Roadside vendors turned exporters: Meghalaya’s ‘numbered’ farmers reap fruits of labour
Farmers in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district have significantly increased their collective income by forming the Jirang Organic Agro Farmers Producer Company Limited. Through organic certification and unique farmer identification codes, these former roadside vendors have transitioned into successful exporters supplying major Indian retail brands.
Why it matters
This model of farm collectivization demonstrates a scalable path for rural economic development and poverty alleviation in India's northeastern region through value-chain integration.
Neighbours Prestina Sangkly, Dilip Rabha, and Mercy Lyngdoh, unknown to each other a decade ago, had something in common. They were farmers who struggled to sell their fruits of labour—the seasonal Khasi Mandarin orange and the Kew and Queen pineapples, and the perennial banana—by the roadside or at weekly markets.
The article is a straightforward feature story highlighting a successful economic development initiative without political or ideological framing.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in