Shillong, 09 November (H.S.): Shillong, Nov 9: A new farmers’ market has been inaugurated

at Chokpot in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills district, with an investment of Rs 9.26

crore, aimed at strengthening agricultural marketing infrastructure and

improving market access for local farmers.

The facility, to be implemented by the District Rural

Development Agency (DRDA), South Garo Hills, will provide organised spaces for

more than 3,000 farmers to sell their agricultural produce, including

vegetables, fruits, spices and organic products.

The market is expected to help farmers secure better market

opportunities, reduce dependence on informal selling arrangements and improve

the marketing of locally grown produce.

It will also facilitate linkages with Farmer Producer

Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and various government

agricultural schemes.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods

by creating a more organised agricultural marketing ecosystem in the district.

It is also expected to encourage local production, improve farmers’ earning

opportunities and provide a boost to the rural economy.

Agricultural

marketing infrastructure remains a major challenge for farmers in Meghalaya,

particularly in remote areas such as South Garo Hills, where access to

organised marketplaces and wider markets is often limited.

Farmers frequently face difficulties in transporting and

selling perishable produce. The Chokpot facility is expected to address some of

these challenges by providing a dedicated marketplace and strengthening

institutional linkages for agricultural marketing.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhijit Deb