THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 28, 2026

 In a strategic push to elevate its agri-economy and deepen national and global market linkages, the Government of Meghalaya is set to host the first-ever Meghalaya Spice Festival in Mumbai from January 30 to February 1, 2026. The three-day showcase at Jio World Drive, Bandra Kurla Complex, will spotlight the State’s premium, traceable and sustainably produced spices, positioning Meghalaya as an emerging hub for high-quality and GI-tagged agricultural products.

Designed as a flagship, market-facing initiative, the festival aims to connect Farmer Producer Organisations, Self-Help Groups, cooperatives and MSMEs from Meghalaya directly with buyers, exporters, organised retail chains, HoReCa players, nutraceutical brands and institutional buyers. By bringing producers and markets onto one platform, the initiative seeks to strengthen value addition, branding and export opportunities, while enabling farmers and rural enterprises to participate in premium spice value chains.

At the heart of the festival will be Meghalaya’s renowned spice portfolio, led by the GI-tagged Lakadong turmeric, globally recognised for its exceptionally high curcumin content. Alongside Lakadong turmeric, the event will feature ginger, black pepper, bay leaves, cinnamon and indigenous spice blends that reflect the State’s emphasis on natural and organic farming practices, quality certification and sustainable cultivation.

Highlighting the broader economic vision behind the initiative, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that Meghalaya’s true strength lies in its farmers and the rich natural resources of the State. He noted that platforms such as the Meghalaya Spice Festival are critical to creating direct market access for organic produce, enabling farmer groups to reach national and global buyers. According to him, the initiative goes beyond promoting individual products and is focused on ensuring sustainable livelihoods, stable incomes and long-term economic growth for rural communities, while positioning Meghalaya as a leader in high-value, organic and GI-tagged agricultural products.

The festival will feature structured B2B meetings, buyer–seller interactions, culinary demonstrations and farmer-led storytelling sessions, offering buyers insight into the origin, quality and authenticity of Meghalaya’s spices. A dedicated Brand Meghalaya pavilion will showcase government initiatives across agriculture, livelihoods and rural enterprise development, reinforcing the State’s integrated approach to agri-led growth.

Hosting the event in Mumbai, India’s commercial and financial capital, provides Meghalaya with direct access to national and international spice trade networks, processors, exporters and organised retail players. The initiative also aligns with the State Government’s ambitious mission to bring one lakh hectares under organic cultivation by 2028 and to build sustainable spice value chains that enhance farmer incomes and enterprise resilience.

Emphasising the value-chain approach, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Timothy Shira said that agriculture remains the backbone of Meghalaya’s economy and that the Spice Festival reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening every link from production and processing to branding and marketing. He added that opening new markets and encouraging value addition would improve income security, create resilient agri-based enterprises and empower FPOs, SHGs, cooperatives and MSMEs to compete in premium markets while preserving the authenticity of Meghalaya’s organic and indigenous spices.

Adding a cultural dimension, the festival will also feature performances under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, creating a vibrant platform that blends commerce, culture and community. With its focus on farmer empowerment, rural enterprise promotion and market-driven growth, the Meghalaya Spice Festival marks a significant step in establishing the State as a leading destination for high-quality spices on the national and global stage.