ADB extend $77 mln loan to Meghalaya to promote ecotourism, natural farming
This story was originally published at 18:14 IST on 27 November 2025
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NEW DELHI – The Asian Development Bank has approved a loan of $77 million for Meghalaya for the promotion of ecotourism and natural farming in the state, the multilateral development bank said in a release. ADB has committed to provide another $1 million to Meghalaya as a technical assistance grant to enhance institutional capacity, strengthen market linkages, and ensure sustainability through innovative financing mechanisms such as carbon and biodiversity credits.
The proposed ecotourism and sustainable agri-based livelihood development project in Meghalaya will integrate nature-based tourism with climate-smart farming and forest conservation, generating economic opportunities for more than 8,000 local people, including women and Indigenous communities, the release said. "Key project components include building nature-based ecotourism visitor facilities that serve as interpretation centres and demonstration areas for traditional crafts and skills, and marketplaces for local crafts and agricultural products," the release added.
The project will help restore 25,000 hectares of community forests through performance-based payments for ecosystem services, and support farmers in adopting climate-smart practices and rehabilitating degraded fields, fallow lands, and drip irrigation systems, the release said. It will also establish processing and post-harvest facilities and infrastructure.
"The project supports Meghalaya's Vision 2032 to become a top ecotourism destination while improving farmers' incomes through sustainable agriculture," the release said quoting ADB Country Director for India Mio Oka. "By combining conservation with tourism and rural markets, it produces new livelihood opportunities and offers a model that can be replicated in other states to promote inclusive growth." End
Reported by Krity Ambey
Edited by Akul Nishant Akhoury
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