SHILLONG:
Meghalaya has taken a significant step towards promoting organic farming by establishing its own APEDA certified organic certification agency, the Meghalaya State Organic Certification Body (MSOCB), under the Planning Department. This move makes Meghalaya the second state in the North East region to have its own organic certification agency, after Sikkim’s State Organic Certification Agency.
The MSOCB aims to provide streamlined organic certification services to local farmers, eliminating the need to rely on agencies located in Western and Southern India. This will not only make the certification process more accessible but also reduce costs and bureaucratic hurdles for farmers.
Key Objectives of MSOCB:
Provide organic certification services to farmers in Meghalaya and eventually expand to the entire North East region.
Promote sustainable organic farming practices_ and improve soil fertility.
Enhance market access for organic produce from Meghalaya. To achieve these objectives, the MSOCB has been conducting training programs for its staff and stakeholders on organic certification standards and processes.
These initiatives demonstrate Meghalaya’s commitment to supporting its farmers and promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices.
By having its own organic certification agency, Meghalaya is poised to become a leader in organic farming in the region, and its farmers will reap the benefits of this streamlined certification process.
