Meghalaya today welcomed a global assembly of agricultural pioneers, policy experts, and young changemakers for Day 01 of the 4th International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) World Organic Youth Summit. Organised by IFOAM-Organics Asia, the Summit is a centrepiece of the ongoing 1st Northeast India Organic Week, a landmark convergence hosted by the Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The day’s deliberations convened with a high-profile inauguration, featuring strategic developmental strides made by Meghalaya in the sector.
Ms Jennifer Chang, Executive Director, IFOAM Asia, in her address, praised Meghalaya for its exceptional governance and efficiency. Highlighting the execution of the summit, she stated, “I have never known a local government that is so organised”. She further commended the administration’s work culture, noting, “Here, the effectiveness is such that everything gets done.” Transitioning to the summit’s mandate, she emphasised the need for intergenerational transfer of knowledge to counter the ageing farming population in Asia. She concluded by urging the delegates to take up the responsibility to build upon the legacy and take organic agriculture to greater heights.
Mr Maqbool Lyngdoh, Chief Administrative Officer, Meghalaya Natural & Organic Farming Society for Livelihood & Innovation in Agriculture (MEGNOLIA), in his initial remarks, reflected on the state’s deep-rooted agricultural heritage, asserting “Meghalaya is organic by Tradition”. He underscored the government’s commitment to handhold the farmers, whom he identified as the “main stakeholders”. He asserted that the government is firm on providing the necessary support costs to ensure the produce commands a high market value. Highlighting the potential of niche products like the black sticky rice and the GI-tagged Lakadong Turmeric, he emphasised the need for strong branding and thanked APEDA and IFOAM for the collaboration, declaring that to succeed, “We need to position ourselves in a global market”.