Horticulture in Meghalaya

Meghalaya has a variation of agro-climatic zones, ranging from temperate to tropical, which offer tremendous scope for cultivation of temperate as well as tropical fruits and vegetables. The State is also home to a large variety of flora, some of which are not found elsewhere. More than two-thirds of the population depends on agriculture and allied activities for its livelihood.

The total geographical area of Meghalaya is about 22,42,900 ha, of which the net cropped area is about 3,42,885 ha (around 15.28%). Unutilised potential area is about 5,55,104 ha (around 24.75%), and forest cover is about 9,46,089 ha.

Horticulture at a glance

• Geographical area: 22.429 lakh ha
• Total cropped area: 3.428 lakh ha
• Net sown area: 2.85 lakh ha
• Total horticulture area (2014–15): 1.389 lakh ha
• Forest cover: 9.462 lakh ha
• Land available for horticulture: 5.55 lakh ha
• Farm families: 1,99,380 (Agriculture Census 2005–06); average land holding below 2.0 ha

Area under horticulture crops

• Plantation crops — 34,846 ha
• Tuber crops — 28,926 ha
• Fruits — 36,368 ha
• Vegetables — 18,498 ha
• Spices — 20,342 ha