Meghalaya Launches Rs 295 Crore Organic Mission for Women Farmers

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Monday, 29 June 2026

Meghalaya has unveiled a ₹295-crore expansion of its organic farming programme, placing women farmers at the centre of sustainable agriculture and global organic value chains. The announcement came at the conclusion of the two-day International Conference on Women Farmers and Sustainable Organic Agriculture in Shillong, where around 400 delegates from more than 10 countries gathered to discuss the future of women-led organic food systems. Organised by the Meghalaya Natural and Organic Farming Society for Livelihood and Innovation in Agriculture (MEGNOLIA) in collaboration with IFOAM Organics Asia and KfW Development Bank, the conference marked the United Nations' International Year of the Woman Farmer.

Key Highlights:

• Meghalaya launches ₹295-crore Phase II of the State Organic Mission
• MEGNOLIA signs MoU with IFOAM Organics Asia to strengthen global organic partnerships
• Women farmers remain central to Meghalaya's sustainable agriculture strategy

The Meghalaya government officially launched Phase II of the Meghalaya State Organic Mission (MSOM) 2024–2028 with an investment of ₹295 crore over the next three years. The programme aims to bring an additional 44,000 hectares and 46,000 small and marginal farmers under certified organic cultivation. Building on the success of Phase I, which covered 28,742 hectares, the mission seeks to establish Meghalaya as a globally competitive organic farming hub while ensuring women farmers, self-help groups, and producer organisations benefit from stronger market access and value-added opportunities. With nearly 24,000 hectares already certified under the National Programme for Organic Production, the state is progressing towards its target of one lakh hectares under organic cultivation.

A key outcome of the conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between MEGNOLIA and IFOAM Organics Asia. Delegates also adopted a joint declaration committing to stronger global cooperation, improved organic standards, and greater recognition of women farmers as essential contributors to food security, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma highlighted Meghalaya's matrilineal society as a unique strength that supports women's leadership in agriculture. He said the combination of farming, sustainability, and the state's social structure creates exceptional opportunities for inclusive agricultural growth. Agriculture Minister Timothy D. Shira described women as custodians of traditional agricultural knowledge and said the government is investing in processing, certification, and branding of premium crops such as Lakadong turmeric and Khasi mandarin to integrate women into profitable value chains.

The conference also witnessed the distribution of cheques worth ₹5.80 crore to Integrated Village Cooperative Societies across all 12 districts as the second tranche of organic input support under Phase I of the mission, reinforcing the government's commitment to strengthening grassroots farming institutions.

International participants praised Meghalaya's integrated approach to sustainable agriculture. IFOAM Organics International President Karen Mapusua described the state's matrilineal framework as an inspiration for women farmers globally, while delegates from Japan, New Zealand, Nepal, Bhutan, and Kyrgyzstan shared experiences on mountain agriculture and organic value chains. Padma Shri awardee Trinity Saioo highlighted how collective action and government support have transformed Meghalaya's women farmers into a confident economic force. The conference concluded with a field visit to Ri-Bhoi district, where delegates observed women-led farmer groups, organic pineapple growers, and producer cooperatives, reinforcing Meghalaya's position as a model for women-led organic agriculture and sustainable rural development.