Meghalaya is poised to become the Indian state with the largest area under certified organic farming, according to the Chief Minister. The State Government is currently undertaking the certification process to establish the claim.

The development is significant for the North-East, where diverse agro-climatic conditions and traditional farming practices create strong potential for organic and sustainable agriculture.

Key developments

• The Meghalaya Government is actively promoting the shift towards organic farming and discouraging excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers.
• Fertilizer use has been restricted to notified areas where permits are issued, reflecting the State’s effort to reduce chemical inputs in agriculture.
• The government is simultaneously working to ensure that fertilizer prices remain within the Maximum Retail Price regime notified by the Union Government.
• Fertilizer inspectors conduct weekly inspections to monitor fertilizer sales and prevent overpricing and irregular distribution.

Relevant regulatory framework

• The regulation of fertilizer distribution is governed by the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
• The Order regulates matters such as fertilizer specifications, manufacture, distribution, sale, licensing and quality control. 
• Strict enforcement is important because organic farming promotion does not eliminate the need to regulate fertilizers used in permitted areas.

Why is organic farming important for Meghalaya?

• Organic farming can reduce dependence on synthetic chemical inputs and promote soil health, biodiversity and long-term sustainability.
• Meghalaya can use its geographical identity and diverse agro-climatic conditions to develop premium markets for organic fruits, vegetables, spices and other agricultural products.
• Certification can improve consumer confidence, market access and price realisation for farmers.
• However, becoming a major organic farming state requires more than avoiding chemical fertilizers. It also requires credible certification, organic inputs, post-harvest infrastructure, processing, branding and reliable market linkages.

Prelims-ready facts

• Meghalaya is seeking recognition for having the largest certified organic farming area in India by hectares.
• Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985 regulates fertilizer distribution and sale.
• The Order operates under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
• Certification is crucial for distinguishing genuinely organic produce from merely chemical-free or traditionally grown produce.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Consider the following statements:

1. The Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985 regulates the distribution and sale of fertilizers in India.
2. It operates under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
3. Organic farming necessarily means that no form of external agricultural input can be used.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: 1 and 2 only.

One-line takeaway: Meghalaya’s organic farming push highlights how certification, sustainable agriculture and value-chain development can convert the North-East’s ecological strengths into high-value agricultural opportunities.