By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 11: In what is being dubbed as a historic event, 20 metric tonne of Khasi Mandarin is being exported to Dubai, UAE. The Directorate of Horticulture and Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board orchestrated the flagging off ceremony of the Khasi Mandarin to Dubai on Monday.
Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, who was the chief guest of the occasion, recalled that the department would only, on a trial, export 1.5 MT to 2 MT of mandarin.
“This step will instill a sense of security with our farmers telling them that we will grow together, we will benefit together. They (farmers) are going to be dictating our economy. The next biggest challenge that we have before us is to get back to natural farming practices. The Organic Mission needs to be attended to. We have to reclaim our confidence in the farming communities. We will do what it takes to sensitise, educate, expose, and financially assist our farmers,” Lyngdoh said.
Deputy GM APEDA i/c NER, Sunita Rai, in her address stated, “This is a stepping stone to success. I hope that in the days to come, from 20 MT, we can sustain to commercial shipment. We should be proud of some other local fruits which we aim to popularise.”
The Khasi Mandarin is being sourced from Jirang farmer producer company (FPC) in Ri-Bhoi, Tomdaksan FPO Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited in East Garo Hills, Gangga IVCS in West Garo Hills, Nongsteng IVCS in South West Khasi Hills, Narwang MPCS in East Jaintia Hills, Nongkdait Nongtwah IVCS in East Khasi Hills, Durama MPCS in West Garo Hills, Rongmil IVCS in East Garo Hills.