Shillong: The monthly farmers’ market, organised by 1917 iTEAMS under the department of agriculture and farmers’ welfare and supported by the Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission, was held in the city on Saturday. The Feb market focused on strawberries and black pepper.“As part of the state govt’s initiative to promote farmers’ welfare and boost their income, the initiative provides farmers with direct, transparent access to buyers and consumers, enabling better price realisation and eliminating middlemen,” a statement issued by the department of agriculture and farmers’ welfare said.
The first edition of farmers’ market, which had featured winter crops such as oranges and pumpkins, was marked by overwhelming response from farmers and buyers.“The Feb market spotlighted fresh strawberries and premium black pepper, alongside a diverse range of locally cultivated produce from multiple districts,” the statement said.Meghalaya currently produces around 1,200 metric tonnes of strawberries annually, with cultivation expanded to over 250 villages and benefiting over 4,000 growers.The state produces around 2,000 metric tonnes of black pepper, across 2,083 hectares, supporting over 2,600 farmers.Stialinda Khasain, a farmer from Nongwah, Tyrsad, said the farmers’ market arrangement has been beneficial for strengthening farmers’ businesses. Persevere Rani, another farmer from Jirang in Ri Bhoi district, called the market an important platform and expressed satisfaction at the positive response from buyers.
