Shillong, Aug 28: Farmers in Meghalaya can now sell directly to buyers across India through the Meghalaya Mandi app launched today by the Soil & Water Conservation Department.
The digital marketplace connects farmers, aggregators, buyers and transporters across all 12 districts and covers 13-plus cash crops, from Lakadong turmeric and ginger to pineapple and oranges.
In a rare move, the app was not outsourced but designed and coded by Commissioner & Secretary Dr Joram Beda, IAS, himself, based on field challenges.
It builds on a 5-month pilot in North Garo Hills led by MNREDA Chairman Rupert Momin and Dr Beda, which traded 330 MT of produce worth Rs 1.5 crore, giving 800 farmers an extra Rs 78 lakh income without any government spending.
Minister Marcuise N Marak said the platform will cut middlemen, ensure fair prices and support Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s $10-billion economy vision by 2028.
