Shillong: A 21-member delegation from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which included eight members from its Executive Board, conducted a multi-day visit to Meghalaya from November 2 to 4. The visit was arranged to evaluate various development initiatives focused on strengthening rural livelihoods, enhancing market access, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the state.
Beginning of the Tour and Initial Visits
Undertaken as a key part of IFAD's Annual Country Visit to India, the tour offered the international delegation an invaluable opportunity to examine firsthand how different projects are being implemented and what impact they are having on the ground. The delegation kicked off its itinerary at the 100-acre Experiential Farm operated by the Eastern Region Marketing Cooperative Society in Jirang, which was followed by stops at a PRIME Hub and the Jirang Agro Farmer Producer Company Ltd.
Global Representation in the Delegation
The visiting group brought together representatives from a diverse array of nations. Delegates from Brazil, China, Eritrea, Finland, Indonesia, Nigeria, Norway, and the United Kingdom participated in the tour, reflecting broad international interest in the state's rural development strategies.
Reviewing Infrastructure and Interacting with Locals
On the second day of the itinerary, the team traveled to Umwang IVCS Ltd. to review several developmental undertakings implemented under the Meghalaya Livelihoods and Access to Markets Project (MLAMP). These featured a Collective Marketing Centre, a Custom Hiring Centre, a community fish pond, and a storage facility. During these stops, the delegates interacted directly with local residents and community members to understand how these interventions have practically enhanced their daily livelihoods and expanded their economic horizons.
Hub Tours and Meeting with the Chief Minister
The schedule continued with visits to the ERIFA PRIME Hub and the Organic Spice Processing Plant located at Lumdaitkhla in Bhoirymbong, Ri Bhoi district. Following these field visits, the team traveled to Shillong to hold official discussions with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
Grant Assistance and Key Officials
On the concluding day of the itinerary, the delegation stopped by the PRIME Startup Hub in Shillong to learn more about the Investments in Agroecology Value Chains Project. Meghalaya currently holds the third position among Indian states regarding IFAD grant assistance under this specific project, having secured ₹8.19 crore. The delegation featured prominent officials including IFAD Secretary Claudia Ten Have, Donal Brown who serves as the Associate Vice-President of the Department for Country Operations, Indran Naidoo as Director of IFAD's Independent Office of Evaluation, and Reehana Raza as Director of the Asia and the Pacific Division.
Conclusion of the Three-Day Program
Additional members accompanying the team included IFAD Country Director for India James Marc de Sousa-Shields, S. Divyadharshini who is a Director in the Department of Economic Affairs under the Government of India, and senior consultant Jay K. Sharma. Wrapping up the three-day program, the delegation expressed deep satisfaction with the overall progress and the positive interventions carried out through MLAMP. Ultimately, the visit underscored Meghalaya's ongoing commitment to building robust community-based institutions, expanding agricultural value chains, and improving market accessibility for rural populations.
