Meghalaya has established the Meghalaya State Organic Certification agency (MSOCB), an APEDA-certified organic certification agency, as a major step towards promoting organic farming.
With Sikkim being the first state in the Northeast to own such an entity, this one comes in second.
The MSOCB, operating under the Bio-Resources Development Centre (BRDC) and the Planning Department, is now certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
While announcing the launch of the Certification body, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “Organic certification for local farmers will become more streamlined, eliminating reliance on agencies primarily situated in Western and Southern India.”
What is MEGNOLIA?
The Meghalaya Natural and Organic Society for Livelihood and Innovation in Agriculture (MEGNOLIA) was founded on June 1, 2023, to lead the implementation of this policy.
MEGNOLIA, the apex authority within the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, is in charge of carrying out the Natural and Organic Farming Policy.
The organization promotes agro-industrial growth based on ecological sustainability and assists Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in developing organic production and marketing.
At present, 24,000 hectares of land have achieved organic certification, while an additional 8,000 hectares are in the conversion phase.
Purpose of Organic Certification Agency
On September 20, 2024, during World Food India 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between MEGNOLIA and the National Cooperatives of Organic Limited (NCOL), marking a key milestone for the state’s organic agricultural industry.
The purpose of this collaboration is to enhance Meghalayan organic product sales, marketing, and procurement.
Under the MOU, MEGNOLIA will link certified organic farmers with NCOL, assist with procurement approvals, and cover certification costs, while NCOL will manage logistics and ensure direct payments to farmers.
These strategic initiatives and partnerships reflect a promising future for organic farming in Meghalaya.
The government’s commitment, led by MEGNOLIA, is set to meet the growing demand for organic produce, improve farmer livelihoods, and promote sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both people and the environment.
Date : 21 to 25 Oct 2024 (5 Days)
Time : 07:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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