University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), has produced the Northeast’s first native Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) biofertilizers using local fungal strains linked to endangered medicinal plants. Developed by researcher Nilufa Afruza and guided by USTM faculty, the Glo-VAM and Acaulo-VAM variants boost nutrient uptake and reduce chemical fertilizer use. A patent has been filed.