A large number of farmers and entrepreneurs from all over Garo Hills gathered on the 21st of September, 2017 at the ‘Marketing Conclave’ held at Ampati Multi Facility Centre, South West Garo Hills. The Conclave, an initiative of the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) and organized by the Basin Development Unit (BDU), Ampati, under the Meghalaya Livelihood and Access to Markets Project (Megha-LAMP), was to create awareness on marketing and value addition of agricultural products.
The objective of the conclave was to help farmers and entrepreneurs understand the concept of commodity market dynamics and thereby enable them to significantly enhance the value of their produces through branding and other creditable practices. The conclave also acted as a platform for promoting business networking between farmers, private players, traders, technical service agencies, academic institutions, value chain group and line agencies.
Several renowned experts on agriculture and agri-business including Rajesh Patidar, Vice President, Agriwatch, New Delhi, Biplab Sarma, Commodity Analyst, Agriwatch, New Delhi and Mr. Bhisham Thakkar, Strategic Agribusiness Expert & Dr Abhigyan Bhattacharjee, Associate Professor, NEHU, participated as resource persons. Additionally, officials from the DCIC, Horticulture department, Small Farmers Agri Business Consortium (SFAC), Organic Majuli and the Forest departments were also present.
During the conclave issues of market infrastructure and marketing of agri products were deliberated. Commodity trading on spices was also discussed at length. Another issue discussed was the opportunity for increasing profitability of produce, through value addition, to benefit farmers. This was in the context that the region’s produce such as cashew, black pepper, pineapples etc. were already in demand, and that farmers should learn to realize the best value for their produce through value addition. Self Help Groups were also encouraged to engage in small but high value products. Lastly, farmers were urged to come together and collaborate in marketing and promoting their produces to reduce cost and secure more value while at the same time recognizing the strength and opportunities in organic agriculture.