Khasi Mandarin goes global

SHILLONG, Dec 16: Locally grown Khasi Mandarin has started finding a footing in the global market after Meghalaya exported two tones of the GI-tagged fruit to Doha and Bahrain, a week after the successful trial shipment to Dubai.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma also took to Twitter on Friday to air his happiness.
“Meghalaya exports 2 tons of GI tagged Khasi Mandarin in collaboration with @APEDADOC under MoVCDNER scheme to Doha & Bahrain, after the successful trial shipment last week to Dubai. More power to our farmers!,” the chief minister said.
Last week, a trial shipment of the Khasi Mandarin was exported to Dubai, which was facilitated by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
It is worth mentioning that years ago, to promote the Khasi Mandarin, the District Horticulture Office, in collaboration with the Riti Academy of Visual Arts, had played a major role in its promotion by organising orange festival in the state and bringing the Khasi mandarin to light.
Khasi Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), which bears a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, is a locally grown orange and is considered unique for its high sugar content that makes it suitable for value addition like concentrates and packed ready-to-drink juice.