Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasized the need to address logistical challenges to unlock the agricultural potential of Northeast India. Speaking at ICAR’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, Sangma highlighted the region’s capacity to become a hub for organic products like turmeric, ginger, honey, and mushrooms but cited cold storage and infrastructure gaps as barriers to growth.
While Meghalayan products such as pineapples and spices have reached European and UAE markets, Sangma pointed to bud rot disease in arecanut plantations as a critical issue. He called for enhanced collaboration between ICAR and state agencies to address such agricultural challenges.
The CM also advocated for greater autonomy for Krishi Vigyan Kendras and cluster-based approaches to crop production. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan proposed quarterly consultations with ICAR and state governments to address farmer concerns, committing to personally participate in these meetings.
