Meghalaya has intensified efforts to push its organic spices into premium domestic and overseas markets, hosting its first-ever Spice Festival in Mumbai with a 140-member delegation of farmers, entrepreneurs and officials aiming to secure direct trade partnerships.
The festival, held at Jio World Drive in Bandra Kurla Complex, brought producers from the north-eastern state face-to-face with buyers from across India. The opening day focused largely on structured buyer–seller meetings, business-to-government interactions and procurement discussions, with exporters and institutional purchasers exploring sourcing arrangements for turmeric, ginger and other high-value spices.
Officials maintained that the objective goes beyond brand promotion, stressing the importance of long-term market access. Throughout the day, several trade enquiries, export conversations and potential retail tie-ups were reported, signalling growing interest in Meghalaya’s organic produce.
Chief Secretary Shakil P Ahammed called on industry representatives to work closely with farmers, highlighting the state’s emphasis on quality and traceability. Vijay Kumar D., Commissioner and Secretary for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, noted that Meghalaya’s turmeric is already being exported to the United States, parts of the Middle East and Europe, while fresh ginger shipments have recently reached Singapore.
He said the government is looking to partner with buyers who are committed to sustainable sourcing practices and fair pricing. A major spice-processing facility is also expected to become operational soon, which officials believe will boost value addition and strengthen supply capacity.
National Turmeric Board Secretary N Bhavani Sri underlined the role of better post-harvest management, farmer collectivisation and branding in expanding the north-east’s turmeric presence. Following an earlier buyer–seller meet in Shillong, several exporters have begun sourcing Lakadong turmeric, including companies producing curcumin extract and turmeric oil for specialised markets.
Lakadong turmeric, which has secured a geographical indication (GI) tag and is known for its high curcumin content of 7 to 12 per cent, remains central to Meghalaya’s strategy. Under the Lakadong Mission, cultivation has expanded to 2,190 hectares, supported by more than 20 processing units and over 13,000 farmers. Between 2022 and 2025, more than 420 metric tonnes of spices, including ginger and black pepper, were traded in domestic and international markets.
Agriculture’s contribution to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product has nearly doubled — from Rs 5,977.91 crore in 2018–19 to Rs 12,332.26 crore in 2024–25 — driven largely by high-value crops and improved market linkages.
The festival runs until March 1, with trade negotiations expected to remain the main focus as Meghalaya works to strengthen its foothold in India’s expanding organic and wellness sectors.