The Meghalaya government’s ongoing market linkage initiatives have resulted in the export of 3.5 tons 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 which was signed in November 2023.
Significantly, this year’s pineapple exports have shown a marked increase in price realisation compared to previous years, driven by fruit quality and strategic market positioning.
The pineapples were sourced from the several villages of Tikrikilla block of West Garo Hills, under the supervision of the Muktidata Multipurpose Cooperative Society.
As the season unfolds, additional consignments from other parts of Khasi and Garo Hills will be dispatched, further enhancing the farmers’ income.
Another step in this direction is the recent collaboration with Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Pvt Ltd, under which a trial shipment of 250 Kgs of pineapples was sent to Delhi.
These pineapples were made available for sale and free sampling in 10 Safal retail outlets across Delhi. The pineapples received a very favourable response from the consumers which resulted in Mother Dairy Pvt Ltd. placing an order of over 300 tons for the current season with plans to expand sales to many more outlets as the season progresses.
The price realisation for pineapple farmers through this trade is expected to be nearly double of what they receive in local markets. Mother Dairy has also made a commitment to further explore similar linkages with other spices and fresh produce from the State.
