Shillong, Nov 28: The first Northeast India Organic Week commenced today as international dignitaries took a trip to the GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin orchards at Mawphu village in the Shella-Bholaganj subdivision under East Khasi Hills district, to observe traditional and organic cultivation practices and interacted with farmers.
The dignitaries also visited key tourist locations in Sohra, gaining an immersive understanding of Meghalaya’s landscapes, agro-ecological richness, and community-led farming systems that underpin its organic identity.
Meghalaya is hosting the organic week in partnership with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and IFOAM–Organics Asia.
The event also brings together two major international initiatives; the APEDA Buyer–Seller Meet and the 4th IFOAM World Organic Youth Summit on a single platform. This edition features participation from delegates, importers, and organic sector representatives from 13 countries including Malaysia, Taiwan, Mongolia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and others, positioning Meghalaya as an emerging centre for global organic trade and youth-led agricultural innovation.
The event brings together international organic pioneers, youth leaders, and policymakers to facilitate the generational dialogue on sustainable agriculture.
APEDA through its second buyer-seller meet will connect producers, farmer organisations (FPOs), and cooperatives from Northeast India with international buyers from Malaysia, Taiwan, Mongolia, China, New Zealand, and Indonesia, and to facilitate the export of high-value produce opening new opportunities and avenues for easing high-value trade.
The youth summit will be held under the theme, “Global Organic Youth Meet Organic Pioneers- Opportunities for Networking and Action”, aimed at bridging the gap between experts, established leaders, and the next generation of agro-ecological leaders.
The summit is designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and pass the torch from ‘Organic Pioneers’ – leaders in different backgrounds from government, to farming and international organisations, to the next-gen champions, passionate about sustainable practices and lifestyles.
Speakers and key figures scheduled to attend the event include Jennifer Chang, Executive Director of IFOAM-Organics Asia, C.K. “Bablu” Ganguly, Founder of Timbaktu Collective and One World Award Gold Prize recipient, and Brendan Hoare, CEO of Buy Pure NZ. A highlight of the program will be a special address by renowned environmental activist Dr. Vandana Shiva, Founder of Navdanya, who will speak on the critical role of youth in organic agriculture.
Technical sessions will cover critical themes such as the 8th Revision of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), organic certification and labelling requirements, emerging market trends, and export opportunities.
The summit aims to institutionalise the role of youth in the organic sector. It seeks to drive practical solutions for market access and climate resilience.
The gathering will conclude on December 1 with the adoption of the 4th World Organic Youth Summit Declaration, outlining a roadmap for future action and collaboration within the global organic community.
