Shillong: Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma said the state’s matrilineal society — where women are key custodians of land and agriculture — offers valuable case studies for global agricultural policy, especially on the links between land ownership, productivity and sustainability.“This sense of ownership fosters deep commitment, responsibility and sustainability in farming practices,” he said at the International Conference on Women Farmers and Sustainable Organic Agriculture at the state convention hall here on Friday.Organised by the department of agriculture and farmers’ welfare in collaboration with IFOAM-Organics Asia, the conference drew national and international delegates, including representatives from KfW and IFOAM, along with policymakers, experts and stakeholders from the organic sector.Sangma said the govt remains focused on farmer-centric policies and sustainable agriculture, with women farmers at the centre of its development agenda.He said Meghalaya is building systems aligned to local strengths instead of replicating external models. He highlighted progress in promoting community-based institutions, including growth in self-help groups and farmer producer organisations to strengthen collective action and rural livelihoods.The CM also stressed preserving indigenous agricultural knowledge and the region’s natural heritage, calling for a balanced approach that combines traditional wisdom with modern technology to improve productivity and sustainability.He urged a “unified” approach to the northeast, citing shared ecological and cultural characteristics, and said a regional lens could help scale initiatives, attract investments and expand global impact.Sangma also underlined the need for partnerships, including responsible private sector engagement, to bring resources, innovation and scale while safeguarding farmers’ interests.The conference focused on guardianship of natural heritage, strengthening collective action and advancing sustainable organic farming, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among stakeholders.
