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Meghalaya establishes its own APEDA-certified organic certification body, boosting farmer’s market access, income potential, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
In a significant move to promote organic farming, Meghalaya has established its own APEDA-certified organic certification agency, the Meghalaya State Organic Certification Body (MSOCB). This new agency is set to simplify the organic certification process for local farmers, offering better market opportunities, higher income potential, and supporting sustainable farming practices.
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Meghalaya’s MSOCB, operating under the Bio-Resources Development Centre (BRDC) and the Planning Department, has been certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). This achievement makes Meghalaya the second state in the North East, after Sikkim, to have its own APEDA-certified organic certification body. The move represents a huge leap toward strengthening organic agriculture in the state.
Previously, local farmers had to depend on organic certification agencies located in far-off regions like Western and Southern India. The introduction of MSOCB brings the certification process closer to home, making it more accessible and convenient for Meghalaya's farmers.
By streamlining the certification process, MSOCB will significantly reduce the cost and time required for organic certification. Farmers can now focus more on improving the quality of their crops without worrying about the logistical challenges of getting certified from distant locations.
Certified organic products typically fetch higher prices, especially in premium domestic and international markets. With MSOCB's certification, farmers in Meghalaya can meet organic standards and access these lucrative markets, potentially boosting their income and uplifting the state's agricultural economy.
The establishment of MSOCB is not just about certification—it aligns with Meghalaya’s broader vision of promoting sustainable and eco-friendly farming. Organic farming practices help in soil conservation, reduce the use of harmful chemicals, and promote biodiversity. This, in turn, supports long-term environmental sustainability, benefiting both the farmers and the ecosystem.
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With an APEDA-certified body in place, farmers in Meghalaya can now compete more effectively in both national and global markets. The certification ensures that the state’s organic produce meets international standards, providing access to better-paying markets worldwide.
The launch of the Meghalaya State Organic Certification Body is a landmark moment for the state’s agricultural sector. By providing farmers with an easier and more affordable path to organic certification, Meghalaya is not only boosting local agriculture but also contributing to sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment. This initiative is assured to improve the livelihoods of farmers, strengthen the state’s economy, and place Meghalaya on the map as a key player in the global organic farming industry.