Shillong, Nov 30: Meghalaya today welcomed a global assembly of agricultural pioneers, policy experts and young changemakers for the 4th International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) World Organic Youth Summit.
Organised by IFOAM-Organics Asia, the summit is a centrepiece of the ongoing 1st Northeast India Organic Week, a convergence hosted by the Meghalaya government in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
The day’s deliberations convened with a high-profile inauguration, featuring strategic developmental strides made by Meghalaya in the sector.
Jennifer Chang, Executive Director of IFOAM Asia, emphasised the need for intergenerational transfer of knowledge to counter the ageing farming population in Asia. She concluded by urging the delegates to take up the responsibility to build upon the legacy and take organic agriculture to greater heights.
Maqbool Lyngdoh, Chief Administrative Officer of the Meghalaya Natural and Organic Farming Society for Livelihood and Innovation in Agriculture (MEGNOLIA), in his initial remarks, reflected on the state’s deep-rooted organic agricultural heritage. He asserted that the government is firm on providing the necessary support costs to ensure the produce commands a high market value.
Highlighting the potential of niche products, like black sticky rice and the GI-tagged Lakadong turmeric, he emphasised the need for strong branding and thanked APEDA and IFOAM for the collaboration.
Brendan Hoare, Adviser to IFOAM Asia, delivered a talk on ‘The Past, Present and Future of Modern Organic Agriculture’. He outlined a vision for the evolution of agriculture, tracing the path from pioneering low-input methods to a necessary “ecological redesign”. Central to the needs of evolution, he urged for a complete shift towards levels of effective action, reaffirming that true sustainability needs to champion the interplay between cultural, social and economic spheres.
The day also featured practical experiences featuring pioneers from Bhutan, New Zealand and Malaysia in a a panel discussion.
The afternoon sessions delved into two sessions on ‘Strengthening Meghalaya’s Cooperatives for Inclusive Development’, which focused on aspiration and change. Other sessions included a focus on the global climate crisis.
