Meghalaya’s efforts in market linkage have yielded a significant milestone as the State successfully exported 3.5 metric tons (MT) of organically grown pineapples to the Middle East.
This achievement marks the first international shipment for the season under the agreement inked between the Meghalaya State Agriculture Marketing Board and Lulu Group International in November 2023 at the ‘World Food India’ event. The deal was signed in the presence of Agriculture Minister Dr Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh.
This year’s pineapple exports have seen a substantial increase in price realisation, attributed to superior fruit quality and strategic market positioning. Building on last year’s success with the export of 20 MT of GI-tagged Khasi mandarins to Dubai, which achieved double the local market prices, this year’s pineapple consignment upholds Meghalaya’s reputation for supplying premium agricultural produce, thereby ensuring enhanced returns for farmers.
The pineapples originated from various villages in the Tikirikilla block of West Garo Hills, facilitated by the Muktidata Multipurpose Cooperative Society. As the season progresses, additional consignments from Khasi and Garo Hills will follow suit, further enhancing farmers’ incomes.
This trade initiative is part of the ongoing ‘Meghalaya Collectives’ strategy, aimed at collective marketing for small-scale farmers in the State. Through this initiative, the government provides crucial support including packaging, branding, testing, and marketing to agri-entrepreneurs and farmer cooperatives.
It seeks to expand into new domestic and international markets, leveraging modern trade channels, e-commerce platforms, and partnerships with renowned brands.
In a recent development, the collaboration with Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Private Limited resulted in a trial shipment of 250 kilograms of pineapples to Delhi.
These pineapples were well-received during their availability and free sampling at 10 Safal retail outlets across Delhi, prompting an order for over 300 MT for the current season from Mother Dairy Pvt Ltd. The initiative aims to significantly increase price realisations for pineapple farmers compared to local markets, with plans for further expansion.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s visit to a Safal outlet in New Delhi highlighted the State’s commitment to promoting its agricultural produce effectively. This initiative aims to establish a robust value chain, ensuring consistent availability of Meghalaya’s fruits in Delhi and beyond.
Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Pvt Ltd Managing Director Manish Bandlish expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Introducing Meghalaya’s pineapples in our product range highlight the region’s diverse agricultural prowess. We look forward to collaborating closely with farmers, supported by the Government of Meghalaya, to offer more unique products from fruits to spices.”
The Meghalaya Agriculture Marketing Board and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare continue their dedicated efforts to enhance market linkages, positioning Meghalaya as synonymous with high-quality agricultural produce and doubling the income of the State’s farmers.
