Limestone, quartz, and select farm products drive the state’s exports, says NITI Aayog report
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 14: Meghalaya has been ranked 10th among small states, northeastern states, and Union Territories in the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 released by NITI Aayog, and placed in the “Challenger” category, indicating moderate export readiness with scope for improvement.
Overall, the state stands 27th nationally. The report was released on Wednesday.
Within the Northeast, Meghalaya ranks behind Assam, Nagaland, and Tripura, which have stronger policy frameworks, district-level export institutions, and better logistics.
Meghalaya’s exports continue to be largely resource-based, driven mainly by limestone, quartz, and select agricultural products.
According to the report, the state recorded exports worth around ₹83.7 crore in FY24. Limestone remains the largest export, mostly routed through land customs stations to Bangladesh for industrial use, particularly cement manufacturing. Quartz is another major export, while other items include medicinal and aromatic plants, coke and semi-coke, and ferro-silicon alloys.
With over 80% of the population dependent on agriculture, Meghalaya also exports high-value crops such as Lakadong turmeric, ginger, bay leaves and areca nut. GI-tagged products like Lakadong turmeric, Khasi mandarin, and Memong Narang have strengthened export branding and global market appeal.
The 443-km international border with Bangladesh supports cross-border trade through land customs stations and border haats at Dawki, Borsora and other places. However, the EPI flags poor connectivity, difficult terrain, inadequate cold-chain facilities, and a lack of large processing units as major constraints.
The report identifies natural health products, medicinal plants, bamboo and cane handicrafts, and value-added wood products as key areas for export expansion, stressing the need to strengthen logistics, cold-chain infrastructure, and export finance for MSMEs.
“Despite these constraints, Meghalaya’s strategic location, natural produce and cultural assets provide it with a unique export identity among India’s smaller states. Its trade flows may be limited in volume, but they reflect the distinctiveness of its economy and the role of small-scale, community-led production in cross-border trade,” the report notes.
