Meghalaya is set to make its first organised foray into the national spice market with the launch of the Meghalaya Spice Festival, scheduled to be held from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at Jio World Drive in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. The event marks a focused effort by the state to secure better markets, stronger value chains and export opportunities for its farmers and producer groups.
Conceived as a business-oriented platform, the festival will bring together farmer producer organisations, self-help groups, cooperatives and MSMEs from Meghalaya with buyers, exporters, retail chains, HoReCa players, nutraceutical companies and institutional purchasers. Officials said the objective is to position Meghalaya as a dependable source of high-quality, traceable and sustainably grown spices.
Among the highlights will be GI-tagged Lakadong turmeric, widely known for its high curcumin content, along with ginger, black pepper, bay leaves, cinnamon and a range of indigenous spice blends. The lineup reflects the state’s growing emphasis on natural and organic farming practices, certification, branding and value addition.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the initiative was aimed at creating direct market access for farmers. “Meghalaya’s real strength lies in its farmers and the natural resources of our land. Through platforms like the Meghalaya Spice Festival, we are building direct linkages for our organic produce with national and global markets,” he said.
“This is not just about promoting Lakadong turmeric or ginger,” Sangma added. “It is about ensuring sustainable livelihoods, stable incomes and long-term economic growth for our rural communities.”
The three-day festival will feature B2B meetings, buyer–seller interactions, culinary showcases and farmer-led storytelling sessions. A dedicated Brand Meghalaya pavilion will also showcase government programmes linked to agriculture, livelihoods and rural enterprise development.
Officials said the event aligns with the state government’s target of bringing one lakh hectares under organic cultivation by 2028, and its broader push to develop durable spice value chains that improve farm incomes. Hosting the festival in Mumbai, one of India’s biggest commercial hubs, is expected to provide direct access to domestic and international spice networks.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Timothy Shira said the focus was on strengthening the entire ecosystem. “Agriculture remains the backbone of Meghalaya’s economy. By opening new markets and encouraging value addition, we aim to increase farmers’ incomes and build resilient agri-based enterprises,” he said.
Cultural performances under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project will run alongside the trade-focused activities, adding a local cultural flavour to an event aimed squarely at expanding market access for Meghalaya’s spices.