Quick Commerce Unlocks New Markets for Farmers in India’s Northeast

• Instamart takes Northeast's Distinctive Produce Across IndiaMeghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma recognises the initiative for expanding market access for the state's farmers
• Plans to bring more GI-tagged produce from the Northeast to consumers across South and West India. 
• Khasi Mandarin, Karbi Anglong Ginger, Tezpur Litchi and Kachai Lemon among products being added in the quick commerce basket

Instamart, India's pioneering quick commerce platform, is expanding in Northeast India. The initiative is aimed at creating new markets for the region's farmers and FPOs while making some of India's most distinctive agricultural produce more accessible to consumers nationwide through sellers onboarded on its platform.

Starting with Meghalaya's premium pineapples, now available to customers in Bengaluru, Instamart is opening up new markets for the region's produce across India. Sourced by sellers through the Jirang Organic Agro Farmer Producer Company (FPO), the pineapples are air-freighted from Meghalaya to Bengaluru. Until now, growers largely relied on demand within the Northeast and wholesale markets in Delhi. By connecting farmer producer organisations directly with consumers in new cities, Instamart is helping expand market access for farmers while introducing more households to the distinctive flavour and quality of Meghalaya's pineapples.

The initiative was recently lauded by Meghalaya’s Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, in a social media post, which highlighted the effort as an important step towards strengthening market linkages for the state's farmers and showcasing Meghalaya's agricultural identity to a wider audience.

Gautam Swaroop, Chief Business Officer - Instamart, said, "India's Northeast is home to some of the country's most distinctive and high-quality fruits and vegetables, but much of this produce has traditionally remained accessible only within the region or a handful of markets. With Instamart's reach, we have a unique opportunity to bring fresh local produce across the country while creating new market opportunities for farmers and producer organisations. Meghalaya's pineapples are the first step in this journey, and over time, we hope to build a much broader assortment of Northeast produce for customers across India."

Iba Thangkhiew, CEO, Jirang Organic Agro Farmer Producer, said, "For a Farmer Producer Company based in a rural and remote part of Meghalaya, this partnership is a proud milestone. It provides our farmers with direct access to premium markets and ensures that the hard work of our farming community reaches consumers far beyond our state. We are deeply grateful to the Government of Meghalaya, especially the Hon'ble Chief Minister and the concerned departments, for their constant support, guidance, and commitment to creating market opportunities for our farmers. We also sincerely thank the Instamart team for partnering with us and making it possible for our fresh Meghalaya pineapples to reach customers in Bengaluru. This collaboration gives our farmers greater confidence, improves their livelihoods, and showcases the quality of Meghalaya's produce to consumers across India."

Instamart introduced produce from the Northeast earlier this year with Meghalaya pineapples and is now set to expand the selection by working with partners across the region. The company is also in discussions with the Northeastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) to explore opportunities to bring more produce from additional states and farmer producer organisations.

As part of the roadmap, several GI-tagged and region-specific products from the Northeast are being evaluated, including Meghalaya's Khasi Mandarin, Assam's Karbi Anglong Ginger and Tezpur Litchi, and Manipur's Kachai Lemon. The company is also exploring products such as kiwi and garlic from the region as it builds a broader assortment.

Over the next 12 to 24 months, Instamart plans to expand Northeast sourcing across South and West India by partnering with more Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), farmer collectives and regional agencies.

The initiative will build on Instamart's wider fresh produce sourcing network, which already works with 430+ FPOs and over 10,000 farmers across the country to bring high-quality fruits and vegetables directly to consumers. At Instamart, two-thirds of fruits and vegetables are sourced directly from farmers and FPOs, through more than 55 collection centres- with most farmers having stayed on for six seasons or more. By extending this network to the Northeast, Instamart aims to create sustained demand for the region's premium, GI-tagged produce while making these distinctive products more accessible to households beyond their traditional markets. The model is built on removing layers, not adding them, so a greater share of the earnings flows back to the farmer.

About Instamart

Launched in August 2020, Instamart is India's pioneering quick commerce platform. Present in 131+ cities, Instamart has superior technology and a dedicated delivery fleet to bring groceries and other daily essentials to the doorsteps of Indians.

Meghalaya's NESAC Driving Northeast’s Growth with Space Technology

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has reaffirmed that the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) in Meghalaya has become a vital institution, supporting both India’s strategic priorities and the socio-economic development of the Northeast through advanced space technology. His visit on July 14, 2026, highlighted NESAC’s role in border mapping, disaster management, agriculture, and governance.

The North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) is a premier institution under the Department of Space, Government of India, established in 2000 as a joint initiative with the North Eastern Council. It provides space technology support for development, governance, and disaster management across the eight Northeastern states. 

NESAC’s Strategic and Developmental Role

• Geospatial Mapping: Satellite-driven mapping of the India–Myanmar border and inter-State boundaries in the Northeast.
• Technology-Driven Projects: Agriculture, forestry, water resources, geosciences, urban planning, UAV applications, satellite communication, and disaster management.
• Project Portfolio: Nearly 130 projects, including 50 completed and 78 ongoing initiatives.

Key Initiatives Highlighted

• Bamboo Mapping Programme: Collaboration with NECBDC and State Governments to strengthen the bamboo value chain and create sustainable livelihoods.
• Flood Early Warning System: Enhancing precision and location-specific capability to provide timely alerts to vulnerable communities.
• Water Harvesting Models: Wider adoption of successful models, including the Ramakrishna Mission initiative in Cherrapunjee.
• GeoTourism Dashboard ‘ManzilNE’: Promoting the Northeast’s natural, ecological, and cultural heritage with private sector participation.

Broader Impact

• Bridge Between Science and Governance: Space technology as a tool for planning, governance, resource management, and public service delivery.
• Collaborative Approach: Partnerships with Central Ministries, State Governments, academia, start-ups, and private industry.
• National Priorities: Supporting strategically important border regions with geospatial capabilities.

NESAC Project Portfolio

Category	Projects
Completed	50
Ongoing	78
Total	128+

Conclusion

Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Northeast has become one of India’s most dynamic growth frontiers. With science and technology as enablers of inclusive development, NESAC is poised to play a pivotal role in governance, disaster resilience, sustainable resource management, and regional prosperity.

Meghalaya Tourism Push: 3,000 Homestays, ₹115 Cr PMEGP Support, Umroi Airport Expansion, Shillong Ropeway

In a continued push towards strengthening the State’s tourism sector and recognise grassroots contributors, the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya today hosted a grand event to celebrate the empowerment of ‘Tourism Champions’ at the Orchid Lake Resort, Umiam.

A key highlight of the event was the expansive rollout of Government support for the local tourism ecosystem. Under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission, which targets the creation of 3,000 new homestays and over 15,000 jobs by 2028, sanction letters were distributed to the initial cohort out of approved applications.

Furthermore, the Community-Led Tourism Infrastructure Scheme has announced up to ₹3.40 crore in funding for 58 new beneficiaries, providing tiered grants ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹20 lakh based on site footfall, building upon the ₹10 lakh grants already awarded to 20 existing projects.

The event also felicitated the success of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) Homestay Scheme, which has sanctioned ₹115.68 crore and disbursed ₹102 crore for over 900 beneficiaries to date, by awarding a ₹20,000 cash prize to each of the State's top ten performing hosts.

In his keynote address, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya said, Meghalaya is now firmly on the tourism map of the country and the global scenario. He noted that every stakeholder has played a positive part in the transformation seen today. He added that the State is clear that tourism is not just about a single event, or one cultural program; it can only thrive when a complete ecosystem is in place.

Further he noted, the runway expansion work at the Umroi Airport will be complete in next 15 months strengthening connectivity. He emphasized that it is important for the State to be present and visible to bring an experience of a lifetime to visitors. While massive change has taken place over the last eight years, the sector's expansion will prioritize job creation, livelihoods, and individual growth through local entrepreneurs and homestays. He reaffirmed that over the next two to three years, the tourism sector will witness a massive transformation with the implementation of several iconic projects, including the Shillong Ropeway, the Rain Museum in Mawsynram, and new tourism centres across locations like Sohra. Reaffirming the government’s core philosophy, he stated, “We are here to work for you, and this government always ensures that we keep the people first.”

Shri Timothy D. Shira, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, said, that tourism in Meghalaya has transformed into a powerful driver of economic growth and a strong pillar of the State's economy, indicating a tourist footfall of 18 lakhs and rising. He emphasized that this progress is the result of a structured approach focusing on infrastructure, connectivity, and investment, highlighting the current implementation of over 150 tourism projects backed by thousands of crores and strong private sector participation. Furthermore, he noted the ongoing development of Umiam as a global tourist destination in line with the 'Viksit Bharat' roadmap, alongside the establishment of a dedicated Destination Management Organization (DMO).

Further focusing on capacity building and youth empowerment within the hospitality sector. Certifications for full-course scholarships were handed out to Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) students under the Chief Minister Hospitality Scheme, complemented by the announcement of yearly stipend scholarships for IHM students.

In one of the most poignant moments of the day, the Hon’ble Chief Minister also presented the ‘Bravery award’ to Mr. Teiborlang Pakma (Toursist Buddy) for his exceptional courage and selflessness in the society.

The event also saw emphasis on improving the visitor experiences with the sanction for construction, modification, and upgradation of toilets at tourist sites across the State.

Sharing his experience, Mr. Daminot Kharshandi a beneficiary of the Chief Minister Homestay Scheme, said the Homestay Scheme provided the crucial financial confidence to launch his business, which he has successfully expanded. He added that the State's robust "Meghalaya Tourism" branding policy has been instrumental in driving the steady footfall and revenue.

By harnessing the potential of tourism and empowering the citizens, Meghalaya is promoting inclusivity and creating a long-term foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future

Meghalaya’s PRIME Rural Unveils RuralPreneur 2025, Pledges ₹18 Crore to Empower 172+ Entrepreneurs Across 52 Blocks

PRIME Rural marked a historic milestone with the inauguration of the first-ever RuralPreneur 2025, officiated by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. This landmark event celebrated and empowered rural entrepreneurs from across Meghalaya. During his address, the Honourable Chief Minister announced the expansion of doorstep incubation support to all 52 blocks of the state under the PRIME Rural program. Financial support of up to ₹18 crore was pledged to provide rural entrepreneurs with Selco-built environmentally friendly facilities, solar energy solutions, and essential machinery to scale operations and enhance productivity in the coming month, reaching to more than 172 beneficiaries. An initial allocation of more than ₹3.4 crore in funds was disbursed to support rural entrepreneurs state-wide.

Held at the Shillong State Central Library, the event brought together over 250 rural entrepreneurs from every district, showcasing the vibrant potential and creativity thriving in Meghalaya’s rural economy. Dignitaries in attendance included Shri Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary; Dr. Vijay Kumar D, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary; Smti. Saloni Verma, IAS, Executive Director, Meghalaya Basin Management Agency; Shri. Swapnil Tembe, IAS, Secretary, Meghalaya and Dr. Harish Hande, CEO, SELCO Foundation, where the official catalogue book of PRIME Rural was also launched.

Speaking at the inauguration of RuralPreneur, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said, “At the heart of RuralPreneur 2025 lies the belief that transformation begins with a change in mindset. We must encourage our people, especially our youth, to embrace innovation, take risks, and see challenges as opportunities. Entrepreneurship thrives when individuals are willing to step beyond their comfort zones, but it also needs a strong system of support to sustain and guide them.”

In Meghalaya, we recognize that even the smallest details matter when building enterprises. Attention to micro aspects—whether in planning, execution, or delivery—makes the difference between good and great. Yet, no entrepreneur succeeds alone. True progress happens when we work as a team, share ideas, and uplift one another with passion and commitment.

He further elaborated “The Prime Rural initiative is designed to play a crucial role in helping our entrepreneurs move forward with confidence. By nurturing talent, building networks, and developing skills, we are creating an ecosystem where rural entrepreneurs can flourish and compete on larger platforms. RuralPreneur is not just a celebration—it is a movement of growth and resilience. Together, with the right mindset, unwavering dedication, and collective spirit, Meghalaya’s entrepreneurs will pave the way for inclusive development and prosperity.”

Speaking at RuralPreneur inauguration Dr. Vijay Kumar D, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary said “In Meghalaya, we are witnessing a remarkable journey of rural entrepreneurship, powered by a strong and evolving support system. Through initiatives like PRIME Rural, incubation, mentorship, and access to markets, we are creating an ecosystem where ideas from rural areas can grow into impactful enterprises. The energy, creativity, and resilience of our entrepreneurs are inspiring, and with the right guidance and resources, they are scaling new heights. What we see today is just the beginning—Meghalaya is steadily becoming a hub where rural entrepreneurs can thrive, contribute to the economy, and create opportunities for their communities.”

Smti. Saloni Verma, IAS, Executive Director, Meghalaya Basin Management Agency, said, “The launch of RuralPreneur marks a historic step for Meghalaya as we expand PRIME Rural to all 52 blocks.

This initiative ensures doorstep incubation and consistent support for rural innovators, enabling them to access knowledge, markets, and technologies that can transform their livelihoods.”

She added, “RuralPreneur is designed to bridge the gap between rural talent and mainstream markets, fostering economic inclusion and job creation. Our focus is not only to nurture rural enterprises but also to create a sustainable ecosystem where they can thrive.”

Smti. Minha Riyaz Khan, Programme Lead, PRIME Rural, said, “As a lead of the PRIME Rural programme, it gives me immense pride and gratitude. Over the past year, we’ve had the unique privilege of working alongside an incredibly diverse group of entrepreneurs, fessociates and associates across 12 blocks in Meghalaya. PRIME Rural programme has been more than just a professional commitment—it has been a deeply personal and transformative experience. The fellowship enabled us to co-create solutions that are locally relevant and sustainable. What ties it all together is the belief that development is most impactful when it is inclusive, participatory, and rooted in local context.”

RuralPreneur 2025 featured a diverse array of stalls, product displays, and networking sessions, enabling rural innovators to connect with markets, investors, and mentors. Entrepreneurs showcased traditional crafts, agri-products, food innovations, and sustainable solutions, reflecting Meghalaya’s unique cultural and natural wealth.

This event sets the stage for Meghalaya to emerge as a model state for rural entrepreneurship in India, with PRIME Rural’s expansion poised to transform the state’s entrepreneurial landscape in the years to come.

About PRIME Rural

PRIME Rural is Meghalaya’s leading incubation hub, dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the state. Through PRIME Rural, this mission extends into rural communities, providing doorstep incubation to every village and uncovering hidden entrepreneurial talent. The program embarks on an intensive 18-month journey with passionate individuals, offering tailored support, resources, and mentorship to unlock their full potential. The goal is to nurture rural entrepreneurs who are self-sufficient and globally competitive, positioning Meghalaya as a hub of world-class entrepreneurial talent.

Global Retail Giant Lulu Group Explores Strategic Sourcing from Meghalaya

A high-level 8-member delegation from Lulu Group International, led by Mr. Salim M.A., Director, Global Operations, visited Meghalaya for a series of strategic engagements aimed at strengthening international market linkages for the state’s agricultural products.

The visit follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lulu Group International and the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) in November 2023 at World Food India, New Delhi, facilitated by APEDA. Over the past two years, MSAMB has proactively facilitated the export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin, Pineapple, and Ginger through both air and sea routes.

The delegation held an official meeting with the Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, and senior secretaries from the Department. Discussions centred around expanding global market access for Meghalaya’s agricultural products, increasing farmer incomes, and scaling up agri-export infrastructure.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister assured the delegation of full government support in maximizing this partnership. He emphasized the importance of leveraging Meghalaya’s unique agro-climatic conditions and traditional practices to create a strong brand identity in global markets.

“Our focus is on ensuring maximum efficiency with the investments we make, so that the volume of products reaching international markets continues to grow,” said Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya. “As a government, we are fully committed to this partnership. Meghalaya is an agro-based society, and our produce, especially the GI-tagged and organic varieties, are unique to this region. These products have immense potential, and we are determined to take them to global platforms. Today, we are witnessing significant growth in production, organic certification, and farmer collectivization. A great deal of groundwork is already in motion, and we are building on that momentum to ensure long-term gains for our farmers,” he added.

In recent years, the Government of Meghalaya has taken bold and innovative steps to establish direct export channels for the state’s unique agricultural products, particularly those with Geographical Indication (GI) tags and certified organic status. These efforts are transforming Meghalaya into a key agri-export hub from the Northeast region of India.

In a pioneering move last year, the State Government facilitated the first-ever direct export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin to Dubai via air cargo from Guwahati Customs, effectively bypassing conventional routes like Mumbai’s sea ports and airports. This marked a breakthrough in agri-export logistics from the region, ensuring faster and more efficient transportation of perishable, high-value produce.

Building on this success, direct exports of pineapple consignments were also initiated, with Air India Cargo managing the shipment directly from Guwahati. These interventions reflect the Government’s strong commitment to streamlining export infrastructure and reducing turnaround times for both farmers and international buyers.

To date, Meghalaya has successfully exported over 13 metric tons of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin and 10 metric tons of Pineapple to markets in the Middle East, reinforcing the state’s reputation for high-quality and fresh produce.

Further elevating Meghalaya’s presence in international markets, the first-ever sea shipment of 15 metric tons of organic ginger was successfully dispatched to Dubai in March 2025, facilitated by the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) in collaboration with the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company. This shipment showcased the scalability, traceability, and global readiness of Meghalaya’s organic value chains.

These pioneering export efforts, anchored in partnerships with global retail leaders like Lulu Group International, are a testament to the Government’s vision of unlocking premium markets, enhancing farmer incomes, and placing Meghalaya’s unique produce on the global map.

To further build on this success, a team comprising officials from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and eight progressive farmers from across the state undertook a Market Exposure Visit to Dubai from 16th to 18th March 2025. The visit was designed to provide first-hand insights into international trade practices, pricing strategies, and quality expectations from global buyers. Farmers interacted with wholesale buyers at Aweer Market, participated in a promotional showcase at the Our Wellness Village Café in Sharjah, and witnessed their products being displayed at Lulu Hypermarket, Silicon Oasis, alongside leading international brands.

This initiative was not only a testament to the Government of Meghalaya’s vision of integrating its farmers into global value chains but also helped lay the foundation for lasting trade relationships with major retail groups such as Lulu. The experience enabled farmers to better understand global consumer preferences, branding standards, and packaging benchmarks- key areas that are now being addressed in collaboration with Lulu Group and other partners.

These strategic efforts reflect the broader goal of the state to create sustainable, high-value market opportunities for Meghalaya’s farmers while positioning the state as a competitive player in the international organic and GI-tagged product space.

Meghalaya Marks Historic Milestone with First-Ever Sea Shipment of 15 MT Ginger to Dubai’s Lulu Group

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, has marked a historic milestone with the first-ever sea shipment of 15 MT of Meghalaya Ginger to Dubai’s Lulu Group in collaboration with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

This achievement, facilitated by the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company (FPC), reinforces Meghalaya’s commitment to enhancing its agricultural exports and integrating its farmers into global value chains. The consignment was flagged off in a ceremonial event attended by esteemed dignitaries from APEDA, Ministry of Economic Affairs and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) marking a new chapter in the state's efforts to promote organic and high-value agricultural produce internationally.

Meghalaya’s agricultural sector has long faced unique challenges, including fragmented landholding, limited credit access, and working capital constraints for FPOs. However, through strategic government interventions, cooperatives have successfully aggregated and marketed ginger collectively, demonstrating that farmer-led initiatives can drive scalable and sustainable growth.

The Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic FPC, established in 2017 under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER), has played a pioneering role in facilitating this export. The FPC, which began with limited infrastructure, has now expanded its operations significantly, processing ginger with modernized washing, slicing, drying, and packaging facilities.

Today, the FPC supports over 500 member farmers from 9 villages, ensuring better price realization and market access. Over the years, this collective has increased its revenue from ₹17 lakh in 2018-19 to ₹374 lakh in 2023-24, illustrating the immense potential of farmer-led enterprises when given the right support.

The flag-off ceremony, held in Shillong, was attended by key dignitaries, Shri Abhishek Dev, IAS, Chairman, APEDA, Shri Abdelkarim Sma, Country Director, International Fund for Agricultural Development, Mr. Revistar Kharumnuid, Chief Executive Director, Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company and Smt. B. Mylliem Umlong, Director of Horticulture, Government of Meghalaya.

Shri Abhishek Dev, IAS, Chairman, APEDA underscored the significance of sea shipment in making Indian agri-exports competitive. "Sea shipment is crucial as it ensures cost competitiveness. We have developed a dedicated sea protocol, and I am hopeful that with close coordination among stakeholders, our shipments will be well received in the UAE market."

Reflecting on Gulf Food 2024, he added, "There is immense excitement for Indian products, and we have been invited as the partner country for the next edition. I urge stakeholders to plan early participation in Gulf Food 2026 (January 26-30) and prominently showcase Indian ginger."

Highlighting the potential of organic exports, he noted, "The organic tag ensures a 30-40% higher price realization. APEDA is fully committed to supporting stakeholders in organic certification, and with Meghalaya’s own certification body, this process will now be easier." On ginger exports, he affirmed, "This is not a one-off event. We will see more such flag-offs in the future as we continue expanding India's agri-export footprint."

Climate Change: Meghalaya Planning 'Climate Change' Museum and A Subject in Schools; Exploring Pineapple for Vegan Leather

Pandemic is nothing, but climate change is going to be devastating: Mr. James Sangma Cabinet Minister for Forest & Environment and Power, Meghalaya

Meghalaya is planning to set up a Museum on Climate Change to sensitize people, exploring pineapple for vegan leather and also is building a consensus to introduce climate change as a subject in the school curriculum: James Sangma.

India has potential in the Food and Agri sector what it had in IT: Mr Manoj Kumar, Co-founder of Araku Coffee

Pandemic is nothing, but climate change is going to be devastating, said James Sangma, Cabinet Minister for Forest & Environment and Power, Meghalaya while delivering a keynote address virtually on Monday night on day one of the TiE Sustainability Summit 2021, on being organised by TiE Hyderabad.

76% of our land is forested. It is one of the top 5 states for BioDiversity. We have a unique forest economy. We want to be a silicon valley for green-based products. Forests are the best carbon removal investments and reforestation strategies and improving forest management together have a large potential to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, he said.

Meghalaya is one of the major pineapple producing states in India. It contributes 8% of the total pineapple produced in India. Pineapple is the most important fruit crop of the state. We are working on PineApple for Vegan leather. We are also building a consensus to introduce climate change as a subject in the school curriculum to sensitise children. A climate change museum is also around the corner. We hope to inspire action on the climate crisis through this museum. Climate change is a defining challenge of our times. We must rise to fight it together, Mr James Sangama said.

James Sangma - Cabinet Minister for Forest, Environment & Power, Meghalaya

The Climate Museum is creating a culture for action on climate, inviting people from all walks of life into the conversation and building community around just solutions. Most people in the US are worried about the climate crisis but silent and inactive. Building on the popularity and trust held by museums, we bring people together to learn about solutions and join the fight for a brighter future, providing multiple pathways into civic engagement.

India has potential in the Food and Agri sector which it had in IT, Mr Manoj Kumar, Co-founder of Araku Coffee said. He was in conversation with

Mr Suresh Raju, Partner, Jupiter Alternative Investment Fund on "Showcase: "Araku Coffee from Tribal India to Paris" at one of the sessions later on Monday night.

Araku Coffee has a store in Paris in Paris’ Le Marais district and another was recently opened in India in Bangalore. The globally recognised coffee brand known for its farmer-friendly and sustainable practices thus had a lot of interest from the participants.

 

Suresh Raju in conversation with Manoj Kumar, Co-founder of Araku Coffee

Araku, a remote valley in Andhra Pradesh, achieved global recognition, with its award-winning coffee. Coffee is now available in many countries. It also has a store in Bangalore.

It is a 22-year-old journey. Today the tribals are lakhpatis. Their average earnings are 3 to 4 times more of the national average, he said. And added that the tribals in the eastern ghats found their niche.

Though Naxal infected, very harsh living conditions where giving birth to a child is almost considered as dieing. The Britishers raised coffee there in the 19th century. The 2,000sqkm valley with iron-rich soil was producing some of the finest crimson coffee cherries, handpicked by Adivasi farmers. I saw huge potential in them but I had to address them first on Health, Education and livelihood, he said.

I saw a 2,000sqkm valley with iron-rich soil producing some of the finest crimson coffee cherries, handpicked by Adivasi farmers. It was an 8 years-long project. We formed them into groups and subsequently into the cooperative which is now the world's largest organic coffee cooperative.

We restored close to lakh hectares of forest through this venture. We are now replicating this model in Himachal Pradesh to grow fruits, in UP, Vidarbha and helping Kerala and Orissa and fight climate change.

World Bank Group to offer $1.4 million to 12 social enterprises in the North-East India

12 enterprises from the northeastern states of Mizoram, Assam and Meghalaya have been awarded with grants worth $1.4 million (approx. Rs. 8.4 Crore) by the World Bank’s Development Marketplace, which is a competitive grants programme. The grants have been provided for development activities in these enterprises.

These 12 enterprises were selected after an exhaustive screening of about 200 proposals received from organizations that were already operational in the North-Eastern states and across the country. Name and list of those 12 enterprises however are yet not been disclosed.

According to the news announced on 19^th July in Guwahati, nine out of the twelve enterprises have got $ 150,000 each to kick start development projects over next 2 years.  The rest three enterprises have been given $25,000 each which needs to be focused on capacity building.

Majority (7 of 12) of the enterprises awarded with grants are working in the health-care sector. The other sectors which were given the grants include education, water and sanitation and Financial services.

According to Anil Sinha, who is the Regional Head, Inclusive Business at International Finance Corporation, South Asia, arranging start-up finance for unproven models and management bandwidth is one of the most difficult tasks faced by these enterprises. The International Finance Corporation is considered World Bank’s private sector lending arm. Sinha also added that encouraging these social enterprises to grow is a big hurdle towards creating maximum impact.

SAS Poorna Arogya Healthcare, which was started in 2010 in Karnataka and is now expanding to the state of Assam, is one of the enterprises awarded with the grant. The institution provides healthcare insurances. It has partnered with microfinance organizations like Grameen Kota in order to spread the message about their services among the target audience. It also has a network of 4.5 lakh women workers.

GNRC, which has three low cost hospitals in Assam with the first one establishing in 1987 has also been awarded with the grant. The unique thing about this organization is that it makes available diagnostics tests like ECG and X-ray at 60% of the usual market cost. It even started with mobile medical vans in 2012 for people who are unable to come to the hospital due to their condition or are situated far away.

Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, which aims at making available super-specialty healthcare facilities in Mizoram at affordable rates has also been given grant. ERC, an enterprise providing eye-care services at affordable prices in Assam has also been awarded with the grant.

Grants worth $3 million have been awarded by the World Bank Development Marketplace since it was started in India in 2011.

World Bank Group to offer $1.4 million to 12 social enterprises in the North-East India

12 enterprises from the northeastern states of Mizoram, Assam and Meghalaya have been awarded with grants worth $1.4 million (approx. Rs. 8.4 Crore) by the World Bank’s Development Marketplace, which is a competitive grants programme. The grants have been provided for development activities in these enterprises.

These 12 enterprises were selected after an exhaustive screening of about 200 proposals received from organizations that were already operational in the North-Eastern states and across the country. Name and list of those 12 enterprises however are yet not been disclosed.

According to the news announced on 19^th July in Guwahati, nine out of the twelve enterprises have got $ 150,000 each to kick start development projects over next 2 years.  The rest three enterprises have been given $25,000 each which needs to be focused on capacity building.

Majority (7 of 12) of the enterprises awarded with grants are working in the health-care sector. The other sectors which were given the grants include education, water and sanitation and Financial services.

According to Anil Sinha, who is the Regional Head, Inclusive Business at International Finance Corporation, South Asia, arranging start-up finance for unproven models and management bandwidth is one of the most difficult tasks faced by these enterprises. The International Finance Corporation is considered World Bank’s private sector lending arm. Sinha also added that encouraging these social enterprises to grow is a big hurdle towards creating maximum impact.

SAS Poorna Arogya Healthcare, which was started in 2010 in Karnataka and is now expanding to the state of Assam, is one of the enterprises awarded with the grant. The institution provides healthcare insurances. It has partnered with microfinance organizations like Grameen Kota in order to spread the message about their services among the target audience. It also has a network of 4.5 lakh women workers.

GNRC, which has three low cost hospitals in Assam with the first one establishing in 1987 has also been awarded with the grant. The unique thing about this organization is that it makes available diagnostics tests like ECG and X-ray at 60% of the usual market cost. It even started with mobile medical vans in 2012 for people who are unable to come to the hospital due to their condition or are situated far away.

Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, which aims at making available super-specialty healthcare facilities in Mizoram at affordable rates has also been given grant. ERC, an enterprise providing eye-care services at affordable prices in Assam has also been awarded with the grant.

Grants worth $3 million have been awarded by the World Bank Development Marketplace since it was started in India in 2011.