Organic vegetables in a foreign market

Shillong, March 20: In a state where agriculture and its allied sectors are still underdeveloped, organic vegetables from Meghalaya have found a ready market in Britain and other Western countries.

Speaking to The Telegraph yesterday, customs commissioner Donald Ingty said some individuals are currently ferrying locally grown bean (ri in Khasi) and pumpkin to the Thai capital on the Guwahati-Bangkok flight from where they are despatched to different international destinations.

The Meghalaya government has taken notice of this “growing export market” and is going in for huge investments to prepare for “an agriculture revolution” through organic farming.

Ingty said nearly two tonnes of pumpkin and beans are being exported to England. “The people in the West prefer their greens grown without fertilisers and pesticides and that is why vegetables from Meghalaya have found a ready market,” he said.

Traditionally, framers of the state have been against the concept of using fertilisers and pesticides in their crops. Often only cow dung and other forms of natural manure are used. Bangladesh has also been a ready market for Meghalaya’s produce.

Tourists from Upper Assam and West Bengal driving down the Guwahati-Shillong road with cars and vehicles laden with fresh vegetables and fruits is also a common sight. “The domestic market is poised for a big change. And with the Bangkok flight opening up a trade route, the prospect of export looks very bright,” Ingty said. There are also reports that big export houses like J.K. Industries and others have set their eyes on organic farming in Meghalaya.

Sources said the government is contemplating a joint venture with some companies to give a big push to agro-based industries in the next financial year.

Efforts are on to bring facilities like soil testing, seed production and certification and marketing close to the farmers.

Agriculture minister P.M. Syiem told The Telegraph that he would explore the possibility of assisting the organic farming potential of the state through government aid and support services. “We have already taken some bold steps in improving the agriculture sector. The Centre has sanctioned Rs 10 lakh to set up a seed-testing centre in Shillong,” he said.

Syiem also disclosed some ambitious plans of the government like “distribution of farming calendars which mentions specified dates of sowing and harvesting, multi-cropping and even notes on setting up kitchen gardens”.