Press Releases

In a landmark transformation of hill agriculture in Meghalaya, farmers from the Garo Hills region are witnessing a new era of market access, fair pricing, and income stability. A total of 150 metric tonnes of ginger and turmeric have been directly procured from farmers, benefiting 870 small and marginal producers across 54 villages in North Garo Hills. This achievement marks a significant shift away from traditional market constraints, where farmers were often dependent on middlemen, faced volatile prices, and struggled with high transportation costs due to the region’s challenging terrain. The initiative demonstrates how structured market linkages can empower tribal farmers and integrate them into national and global value chains.

Dr. Joram Beda, IAS, Director, MNREDA, emphasized the importance of this approach: "Price fluctuation in cash crops is a major challenge for farmers in Meghalaya. Through this initiative, we are connecting farmers directly with large exporters and companies through B2B procurement. Our aim is to build a sustainable market system that protects farmers from volatility and ensures better returns"