Discussions with the CM and Agri minister focused on expanding global market access for Meghalaya’s agricultural produce, increasing farmer incomes, and scaling up agri-export infrastructure
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 14: A high-level 8-member delegation from Lulu Group International, led by Salim MA, Director of Global Operations, visited Meghalaya for a series of strategic engagements aimed at strengthening international market linkages for the state’s agricultural products.
The visit follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lulu Group International and the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) in November 2023 at World Food India, New Delhi, facilitated by APEDA.
Over the past two years, the MSAMB has facilitated the export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin, Pineapple, and Ginger through both air and sea routes.
During their visit, the delegation held an official meeting with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, and senior officials from the Agriculture and Commerce departments.
Discussions focused on expanding global market access for Meghalaya’s agricultural produce, increasing farmer incomes, and scaling up agri-export infrastructure.
The Chief Minister assured the delegation of the government’s full support in maximising this partnership. He highlighted the importance of leveraging Meghalaya’s unique agro-climatic conditions and traditional farming practices to build a distinct brand identity in international markets.
“Our focus is on ensuring maximum efficiency with the investments we make so that the volume of products reaching international markets continues to grow,” said Sangma.
In recent years, significant efforts have been made to establish direct export channels for Meghalaya’s unique agricultural products, particularly those with Geographical Indication (GI) tags and certified organic status.
Recently, the State Government facilitated the first-ever direct export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin to Dubai via air cargo from Guwahati Customs, effectively bypassing traditional routes through Mumbai’s seaports and airports. Building on this success, direct exports of pineapple consignments were also initiated, with Air India Cargo managing the shipment directly from Guwahati.
As of now, Meghalaya has successfully exported over 13 metric tons of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin and 10 metric tons of Pineapple to markets in the Middle East.
In March 2025, the first-ever sea shipment of 15 metric tons of organic ginger was successfully dispatched to Dubai. This was facilitated by the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) in collaboration with the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company. The shipment showcased the scalability, traceability, and global readiness of Meghalaya’s organic value chains.