Shillong, Aug 3: The third edition of the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival came to an end at Dilli Haat in the national capital but the government hopes its efforts to promote the state’s crop will bear rich fruit (pardon the pun).
Organised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, the festival spotlighted the state’s renowned Kew pineapples, which are known for their sweetness and low acidity, alongside indigenous crafts and local talent.
Although not native to Meghalaya, the state has proven adept at growing pineapples, with conditions, especially in places like Ri-Bhoi, conducive to their cultivation. The Meghalaya government has, of late, been trying to secure markets for the state’s pineapples, not just in India but also abroad.
As part of the festival’s learning and exposure initiative, a delegation of 40 Meghalaya farmers visited Reliance Fresh’s Collection Centre in Bakhtawarpur, Delhi, and its state-of-the-art distribution centre in Sonipat, Haryana, on Saturday. The visit offered insights into advanced supply chain operations, from harvesting to sorting, grading, packaging and distribution. The delegation also explored Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters’ roastery, learning about roasting techniques, specialty coffee grading and post-harvest practices.
Prin Ranghang, president of Umwang Pyllun IVCS, Ri-Bhoi, stated, “Witnessing such an efficient facility was inspiring. This exposure, supported by the Directorate of Horticulture, opens new avenues for growth and investment for our farmers.”
Daman Shabong of Warsanlyngdoh Coffee Collective highlighted how Meghalaya’s unique terroir enhances coffee quality, expressing gratitude for tracing their coffee’s journey from local fields to Delhi’s cafes.
On Friday the festival marked a milestone with the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Reliance Fresh, Amazon Karigar and Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters. These partnerships will enhance procurement, visibility, and national distribution of Meghalaya’s organic produce, including pineapples, coffee, jackfruit, turmeric and black pepper, the state government said in a press release today.
Reena Nongrum, a female entrepreneur from Ri-Bhoi, shared her success story, saying, “With support from the Horticulture Department, my pineapple jams and candies are now reaching customers in Delhi, Kolkata and Kerala. From a small-scale tailor to owning a food processing unit, I’m proud to scale my venture.” Her stall, featuring innovative products like dried pineapple, pineapple candy, and ginger powder, drew significant crowds.
