SHILLONG : Meghalaya is stepping up its push towards organic agriculture, with the state government aiming to bring 1 lakh hectares of land under chemical-free cultivation, Agriculture Minister Timothy D. Shira said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters, Shira said the state government has been actively promoting organic farming practices while discouraging the use of chemical fertilizers.
“This organic farming is initiated by the government. No chemical fertilizers have been issued,” the minister said.
“People are trying to avoid these chemical fertilizers. They are using only bio-fertilizers and natural manure,” he added.
Highlighting successful initiatives in the sector, Shira pointed to the growing success of Lakadong turmeric cultivation under the Khadi Mission.
“Recently I visited the place run by the cooperative society. They are doing well,” he said.
According to the minister, the cooperative model has significantly improved market access and income opportunities for farmers involved in turmeric cultivation.
“In the past, farmers had to take the produce to the market but now they need not go to the market. Now they come to the cooperative society, they pay a better price and they are doing all processing, powdering of the turmeric and it is supplied to lots of foreign countries,” Shira stated.
The minister also revealed that Meghalaya has already brought around 60,000 hectares under organic farming and plans to expand coverage further with support from the central government.
“The government has policy. Now with the help of the central government, the different units — one lakh hectares will be taken up under organic farming. We have taken 60,000 hectares so 40,000 more hectares of land have to be taken up for organic farming,” he said.
On rice cultivation, Shira acknowledged that climatic conditions remain a major challenge for farmers in the state.
“On rice cultivation, they are using the same method and even if they try to improve it also due to this climatic condition, they cannot improve it,” he said.
The Agriculture Minister further stated that urbanisation has not negatively affected agricultural land in Meghalaya.
“Urbanization has not affected farm lands in the state,” he added.
Meghalaya has been increasingly promoting organic agriculture and high-value crops such as Lakadong turmeric as part of its broader strategy to strengthen sustainable livelihoods and boost export-oriented agricultural production.