Developing the eight north-eastern states is a core component of India’s Indo-Pacific and Act East policy. While steady progress is being made on connecting the region to the rest of India and to the rest of the world, several development challenges remain. Central among them is the need to develop sustainable supply chains based on agro-horticultural resources found in the region, given the abundance of fruits, vegetables, fowers and medicinal herbs. The Agri-Horti sector also has a direct relation to the livelihoods, land governance of the region.

 While past efforts have given rise to growth in trade in agriculture and horticulture goods, further and more comprehensive development will have to consider policy and other bottlenecks that limit investment in the region. Besides policy bottlenecks, the region’s development plans are constrained by a tendency to think in silos whereas the need, at the moment, is to think strategically and holistically.

 To unlock the economic potential of this region, it is essential to establish sustainable supply chains and overcome various development challenges. Developing the agro-horticultural sector in the northeastern states can significantly contribute to the regions economic growth. It can provide livelihood opportunities for local communities, reduce poverty, and diversify the regions income sources. The regions agri-horticultural products can be exported to other parts of India and international markets. The development of supply chains can boost trade and promote economic integration with neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, and even Southeast Asian nations. Despite the potential, there are several challenges to be addressed. These include inadequate infrastructure, a lack of cold storage facilities, transportation bottlenecks, and limited access to credit for farmers. Overcoming these challenges is essential for developing a robust supply chain.

 The development of the northeastern states of India, with a focus on agro-horticultural resources is thus a vital component of India's Indo-Pacific policy. To maximize the potential of the region, its crucial to address challenges in supply chain development, overcome policy bottlenecks, and adopt a holistic, strategic approach to development. Meghalaya as a state has made several advances in this regard and can emerge as a model for the region.

 In this context, Asian Confluence in collaboration with Meghalaya Institute of Governance proposes to host a roundtable seminar on the theme “Unlocking the Agro-Horticultural Potential of India's Northeast: Challenges and Opportunities in the Indo-Pacific Strategy" at the Asian Confluence Centre, Shillong, on Wednesday, 1st November 2023. The Roundtable will bring representatives of Think Tanks, State government, Academia, and Civil society who will be invited to deliberate on the subject in an effort to create a knowledge bridge that can help both academia and policymaker to evolve the narrative further. 

05:00 - 07:30 pm

Introduction & setting the tone: Shri Sabyasachi Dutta, Executive Director,

       Asian Confluence

Welcome Remarks: Shri Aiban Swer, Director, Meghalaya Institute of Governance

Remarks: Dr Surupa Gupta, Professor, University of Mary Washington, USA

Special Addresses: Smti. Isawanda Laloo, Secretary, Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya

                               Shri K N Kumar, Chairman, Meghalaya’s Farmer Commission

Moderated Roundtable Discussion: Each discussant will be kindly requested to make a brief

                                  intervention

Lead Discussants (Not in any particular order)

·      Shri BK Sohliya, Executive Adviser, Meghalaya Farmer’s (Empowerment) Commission

·       Shri.Toki Blah, Civil Society Activist, Meghalaya.

·       Amb. Riewad Warjri, Distinguished Fellow, Asian Confluence

·      Shri. Mangsatabam Iboyaima Meitei, Adviser Horticulture, North East Council (NEC)

·  Shri. Albert Chiang, Officer on Special Duty, Meghalaya Climate Change Centre (MCCC)

·    Shri. Saurabh Bose, Assistant General Manager, Inclusive Supply Chain & Enterprise Development (ISC&ED), Meghalaya Basin Management Authority (MBMA)

·    Shri. Lamborious Kharkongor, Manager- Rural Finance Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA)

·    Shri. Lari Kupar Lyngdoh, Assistant General Manager -Rural Finance Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA)

·   Shri. Bhogtoram Mawroh, Senior Associate, North East Slow Food and Agrobiodiversity Society (NESFAS)

·       Dr Binayak Dutta, Senior Fellow, Asian Confluence

·  Smt. Garnette M Lakiang, Assistant General Manager-Inclusive Supply Chain Enterprise Development (ISC&ED), Meghalaya Basin Management Authority (MBMA)

·     Dr VK Verma, Senior Scientist (Horticulture), ICAR Research Complex, Northeast East Hill, Region, Umiam

·       Dr Heiplanmi Rymbai, Senior Scientist ( Horticulture- Fruit Science), ICAR Research Complex, North East Hill, Region