Shillong, February 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 at the Parking Lot of the Directorate of Fisheries, opposite St. Edmund’s College, Shillong, following the successful completion of January’s first edition .
Driven by the vision of Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, to promote farmers’ welfare and enhance their income, the first edition of the Farmers’ Market, which 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 and transparent access to buyers and consumers, enabling better price realisation while eliminating middlemen. Meghalaya produces around 1,200 metric tonnes of strawberries annually, with cultivation extended to over 250 villages, 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 .
Stialinda Khasain from Nongwah, Tyrsad, said the Farmers’ Market arrangement has helped strengthen farmers’ businesses. Persevere Rani from Jirang, Ri Bhoi, described the market as an important platform and expressed satisfaction over the positive response from buyers .
Members of the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK), trained at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Shillong, conducted a live kitchen demonstration where visitors experienced farm-to-plate dishes prepared using strawberries and black pepper. The programme also featured live music performances by artists from the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program (CM-MGMP) .
Alongside a record footfall of walk-in customers, the presence of the SOMOI online delivery app, in partnership with the Government, expanded the market’s reach. SOMOI, a local quick-commerce platform, procures produce in bulk directly from farmers, thereby enhancing their revenue and financial empowerment .
The Monthly Farmers’ Market forms 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 .
