Meghalaya: Launches Own Organic Certification Agency to Empower Local Farmers

Meghalaya has officially launched its own organic certification agency, the Meghalaya State Organic Certification Body, which is certified by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). This initiative marks the establishment of the second organic certification agency in the North East region, following the Sikkim State Organic Certification Agency.

Streamlining Organic Certification for Farmers

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced the launch, highlighting that the new agency will streamline organic certification for local farmers, reducing reliance on external agencies located primarily in Western and Southern India. This move is part of the state’s broader strategy to transform agricultural practices and promote sustainable livelihoods for its farmers.

Meghalaya has been actively implementing various initiatives to encourage the conversion of agricultural land into certified organic holdings. Among these initiatives is the Meghalaya Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region (MOVCDNER) scheme, which aims to convert and sustain 100,000 hectares of land as certified organic.

To effectively implement this policy, the Meghalaya Natural and Organic Society for Livelihood and Innovation in Agriculture (MEGNOLIA) was established on June 1, 2023. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, MEGNOLIA acts as the apex body under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, overseeing and coordinating the state’s Organic and Natural Farming Policy.

Collaboration with National Cooperatives of Organic Limited

On September 20, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between MEGNOLIA and the National Cooperatives of Organic Limited (NCOL) during World Food India 2024. This partnership aims to enhance the procurement, marketing, and sale of organic products from Meghalaya.

As part of the MOU, MEGNOLIA will connect certified organic farmers with NCOL, assist them in obtaining procurement approvals, and cover the costs of organic certification. NCOL will purchase organic products from these farmers and manage logistics, ensuring direct compensation to both farmers and service providers. This collaboration is expected to establish a sustainable and profitable organic farming model in Meghalaya, improving farmer livelihoods while promoting environmental stewardship.

Meghalaya’s Organic Farming Growth

Known for its lush landscapes and rich biodiversity, Meghalaya is emerging as a key hub for organic farming in India. Currently, 24,000 hectares of land have achieved organic certification, while an additional 8,000 hectares are in the conversion phase. To bolster these efforts, the State Cabinet approved the Meghalaya State Organic and Natural Farming Policy on January 11, 2023. This policy aims to promote organic farming as a sustainable income-generating activity for farmers, facilitate capacity building, and increase farmers’ income through training, value addition, and market linkage.

MEGNOLIA’s primary goals include managing the implementation of the organic farming policy, supporting Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), promoting agro-industrial growth rooted in ecological sustainability, facilitating technology transfer, and fostering knowledge sharing among stakeholders.