Shillong: The February edition of the State-supported Monthly Farmers’ Market was held on Friday at the parking lot of the Directorate of Fisheries, opposite St. Edmund’s College in Shillong, highlighting strawberries and black pepper as the focus crops for the month.
The market is organised by 1917 iTEAMS under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, with support from the Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission.
The February edition followed the successful launch of the January market, which featured winter crops such as oranges and pumpkins and drew strong participation from both farmers and consumers.
Officials said the initiative is aligned with the vision of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to strengthen farmers’ welfare and enhance rural incomes through direct market access.
Along with fresh strawberries and premium black pepper, the market showcased a wide variety of locally grown produce sourced from multiple districts across the state.
The platform continues to provide farmers with direct and transparent access to buyers, helping them secure better price realisation by eliminating middlemen.
Meghalaya currently produces about 1,200 metric tonnes of strawberries annually, with cultivation spread across more than 250 villages and benefiting over 4,000 growers.
In black pepper, the state produces around 2,000 metric tonnes across 2,083 hectares, supporting more than 2,600 farmers.
Farmers participating in the market described the initiative as beneficial for strengthening their livelihoods.
Stialinda Khasain, a farmer from Nongwah, Tyrsad, said the Farmers’ Market has helped improve business opportunities for cultivators, while Persevere Rani from Jirang, Ri Bhoi, called it an important platform that has received a positive response from buyers.
The event also featured a live kitchen demonstration by Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) members trained at the Institute of Hotel Management, Shillong, offering visitors a farm-to-plate experience through value-added dishes made from strawberries and black pepper.
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Live music performances were presented by artists from the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program.
In addition to strong walk-in footfall, the presence of the government-supported SOMOI online delivery app expanded the market’s reach.
The local quick-commerce platform procures produce in bulk directly from farmers, enabling wider market access and improved income opportunities.
Officials said the Monthly Farmers’ Market is part of the Meghalaya government’s broader strategy to strengthen rural incomes, promote high-value agriculture and build stronger rural–urban market linkages through a structured, state-supported marketing platform.
