This is the second time that the Khasi Mandarin oranges with their unique taste are being exported outside the state. This is good news because it is a case of farmers directly benefiting from the marketing assistance of the Government. The 1.5 metric tonnes of oranges are reportedly selling at the LuLu hypermarket locations in Al Qusais and Al Barsha in Dubai’s upmarket venues. Undoubtedly these oranges grown organically will fetch a high market value as compared to the genetically modified organism (GMO) variety that enter our own markets here from other states of India and other countries. Those GMO oranges don’t have the zing of the Khasi Mandarin. Of course, organic products do need a discerning consumer base. Elsewhere in the world products that are certified organic fetch a much higher price than those grown with chemical fertilisers with heavy doses of pesticides.
Now that farmers are safely able to grow and export their oranges, attention must be paid to pineapples with their short shelf life and what can be done to bring the same kind of assistance to pineapple farmers who more often than not have to consign their products to the bin. There is a huge market for processed pineapple products such as juice, canned fruit and jams which if branded well and with more private entrepreneurs coming in would fetch decent returns for farmers. Meghalaya’s Lakadong turmeric is already known because of marketing techniques. That Lakadong turmeric has got its GI tag recently is a step towards popularising this spice and its health benefits.
It is heartening to note that the consignment of Khasi Mandarin exported to Dubai has been harvested from the districts of Ri Bhoi, East Garo Hills, and South Garo Hills, the warmer climes of the State. Those grown in the upper reaches such as in East Khasi Hills are yet to ripen and are usually harvested in January. These varieties can also be expected to find their markets in Dubai in the next consignment. That the Secretary of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Dr Sudhangshu was present at the Dubai stores when the oranges arrived is historic as it means that this is going to be an annual, assured market. What must be noted is that orange growers are getting a fairer deal than the farmers cultivating tomatoes in Ri Bhoi district which is again due to marketing gaps. The Marketing Division of the Agriculture Department has to do a much better job at finding markets for other agricultural produce especially the perishable varieties. It is well known that much of Meghalaya’s radish, cauliflower, cabbages and potatoes find their way into the markets of Assam through the middle man/woman channel. Hence while the intermediaries in the trade are getting richer, farmers get a poor deal. It is this discontent that needs to be addressed.
