The Meghalaya government’s ongoing market linkage initiatives have resulted in first-ever sea shipment of 15 metric tonnes of ginger to Dubai.
Facilitated by the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company (FPC), the consignment was flagged off at a ceremonial event attended by officials from Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and IFAD marking a new chapter in the state’s efforts to promote organic and high-value agricultural produce internationally.
“This achievement reinforces Meghalaya’s commitment to enhancing its agricultural exports and integrating its farmers into global value chains,” an official statement today said.
The FPC, established in 2017 under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER), has played a pioneering role in facilitating the ginger export.
“The FPC, which began with limited infrastructure, has now expanded its operations significantly, processing ginger with modernized washing, slicing, drying, and packaging facilities,” the statement added.
It is also informed that the FPC supports over 500 member farmers from nine villages, ensuring better price realisation and market access. Over the years, this collective has increased its revenue from Rs 17 lakh in 2018-19 to Rs 374 lakh in 2023-24.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev who underscored the significance of sea shipment in making Indian agri-exports competitive. “Sea shipment is crucial as it ensures cost competitiveness. We have developed a dedicated sea protocol, and I am hopeful that with close coordination among stakeholders, our shipments will be well received in the UAE market.”
Abdelkarim Sma, Country Director, IFAD, Revistar Kharumnuid, Chief Executive Director, Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company, B. Mylliem Umlong, Director of Horticulture, also spoke at the programme.
Meanwhile, it was informed that the state government is developing one of North East India’s first organically certified spice processing unit in Bhoirymbong, Ri-Bhoi with Rs 21 crore investment to be funded and supported by IFAD.
The upcoming facility is designed to process 10,346 MT of spices annually, provide 50 MT cold storage and 300 MT dry storage capacity and run on solar-powered technology for sustainable processing.
The unit will directly benefit 5,500 organic farmers, ensuring premium market access and reduced post-harvest losses.
