Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has emphatically stated that organic farming is not a modern trend but the very essence of Meghalaya's identity. He positioned the state as an emerging global centre for the organic value chain during a major international gathering in Shillong.
Organic Mission: A Tribute to Heritage and Farmers
The Chief Minister addressed the concluding ceremony of a significant triple event: the first North East India Organic Week, a Buyer-Seller Meet, and the 4th World Organic Youth Summit. He clarified that the state's Organic Mission transcends being a mere buzzword. "It represents our farmers, their heritage, and the traditional wisdom that has shaped how they cultivate the land," Sangma explained.
He highlighted that the indigenous practices of Meghalaya and the broader Northeast region have aligned with organic and natural farming principles for countless generations. "Meghalaya’s Organic Mission is working towards preserving these practices and helping farmers prosper," he affirmed.
Global Gathering for a Local Tradition
The event in Shillong served as a powerful convergence point, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders. Agricultural pioneers, policy experts, and young change-makers from 13 different countries participated, sharing insights and building networks around sustainable agriculture.
CM Sangma used this global platform to issue a call for sharing Meghalaya's rich agricultural culture with the world. "It is time to share this rich culture and knowledge with the world," he proclaimed. He argued that strengthening organic agriculture serves a dual purpose: it honours deep-rooted traditions while simultaneously contributing to improved global health and well-being.
A Concrete Target for the Future
Moving beyond philosophy, the Chief Minister underscored a clear and actionable policy goal. The Government of Meghalaya has embarked on an ambitious plan to certify one lakh hectares of land as organic by the year 2028. This concrete target forms the backbone of the state's strategy to institutionalize and scale its age-old farming practices, ensuring economic prosperity for its farming community.
"It is about our forefathers, it is about our traditions, and about how our people have been farming for centuries," Sangma concluded, connecting past, present, and future in the state's organic journey.
