A monthly farmers’ market in Shillong’s Directorate of Fisheries parking area near St. Edmund’s College brought together growers, consumers and local enterprises in a March edition organisers say is emerging as a model for direct farm-to-market trade in Meghalaya. The event, organised by 1917 iTEAMS under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and supported by the Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission, aimed to cut out intermediaries and let producers sell straight to buyers to secure better prices and steadier incomes.
The market showcased seasonal produce sourced from across the state, with strawberries, bananas and sesame seeds singled out as focus crops alongside a variety of locally grown organic products. Members of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras ran a live kitchen demonstrating dishes made from the featured crops, while artists from the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project performed on site.
For many vendors the market opened new opportunities, particularly for first-time sellers. A strawberry grower from a local self-help group described the experience as transformative: “This day and event are like a blessing to me… as we got a chance to bring our produce and sell them.” Community organisations highlighted wider social benefits; a participant linked to the Bethany Society said, “It’s very good for us… we are getting the opportunity to empower persons with disabilities, women, and people from various rural villages.”
The market also included private-sector partners such as SOMOI, a hyperlocal quick-commerce platform that procures produce directly from farmers. Its founder reported steadily rising demand across recent editions, with higher sales and app-based orders helping expand market access for rural producers.
Organisers said these regular linkages between rural producers and urban consumers will help build a more transparent pricing system, strengthen Meghalaya’s agricultural supply chain and support long-term sustainability, while offering inclusive livelihood options for marginalised groups.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/farmers-market-in-shillong-boosts-direct-sales-highlights-local-produce-1363381-2026-03-22?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-03-22 10:51:00
