the formation of self-help groups (SHG) and farmers’ producers organizations. These EAPS follow the multiplier effect. To put it in terms of Meghalaya, the successful way in which the State uses EAPS reflects Meghalaya’s ability to absorb and execute more projects. And therefore, it has led to greater financing of external agencies in different sectors, including agricultural and agricultural technologies.
However, we must also attract private investments to climb our efforts. The trip ahead demands collaboration and commitment of all interested parties. With the continuous empowerment of our farmers, Meghalaya is about to not only achieve its objective of an economy of $ 10 billion, but also establish a reference point for inclusive and sustainable development throughout the country.
Dr. Lyngdoh is the Minister of Agriculture and Welfare of Farmers, Government or Meghalaya
Posted on April 12, 2025
