Meghalaya strengthens agri-entrepreneurship and exports through FPOs and cooperatives

Meghalaya is making strides in the agricultural sector by leveraging 500 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives to aggregate high-value crops such as spices, honey, and fruits, which are all naturally organic.

Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner and Secretary of the Agri and Farmers’ Welfare Department, highlighted the state’s efforts to overcome challenges such as low production volumes and dispersed habits.

To address these issues, the government has strengthened grass-root institutions over the past two to three years, allowing these FPOs and cooperatives to aggregate produce, a critical first step towards boosting exports. Crops like turmeric, ginger, pineapple, oranges, and spices such as pepper and bay leaves are now being aggregated, with primary processing units set up at various points across the state.

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Kumar also emphasizes the growing support for agri-startups and entrepreneurship in Meghalaya, noting the enormous opportunities in the processed food industry. Entrepreneurs are being encouraged to explore freeze-drying technology, with government backing to establish these units.

On the global front, brands like Meghalayan Age Ltd, showcasing the state’s luxury food and craft products, and Meghalaya Collectives, representing farmers’ produce, have been launched.

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Efforts are underway to make these brands available on eCommerce platforms such as Amazon, aiming to widen their reach.

Honey, a staple in many urban households, is also being targeted for broader distribution through online marketing initiatives.

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Meghalaya’s focus on innovation, aggregation, and entrepreneurship signals a promising future for its agricultural exports.

For more, watch the accompanying video