By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 28: The state government’s ongoing market linkage initiative has resulted in the export of 3.5 MT of organically grown pineapples to the Middle East. This marks the first international consignment for the current season under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Meghalaya State Agriculture Marketing Board and Lulu Group International.
The MoU, signed in November 2023 during the World Food India event in the presence of Agriculture Minister Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, has led to significant price increases for this year’s pineapple exports due to enhanced fruit quality and strategic market positioning. This follows last year’s successful export of 20 MT of GI-tagged Khasi mandarin to Dubai, which achieved double the price compared to local markets.
The pineapples were sourced from several villages in the Tikirikilla block of West Garo Hills, under the supervision of the Muktidata Multipurpose Cooperative Society. Additional consignments from other parts of Khasi and Garo Hills are expected, further boosting the incomes of local farmers.
This trade is part of the Meghalaya Collectives initiative, which supports small-scale farmers through packaging, branding, testing and marketing. The initiative aims to expand into new markets, leveraging modern trade channels and e-commerce platforms.
In a related development, a trial shipment of 250 kg of pineapples was sent to Delhi in collaboration with Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Pvt. Ltd., resulting in not only a favourable consumer response but also an order for over 300 MT for the current season.
This initiative, endorsed by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, aims to ensure consistent availability of fruits in Delhi and beyond, potentially doubling the farmers; income.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Mother Dairy, Manish Bandlish, expressed his enthusiasm for introducing Meghalaya’s pineapples, highlighting the region’s agricultural diversity and potential for future collaborations.