Amid the bustle of Shillong, the fragrance of rural life and the story of farmers’ hard work recently found a place of pride. At the ‘Monthly Farmers’ Market’, cultivators from different districts of Meghalaya stood before urban consumers, showcasing oranges, pumpkins, black pepper, honey, and other locally grown produce from their fields. For many of them, it was the first opportunity to connect directly with customers without the involvement of middlemen.
The initiative has been launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma with the aim of providing better market access to rural producers. The monthly market is being organised by 1917 iTEAMS in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, with support from the Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission. During the very first edition, several stalls sold out completely, but the bigger achievement was the visible confidence and pride on the farmers’ faces.
A Platform for Recognition
For farmer Pinhunlang Minsong from Puring village in East Khasi Hills, the experience was deeply emotional. Expressing gratitude to the state government, she said stepping out of her village to sell her produce in a public market was a moment of pride.
“People here were asking how we grow our crops. Seeing their interest in our produce has strengthened our belief that greater opportunities await us in the future,” she said.
Theris Singkon from Nongkynrih village in West Jaintia Hills echoed similar sentiments. She shared that she practices completely organic farming without using any chemical fertilisers.
“Earlier, I often wondered if all this hard work would pay off. But today, when people appreciate our products, it gives me the motivation to move forward,” she said.
Opening New Pathways for Farmer Groups
Victoria Tongper from Mawshun in Pynursla block represents the Iatreilang Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK), a collective of nearly 300 members formed in 2021. With government support, the group has participated in SARAS fairs and exhibitions outside the state.
“This market in Shillong is special because it brings us closer to consumers and to our own home. When people understand the value of organic produce, it benefits all of us farmers,” she said.
Products such as areca nut, broom grass, oranges, honey, and black pepper from her group are now gaining recognition beyond their villages.
An Idea Born Out of Crisis
P.S. Thangkhiew, Chairman of the Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission, said the idea emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, when rural vendors faced severe challenges in accessing markets.
“We realised the need for a dedicated platform where farmers from remote areas could come every month and sell their produce. In the future, we plan to expand this initiative to other district headquarters as well, ensuring farmers receive fair value for their products,” he said.
He added that the initiative will remain farmer-centric and will also leverage local digital platforms such as ‘Somoi’ to expand market access further.
Bridging Distances, Restoring Dignity
The Monthly Farmers’ Market is not just a place for buying and selling—it is becoming a bridge between rural producers and urban consumers. With reduced dependence on intermediaries, farmers are receiving fair prices and, more importantly, recognition for their efforts.
This initiative by the Meghalaya government demonstrates that with the right intent and policy support, farmers can evolve from being mere producers into self-reliant entrepreneurs.
For many farmers who travelled to Shillong, the day marked not an end, but a new beginning—of confidence, connection, and the assurance that the fruits of their labour are finally finding their rightful place in the city.