Cultivating Prosperity: Advancing Agro-Horticulture in Meghalaya and Beyond

Abstract    

This brief explores the current state and potential of the agro-horticultural sector in Meghalaya, a northeastern state of India. Through an examination of agricultural landscapes, key crops, and notable initiatives, the paper identifies challenges and opportunities facing the state and the wider Northeastern region. Key themes include agricultural diversification, organic farming potential, infrastructure needs, climate change resilience, and international market exploration. The brief highlights successful initiatives such as buckwheat cultivation and aquafarming missions while emphasizing the importance of policy reforms, technological adoption, and capacity building. Ultimately, this brief advocates for collaborative efforts and holistic approaches to unlock the state’s as well as the region's agricultural potential, fostering sustainable growth, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.

 Introduction

The Northeast region of India has seen notable strides in connecting itself, domestically and internationally, in recent years. To leverage the improving connectivity, there is a need to prioritise the development of the agriculture sector in the region. The region has all the necessities to develop the agri-sector and strengthening this sector can spur economic growth, provide livelihoods, alleviate poverty, and tap into the potential of the region. In this context, Asian Confluence facilitated two roundtable discussions at the Asian Confluence Centre in Shillong, along with a webinar conducted virtually between November 2023 and March 2024. The aim was to comprehensively understand and identify the major challenges and potential solutions while developing and driving a strong narrative around the agro-value chain in Northeast India, with the larger vision of Indo-Pacific in the background. The valuable insights and interventions provided by the participants during these discussions laid the foundation for this brief, which encapsulates the collective outcomes of all three events, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of the agro-value chain in Meghalaya.

Agro-Horticulture Sector in Meghalaya  

Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of northeastern India, the Meghalaya plateau emerges as a highly dissected expanse, bridging the Brahmaputra Valley to the north and the plains of Bangladesh to the south. Meghalaya's total land area is 22,429 square kilometres and agriculture occupies approximately 15-20 percent of this geographical expanse. Agriculture is the cornerstone of the state's economy, contributing a substantial 22 percent to its GDP and serving as the primary source of livelihood for over 81 percent of its population either directly or indirectly. Agriculture, thus assumes a vital role in the overall socio-economic development of the state.

Amongst all the crops grown in the state, rice is the most dominant crop and stands as the undisputed king of Meghalaya's agricultural landscape, commanding nearly 60 percent of the cultivated terrain, closely followed by maize. Meghalaya's agriculture landscape also features extensive pineapple cultivation covering 9.5 thousand hectares, establishing it as the leading fruit in terms of land area. Following closely are other citrus fruits with 8.2 thousand hectares under cultivation, and bananas with 6.2 thousand hectares. Additionally, the state ranks second in potato cultivation, with an impressive acreage of 20.8 thousand hectares, surpassed only by Assam.

It is also important to note that the state of Meghalaya has one of the lowest chemical usage rates nationwide, with a modest 17 to 20 kilograms per hectare primarily confined to solanaceous crops. Solance crops are those that include a wide variety of economically important plants. Some common solanaceous crops include tomatoes, potatoes, peppers (both bell peppers and chili peppers), eggplants, and tobacco. These crops are cultivated for their edible fruits, tubers, or leaves, and they play a significant role in global agriculture and food production. The low use of the chemical fertilizer approach keeps the ground fertile and suitable for organic farming.

Meghalaya holds immense promise for the adoption of organic farming, given its favourable climatic conditions and diverse agro-climatic zones. With abundant rainfall and an ideal climate, conducive to both agriculture and horticulture, the state is poised for organic agricultural success. It boasts a rich variety of high-value crops, including strawberries, ginger, Lakadong turmeric known for its high curcumin content, honey, black pepper, oranges, lemons, pineapples, guavas, litchis, bananas, and jackfruits. Additionally, Meghalaya yields a bounty of temperate fruits such as plums, pears, and peaches, alongside an array of exotic flowers like anthuriums, carnations, and various orchid species. The state also is endowed with substantial production of staple crops like jackfruits and areca nuts.

Success stories from Meghalaya

Meghalaya demonstrates notable advancements through impactful initiatives and success stories. The Buckwheat Cultivation and Meghalaya Aquafarming Mission are two notable initiatives. In response to the region's various agricultural challenges, Meghalaya has embarked on cultivating a novice crop called Buckwheat, which is showing promising results in the state. Despite its name, buckwheat is not a type of wheat. Scientifically, it’s not even a grain but rather a seed that’s harvested from a flowering plant. It is consumed in a similar manner to cereals. Buckwheat is a fast-growing crop (about 2 months) and prefers a moist cool climate in a well-drained sandy soil. It can also be grown well in slightly gravel soil as well. Being a cover crop, it does not require extensive land preparation and can grow well on poorly tilled soil.

Making it suitable for Meghalaya's environmental conditions, offers a promising avenue to enhance agricultural output and income sources for local farmers. Currently, Meghalaya has allocated 400 acres for buckwheat cultivation, signalling the state's commitment to exploring alternative agricultural practices. Buckwheat has tremendous international market potential with Russia and Ukraine being the primary two global producers of it and Japan being its largest consumer, Japanese make the famous Soba noodles from buckwheat as it scores low to medium on the glycaemic index (GI) — a measure of how quickly a food raises blood sugar after a meal — and should not cause unhealthy spikes in blood sugar levels.  With the ongoing geo-political strife between Russia and Ukraine, international buckwheat production has suffered, forcing the consumers to look for alternative producers. Meghalaya's entry into buckwheat cultivation presents an opportunity to tap into this lucrative market, however, despite the market demand, India lacks a systematic approach to promoting the production and processing of buckwheat. Therefore, there is ample scope for Meghalaya to develop its buckwheat industry and capitalize on the growing market demand, both domestically and internationally.

The Meghalaya Aquafarming Mission is another significant achievement contributing to the rise in fish production in the state. Through the adoption of modern aquaculture methods and technologies, this mission has not only increased fish yields but has also positively impacted the livelihoods of local farmers. Notable efforts, such as the expansion of fish farming, have yielded tangible results, particularly in enhancing the availability of fish in local markets. It's crucial to highlight that these initiatives have not only bolstered the agro-economy but also significantly influenced the overall health of the population. Buckwheat, renowned for its low glycaemic index (GI), presents a fantastic substitute for flour-based noodles, offering a healthier alternative. Furthermore, the increased availability of fish in Meghalaya serves as a nutritious option compared to red meat, contributing positively to people's health. These initiatives not only contribute to economic growth but also promote healthier dietary choices, thereby benefiting the well-being of the community.

Agricultural Development: Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the notable natural advantages in the agri sector, Meghalaya is yet to touch the national level in agricultural growth rate, which is at 4.6 percent per year.  The state faces a notable food and grain deficit, Meghalaya is 1.22 lakh tonnes short of food grains annually to feed its population of 2.3 million. Hence, despite good rain and fertile land, the state faces the challenge of food security. Poor agri output not only affects its food security but also impacts its livelihood and employment as Meghalaya is an agricultural state with the majority of its population depended entirely on agriculture for their livelihood. Given its location and dependency on other states, when supply gets affected owing to natural disasters, the state faces food scarcity.

There are various factors responsible for this, including the region's unique weather patterns, mountainous topography, lack of mechanized tools that can serve the needs of the hilly region, and insufficient irrigation facilities. It is believed that the lack of modern agricultural practices exacerbates these challenges, making it hard for farmers to achieve optimal harvests. Agricultural mechanization, which has been successful in many parts of India, poses challenges in mountainous terrains like Meghalaya, upper Assam, Manipur, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The rugged terrain and steep slopes make it difficult to implement conventional mechanized farming techniques. This reliance on manual labour exacerbates the issue of labour availability and costs in Meghalaya. With labour being expensive and in low supply, the state faces significant hurdles in scaling up agricultural production and improving efficiency.

Transportation

Last-mile connectivity remains a significant challenge in the Northeast region, including in Meghalaya, particularly in the transportation of agricultural products. The transportation cost of moving agricultural produce from the state to outside markets is notably high. Interior parts of the state often contend with narrow roads, presenting formidable obstacles for trucks attempting to reach these remote areas, bridges and culverts breaking down under the weight of loaded trucks are common sights in the countryside of Meghalaya. Moreover, during the monsoon season, some areas become entirely disconnected due to flooding or landslides, further compounding transportation difficulties. To address these challenges and reduce transportation costs, exploring alternative modes of transportation such as intra-state narrow-gauge railway lines is an idea to explore. By investing in narrow gauge railway infrastructure, producers can be brought closer to markets, facilitating smoother and more cost-effective transportation of agricultural goods. The implementing of such measures can enhance accessibility to markets, improve supply chain efficiency, and bolster the competitiveness of agricultural products from the Northeast region.

Policy Constraints, Access to Loans and Marketing Techniques

Policy limitations and inadequate access to agricultural loans pose significant obstacles to the advancement and development of Meghalaya's agricultural sector. The existing policies are not sufficiently conducive to the efficient processing, distribution, and marketing of agricultural goods, both within the country and in international markets. There is a critical need for comprehensive policy changes that can streamline these crucial aspects of the agricultural value chain. Moreover, challenges related to marketing and aggregation further hinder the agri-horticulture sector's ability to expand its reach and maximize its potential. The current methods of collecting, processing, and promoting agricultural products are not as effective as they could be, which limits farmers' access to both local and global markets.

Enhancing marketing techniques is essential for overcoming these challenges. By improving collection methods, ensuring efficient processing facilities, and implementing robust promotional strategies, farmers can significantly increase their market access and competitiveness. These measures are crucial for enabling farmers in Meghalaya to capitalize on the demand for their products, both domestically and internationally. In essence, addressing these obstacles requires targeted actions and comprehensive reforms. By overcoming policy constraints, improving access to agricultural loans, and enhancing marketing techniques, the agri-horticultural sector in Meghalaya can experience sustainable growth, higher output, and improved prosperity for its farming communities.

Climate Change

The northeastern region is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to its fragile geo-ecological makeup. There is mounting evidence indicating the onset of climate change, manifested through erratic weather patterns, abrupt rises in temperature, fluctuations in rainfall patterns, variations in humidity levels, and heightened unpredictability of weather events. In Meghalaya, there is a noticeable increase in the number of hot days and hot nights, while conversely, there is a decline in the occurrence of cold days and cold nights. These shifting climate patterns are expected to have far-reaching implications across various sectors including agriculture, water resources, forests, biodiversity, as well as human and animal health.

Given that agriculture in Meghalaya heavily relies on rain-fed practices, the increasing variability and unpredictability of weather patterns pose significant challenges and insecurities for farmers. The limitation of irrigation also restricts most parts of the state to produce just one crop annually, primarily the Kharif crop. As a result, Meghalaya faces difficulty to meet its food needs domestically and depends on sourcing from outside the state. Fluctuations in rainfall patterns can disrupt planting schedules, affect crop yields, and exacerbate agricultural vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the changing climate could lead to alterations in water availability, impacting irrigation systems and water resources management. Forest ecosystems may face stress due to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, potentially affecting biodiversity and ecosystem services.

In essence, the observed changes in climate in Meghalaya underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate and adapt to these impacts. Addressing the impacts of climate change requires proactive measures, including capacity building and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure. Collaborative efforts, such as joint research initiatives and institutional partnerships with international partners may offer promising ways to enhance resilience and adaptation strategies. By sharing expertise, technology, and resources, both regions can work towards developing innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture and ensure food security for future generations. This may involve implementing climate-resilient agricultural practices, improving water management strategies, and enhancing forest conservation efforts, to cope with emerging challenges associated with climate change.

Exploring the International Market

With its diverse range of agro-horticultural products, Meghalaya has the potential to tap into international markets and diversify its revenue streams. By strategically identifying market opportunities and understanding consumer preferences, the state can position itself as a reliable supplier of high-quality agricultural produce on the global stage. Initiatives such as market research, participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, and forging partnerships with international distributors and buyers can facilitate market entry and promote exports from Meghalaya to countries around the world. Moreover, adherence to international quality standards, certifications, and sustainable practices will enhance the competitiveness of Meghalaya’s products in the global marketplace, opening up new avenues for economic growth and development.

As a border state, Meghalaya enjoys a strategic geographic advantage, providing opportunities for trade and economic cooperation with neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Leveraging these proximities, Meghalaya can explore bilateral and regional trade agreements to enhance market access and promote cross-border commerce in agro-horticultural products. Initiatives such as establishing trade corridors, customs facilitation mechanisms, and cross-border infrastructure projects can strengthen economic ties and foster mutually beneficial relationships with neighbouring countries. Additionally, the close cultural ties shared with the neighbouring nations may provide an additional leverage in expanding the reach of Meghalaya's agricultural products. By tapping into shared traditions, culinary preferences, and consumer preferences, Meghalaya can build upon existing cultural affinities to enhance market penetration and forge lasting partnerships in the region.

During one of the roundtable discussions, a delegation from Europe highlighted that the European Union being a significant organic consumer market, known for its high standards and demand for quality agricultural products, lies a valuable opportunity for the Northeast region of India. Expanding into EU markets can provide a lucrative avenue for agricultural products from the region, thereby diversifying market opportunities and increasing revenue streams for local farmers and producers. However, accessing EU markets requires adherence to stringent regulations and standards, including food safety, traceability, and sustainability criteria. Therefore, it is essential for stakeholders in the Northeast to focus on improving product quality, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, and obtaining necessary certifications to meet EU market requirements. Additionally, fostering partnerships and collaborations with EU-based businesses and trade associations can facilitate market entry and promote the export of agricultural products from the Northeast to the European Union.

Investment in Cold Storage Facilities

Addressing the challenge of post-harvest losses and ensuring the quality and freshness of agricultural produce, investment in cold storage facilities is paramount. Cold storage infrastructure enables farmers to prolong the shelf life of perishable commodities such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers, thereby reducing wastage and enhancing marketability. By establishing cold storage units strategically across the state, Meghalaya can effectively bridge the gap between harvest and market, enabling farmers to store their produce in optimal conditions and capitalize on favourable market prices. Moreover, cold storage facilities play a crucial role in facilitating value addition and agro-processing activities, enabling the production of higher-value products such as frozen fruits, vegetables, and processed foods. Therefore, prioritizing the development of cold storage infrastructure is essential for bolstering the resilience of Meghalaya's agro-horticultural supply chain and unlocking the full potential of its agricultural sector.

Capacity Building and Skill Development Initiatives

Recognizing the importance of empowering farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to adopt modern agricultural practices, capacity building and skill development initiatives are imperative. By offering training programs, workshops, and demonstrations on topics such as sustainable farming techniques, post-harvest management, and value addition, Meghalaya and the region can enhance the agricultural productivity and income-generating potential of its farming communities. These initiatives not only equip farmers with the tools to optimize resource utilization and improve crop yields but also foster entrepreneurship and innovation in the agro-horticultural sector. Collaborating with agricultural universities, research institutions, and industry experts, Meghalaya can design tailored training modules that address the specific needs and challenges faced by its farmers. Moreover, leveraging partnerships, Meghalaya can access expertise, technology, and resources to bolster its capacity building efforts and accelerate agricultural development. By harnessing the collective knowledge and experience of partners, Meghalaya can build a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable growth and development in the agricultural sector for years to come.

Technology Adoption for Agricultural Innovation

Embracing technological advancements is essential for driving agricultural innovation and enhancing productivity in Meghalaya. By leveraging modern agricultural technologies such as precision farming, drone surveillance, drone irrigation and IoT-based sensors, farmers can optimize resource management, monitor crop health, and make data-driven decisions to improve yields and reduce input costs. Additionally, the adoption of mechanized tools and equipment tailored to the region's hilly terrain can alleviate labour constraints and increase operational efficiency in farm operations. Furthermore, digital platforms and mobile applications can facilitate access to market information, weather forecasts, and extension services, enabling farmers to stay informed and connected in real-time. By embracing technology adoption as a cornerstone of agricultural development, Meghalaya can unlock new opportunities for growth, resilience, and sustainability in its agro-horticultural sector. Empowering farmers with access to technology-driven solutions can catalyze transformative change, driving economic prosperity and food security for communities across the state.

Seed Bank Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation and Crop Resilience

Establishing a seed bank initiative can play a crucial role in safeguarding agricultural biodiversity and enhancing crop resilience in Meghalaya. By collecting, conserving, and disseminating locally adapted and traditional crop varieties, the seed bank initiative ensures the availability of diverse genetic resources essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change, pests, and diseases. The seed bank serves as a repository of indigenous seeds, heirloom varieties, and wild relatives of cultivated crops, preserving genetic diversity and promoting crop adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Through community participation and engagement, farmers are encouraged to contribute seeds from their traditional varieties, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship over agricultural heritage. Moreover, the seed bank initiative facilitates seed exchange programs, allowing farmers to access diverse germplasm and adopt resilient crop varieties suited to their specific agro-climatic conditions. By promoting the cultivation of locally adapted crops, the initiative strengthens food security, enhances nutrition, and reduces dependence on external inputs.

Value Addition and Agro-Processing Initiatives

Recognizing the untapped potential of Meghalaya's agricultural produce, the state government is spearheading initiatives to promote value addition and agro-processing in the region. By investing in infrastructure and technology, such as food processing units and packaging facilities, Meghalaya aims to enhance the value and shelf life of its agricultural products. Through value addition, farmers can command higher prices for their produce, thereby increasing their income and economic resilience. Furthermore, agro-processing initiatives not only reduce post-harvest losses but also create employment opportunities and stimulate rural development. By encouraging the development of local food processing industries, Meghalaya can capitalize on its abundant natural resources and cultural heritage to produce high-quality, value-added products for domestic and international markets. Collaborating with industry stakeholders, research institutions, and financial institutions, the government is facilitating capacity-building programs and providing technical assistance to entrepreneurs in the agro-processing sector. Additionally, partnerships with market aggregators and distributors can help expand market reach and ensure a steady demand for processed agricultural products. Through value addition and agro-processing initiatives, Meghalaya aims to unlock the full economic potential of its agricultural sector, fostering sustainable growth, and improving livelihoods for farmers and rural communities.

Conclusion: Towards a Sustainable Agro-Horticultural Future

In conclusion, the agro-horticultural sector in Meghalaya and the northeastern region of India presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development and economic growth. Despite facing obstacles such as inadequate infrastructure, policy limitations, and the impacts of climate change, the region holds immense potential for unlocking new avenues of prosperity and resilience. Through collaborative efforts and strategic interventions, stakeholders can address these challenges and pave the way for a thriving agricultural sector. Initiatives such as exploring international markets, investing in cold storage facilities, capacity building, technology adoption, and biodiversity conservation can drive transformative change and unlock the region's full potential.

The success stories of initiatives such as the Buckwheat Cultivation and the Meghalaya Aquafarming Mission demonstrate the positive impact, of innovative approaches to agriculture. These initiatives not only contribute to economic growth but also promote healthier dietary choices, benefiting the well-being of consumers. Going forward, it is essential to continue fostering partnerships, leveraging technology, and implementing sustainable practices to build a resilient agro-horticultural sector in Meghalaya and the northeastern region. By working together and embracing a holistic approach to development, we can create a future where agriculture serves as a catalyst for prosperity, food security, and environmental sustainability in the region.

Pradyut Das is a Research and Program Associate at Asian Confluence, he has completed his Masters in International Studies, from Symbiosis School of International Studies, Pune with special focus on South Asia and Neighbourhood studies.