Meghalaya's Horticulture Scenario
Unveiling Meghalaya’s Rich and Diverse Horticulture Landscape.
Meghalaya, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, is emerging as a horticulture powerhouse. Blessed with rich soils, varied altitudes, and high rainfall, the state offers the perfect conditions for cultivating fruits, spices, and floriculture crops. This natural advantage, coupled with rising demand for organic and niche products, places Meghalaya at the forefront of India’s horticultural growth.
Top Organic Crops in Meghalaya
Jackfruit
Found abundantly in East and West Garo Hills (Rongram, Tikrikilla), as well as Ri-Bhoi. Large fruits with soft pulp, used for chips, canned goods, and increasingly for vegan meat alternatives.
Found abundantly in East and West Garo Hills (Rongram, Tikrikilla), as well as Ri-Bhoi. Large fruits with soft pulp, used for chips, canned goods, and increasingly for vegan meat alternatives.
Pineapple
Extensively cultivated in Ri-Bhoi (Nongpoh, Umling) and East Garo Hills (Williamnagar), with presence in West Khasi Hills. Noted for its large size, sweetness, and successful exports to the Gulf region.
Extensively cultivated in Ri-Bhoi (Nongpoh, Umling) and East Garo Hills (Williamnagar), with presence in West Khasi Hills. Noted for its large size, sweetness, and successful exports to the Gulf region.
Khasi Mandarin (GI)
Grown in East Khasi Hills (Mylliem, Mawphlang) and West Khasi Hills (Nongstoin), as well as parts of Jaintia Hills. Known for its distinct aroma, juicy pulp, and branding potential in premium citrus markets.
Grown in East Khasi Hills (Mylliem, Mawphlang) and West Khasi Hills (Nongstoin), as well as parts of Jaintia Hills. Known for its distinct aroma, juicy pulp, and branding potential in premium citrus markets.
Ginger
Widely grown across East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and South Garo Hills. Meghalaya's ginger is organically produced and in demand for dried slices, powder, and oleoresin exports.
Widely grown across East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and South Garo Hills. Meghalaya's ginger is organically produced and in demand for dried slices, powder, and oleoresin exports.
Strawberry
Commercially grown in Sohliya village and surrounding clusters in Ri-Bhoi district. Supported under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, it is now a center for agri-tourism and strawberry festivals.
Commercially grown in Sohliya village and surrounding clusters in Ri-Bhoi district. Supported under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, it is now a center for agri-tourism and strawberry festivals.
Bay Leaf (Tejpatta)
Cultivated in West Garo Hills (Dalu, Gambegre), and parts of Ri-Bhoi and Jaintia Hills. A traditional spice crop with strong domestic market linkage through the regional mandi system.
Cultivated in West Garo Hills (Dalu, Gambegre), and parts of Ri-Bhoi and Jaintia Hills. A traditional spice crop with strong domestic market linkage through the regional mandi system.
Black Pepper
Intercropped with arecanut and grown in East Khasi Hills (Mawphlang, Pynursla) and West Jaintia Hills. Cultivated in homestead systems; has high export value when aggregated and processed.
Intercropped with arecanut and grown in East Khasi Hills (Mawphlang, Pynursla) and West Jaintia Hills. Cultivated in homestead systems; has high export value when aggregated and processed.
Banana
Grown in warmer regions of South Garo Hills (Baghmara, Chokpot) and Ri-Bhoi. Varieties like Jahaji and Kachkal are common, with value potential in chips, puree, and flour processing.
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Grown in warmer regions of South Garo Hills (Baghmara, Chokpot) and Ri-Bhoi. Varieties like Jahaji and Kachkal are common, with value potential in chips, puree, and flour processing.
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Lakadong Turmeric
Exclusively cultivated in the Lakadong area of West Jaintia Hills (Laskein Block, villages like Lakadong, Shangpung, Mukhla). Contains up to 7-9% curcumin — among the highest globally — making it premium for nutraceuticals.
Exclusively cultivated in the Lakadong area of West Jaintia Hills (Laskein Block, villages like Lakadong, Shangpung, Mukhla). Contains up to 7-9% curcumin — among the highest globally — making it premium for nutraceuticals.
Meghalaya’s horticulture sector holds great promise, especially through post-harvest value addition. Establishing cold chains, pack-houses, and processing units can reduce losses and boost incomes. Products like pineapple juice, turmeric powder, and jackfruit flour have strong market potential, both in India and abroad.
Despite this, the sector faces challenges—limited cold storage, weak branding, and inadequate processing facilities. High-value crops like Lakadong turmeric and Khasi mandarin need better quality control, certifications, and promotion. Arecanut plantations also face threats from disease and require urgent attention.
Government missions such as Mission Lakadong, the Floriculture Mission, and the Strawberry Technology Mission are helping bridge these gaps by improving infrastructure and market linkages. Continued support for crops like pineapple, citrus, and ginger remains crucial.
To move forward, Meghalaya must invest in cold chains, farmer producer companies, and strong branding. With the right support, horticulture can become a key driver of rural growth and put Meghalaya on the global agri-map.
Despite this, the sector faces challenges—limited cold storage, weak branding, and inadequate processing facilities. High-value crops like Lakadong turmeric and Khasi mandarin need better quality control, certifications, and promotion. Arecanut plantations also face threats from disease and require urgent attention.
Government missions such as Mission Lakadong, the Floriculture Mission, and the Strawberry Technology Mission are helping bridge these gaps by improving infrastructure and market linkages. Continued support for crops like pineapple, citrus, and ginger remains crucial.
To move forward, Meghalaya must invest in cold chains, farmer producer companies, and strong branding. With the right support, horticulture can become a key driver of rural growth and put Meghalaya on the global agri-map.
