The two days District Level Horticulture Exhibition organized by the Office of the District Horticulture Officer (DHO), East Jaintia Hills District on Horticultural Crops under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)-2024–25 and the Spice Development Scheme (2024–25) which commenced on 16th December, 2025 concluded today the 17th December, 2025 at Wika Complex, Khliehriat West, East Jaintia Hills District.
The programme was attended by Director of Agriculture, Government of Meghalaya, Shri Shanbha Rani in the presence of Assistant Director of Horticulture, Marketing, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Dodo Pasweth, District Horticulture Officer (DHO), East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. Labarimai L Syiem, District Agriculture Officer (DAO), East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. Luciana Lakiang, Horticulture Development Officer (HDO), Wapung C&RD Block, Shri Ebenazar Gympad, other official from Horticulture office, farmers and many others.
Addressing the gathering, Director of Agriculture, Government of Meghalaya, Shri Shanbha Rani commended the recognition of Lakadong Turmeric and urged farmers to further expand its cultivation. He also highlighted Khasi Mandarin as one of the most beneficial fruit crops for farmers and encouraged its large-scale cultivation. Emphasising self-reliance, he also advised farmers to establish their own nurseries for fruits, vegetables and spices.
He further stated that floriculture is gaining momentum in rural areas and encouraged farmers to adopt it as part of their regular farming practices. Stressing the importance of education, he urged farmers to educate their children so that farming knowledge and practices continue across generations.
While highlighting value addition, he emphasised the importance of food processing units to enhance farmers’ income instead of selling produces in raw form. He also encouraged farmers to take up mushroom farming, particularly Shiitake Mushroom which has high market demand and also advised them to approach the District Horticulture Office for technical guidance.
Furthermore, Shri Rani also spoke on the importance of organic farming which Meghalaya encourages its farmers to practice even as he informed the gathering on the adverse effects of chemical fertilizers on the human body.
Meanwhile, District Horticulture Officer (DHO), East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. Labarimai L Syiem in her speech during the programme expressed her gratitude to all participating farmers for their enthusiastic participation which contributed to the success of the exhibition and stated that farmers play a crucial role in ensuring food security for the district. She encouraged farmers to exchange knowledge and ideas on cultivating diverse crops across different regions of the district and informed them about various government schemes aimed at supporting farmers.
Among others who spoke during the programme include, Assistant Director Horticulture, Marketing, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Dodo Pasweth, District Agriculture Officer (DAO), East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. Luciana Lakiang and Horticulture Development Officer (HDO), Wapung C&RD Block, Shri Ebenezer Gympad.
The exhibition showcased a wide range of indigenous vegetables, spices, foliage plants, flowers, fruits, mushrooms and saplings.
After the programme prizes were distributed to winners in various exhibition categories.
