Farmers and local food producers of Meghalaya gathered today at the fifth edition of Farmers’ Market held in Shillong. Fresh organic produce, indigenous ingredients, and traditional food products drew urban residents and tourists to the event in the capital city. The day-long event featured stalls selling local vegetables, fruits, spices, wild honey, pickled bamboo shoots, millets, and other locally sourced products.

Former Director, Meghalaya Government Department of Agriculture (R&T), Canning S. Shabong said, the Farmers’ market is one of the initiatives of Farmers’ Mission, whose role is to empower farmers, especially in the area of direct marketing. Farmers can bypass middlemen and thereby get a better share. This is also a platform to help farmers as well as consumers to get farm-fresh food products. The event was organised by 1917 iTEAMS, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, and supported by the Meghalaya Farmers’ Empowerment Commission.

The organisers said, the idea behind the event was to create a direct connection between farmers and consumers while promoting indigenous crops and products. Pynhunlang Kharbuki from Umlyngka Mawpun, who is in the dairy farming business, said that Meghalaya’s monthly Farmers’ Market has helped her promote dairy products. Sachin Ojha, an entrepreneur, also expressed that the event provides visibility to the local produce. Farmers from Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills also showcased their produce at the Farmers’ Market.