Meghalaya Makes Strategic Debut at Global BIOFACH 2026 Organic Trade Fair
In a significant development for India's organic agriculture sector, the northeastern state of Meghalaya made its inaugural appearance at BIOFACH 2026, the world's premier trade fair for organic food and agriculture held in Nuremberg, Germany. The state strategically positioned itself as an institution-backed organic sourcing destination from Northeast India on this prestigious global platform.
Strategic Global Platform for Organic Showcase
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare emphasized that BIOFACH 2026 provided an ideal international stage for Meghalaya to present its comprehensive organic ecosystem. With participation from over 90 countries and India receiving special recognition as 'Country of the Year', the event offered unparalleled visibility for the state's organic initiatives.
The state delegation showcased Meghalaya's integrated organic framework spanning multiple critical areas:
- Robust certification systems ensuring quality standards
- Farmer collectivization programs strengthening producer networks
- Strategic branding initiatives for market positioning
- Export-oriented value chains connecting producers to global markets
Leadership and Vision Presentation
The Meghalaya delegation was led by Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, who also serves as Chairman of MEGNOLIA (Meghalaya Natural and Organic Farming Society for Livelihood and Innovation in Agriculture). During the presentation, he outlined Meghalaya's comprehensive organic development roadmap, emphasizing a community-driven model built on three foundational pillars.
- Institutional strength through supportive policy frameworks
- Ecological sustainability ensuring environmental balance
- Market integration connecting farmers with global opportunities
The presentation demonstrated how farmer collectives, supported by enabling policies and certification systems, are progressively aligning with stringent global organic standards, traceability requirements, and sustainability benchmarks.
Farmer-Centric Approach and International Engagement
A distinctive feature of Meghalaya's participation was the direct involvement of farmer representatives from the state, reflecting the government's commitment to a farmer-centric approach to global outreach. The delegation conducted extensive engagements with international buyers, certification agencies, organic traders, and development institutions to explore procurement partnerships and establish long-term international collaborations.
Trinity Saioo, a turmeric farmer from Jaintia Hills associated with high-curcumin Lakadong turmeric cultivation, shared her experience: "I never imagined that organic turmeric grown in our fields would be seen and appreciated globally. This visit helped me understand the importance of quality, certification, and value addition for accessing better markets."
Ringnang Kongkal Sangma, a black pepper farmer from Garo Hills, added: "BIOFACH helped me understand international expectations for organic spices like black pepper. The experience has encouraged me to strengthen farmer-level collaboration to meet global standards."
State Organic Mission 2028 and Export Achievements
Meghalaya's organic expansion is being systematically driven under the State Organic Mission 2028, which targets bringing one lakh hectares under certified organic cultivation. The state has already established itself as a consistent exporter of premium organic products worldwide, with several commodities gaining recognition in national and international markets.
Key organic products from Meghalaya now recognized globally include:
- Turmeric, particularly the high-curcumin Lakadong variety
- Pineapple with distinctive flavor profiles
- Ginger known for its quality and potency
- Khasi mandarin with unique regional characteristics
- Black pepper meeting international spice standards
The Government of Meghalaya reiterated its commitment to building a robust, farmer-centric, and environmentally sustainable organic ecosystem. The state aims to position itself as a reliable source of high-quality organic products in the competitive global market, leveraging its unique geographical advantages and community-based farming practices.
This strategic participation at BIOFACH 2026 marks a significant milestone in Meghalaya's journey toward becoming a recognized global player in the organic agriculture sector, potentially opening new international market opportunities for the state's farmers and agricultural producers.
