About MEGNOLIA

Background of formation of Meghalaya's Natural and Organic Farming Society for Livelihood and Innovation in Agriculture (MEGNOLIA).

The state has been diligently implementing various schemes initiated by both the Central and State Governments to encourage the conversion of agricultural land into certified organic holdings. Notable among these initiatives is the Meghalaya Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region (MOVCDNER) scheme, the State Organic Mission which has the ambitious objective of converting and sustaining 1 lakh hectares of land into certified organic. At present, 24,000 hectares of land have achieved organic certification, while an additional 8,000 hectares are in the conversion phase.

To further support and consolidate these efforts, the Cabinet approved the Meghalaya State Organic and Natural Farming policy on 11th January 2023. The policy outlines key objectives, including promoting organic farming as a sustainable income-generating activity for farmers, facilitating capacity building, investment, and technology development, and increasing farmers' income through training, value addition, and market linkage.

The core objectives of the policy include:

Promoting organic farming as a viable and sustainable income-generating activity for the farmers of the state.
Developing a comprehensive support system for capacity building, development, and handholding of farmers in transitioning to organic and natural farming.
Facilitating investments in sector development, including conversion, institution building, human capital development, technology development, area expansion, and supply chain development.
Promoting organic farming in the State through the certification of organic produce to meet the growing demand for organic food in national and international markets.
Increasing farmers' income through training and capacity development for productivity enhancement, value addition, and market linkage.
Promoting sustainable package of practices, including crop and farm diversification, to protect against adverse weather conditions and climate change impacts.
Enhancing access to finance for farmers, especially small and marginal farmers.
Supporting research and development in sustainable, climate-resilient, and affordable organic farming technologies and practices.

The policy has proposed the establishment of a society under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, as outlined in section 5.1.2 of the policy. Therefore, there was a need to create a society that can complement and synergize various programs aimed at promoting organic and natural farming. The proposed society will serve as a dedicated entity to facilitate the achievement of the objectives outlined in the policy.

Our Visions

To transform Meghalaya into a leading hub for organic and natural farming, fostering sustainable livelihoods, enhancing farmers' resilience, and contributing to the domestic and global demand for organic produce through innovative and eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Our Objectives

The Meghalaya Natural and Organic Society for Livelihood and Innovation in Agriculture (MEGNOLIA) shall function as an apex autonomous body of the Government of Meghalaya.
MEGNOLIA may undertake "Externally Aided Projects" to provide need-based credit support for programmatic solutions in organic and natural farming.

Our Missions

To facilitate the transition of Meghalaya's agriculture sector to organic and natural farming.
To build the capacity of farmers by providing comprehensive training and technical assistance.
To drive investment and technological advancements in the organic farming sector.
To certify organic produce in accordance with national and international standards.
To increase the income of farmers through strategic training and market linkages.
To advocate for sustainable farming practices that safeguard against climate change.
To improve access to finance for small and marginal farmers.
To support research and development in innovative organic farming technologies.

Our Functions

MEGNOLIA plays a pivotal role in the implementation and promotion of organic and natural farming in the state of Meghalaya. Its functions are aligned with the objectives outlined in the Meghalaya State Organic and Natural Farming policy. Here are the key roles of MEGNOLIA:

Developing the framework and facilitating the implementation of the Organic and Natural Farming Policy in the state of Meghalaya.
Coordinating as the apex society in the agricultural sector in the state of Meghalaya.
Promoting and providing sufficient support to Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), and other farmer groups to facilitate professional management in organic production, marketing, and supply, while ensuring mutual and fair benefits to the farmers.
Catalyzing agro-industrial growth in different parts of Meghalaya based on the principles of ecological sustainability, economic efficiency, and social equity.
Undertaking or assisting in programs for employment generation, growth, and diversification of agriculture and other food-based industries to increase food production and export of both primary and processed food products, including the fields of horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, poultry, and other related areas.
Facilitating technology transfer and knowledge sharing by involving academia, training institutions, NGOs, farmers' organizations, and allied institutions.
Identifying and promoting post-harvest processing/manufacturing units in the public, private, and cooperative sectors.
Promoting value chain development for both domestic and export marketing.
Promoting the manufacture of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, establishing biomass refineries, and promoting agriculture and biomass-related business activities for agricultural producers.
Assisting farmers/farmer organizations in setting up agro-based village industries.
Developing mechanisms for "Farmer Credit" and "Banking Facilities" to promote inclusiveness and holistic development of agriculture in Meghalaya.
Undertaking "Externally Aided Projects" to provide need-based credit support for implementing programmatic solutions for organic and natural farming.
Creating logistics support, warehousing facilities, and reducing farm losses by ensuring timely connections with the market.