20 metric tons of Meghalaya’s Khasi mandarins make a sweet splash in Dubai
Meghalaya exported a whopping 20 metric tons of its famed Khasi mandarins to Dubai, marking a major milestone in its international trade aspirations. This shipment is a tenfold increase compared to last year’s trial export of just 1 metric tons to Bahrain and Doha.
The shipment was celebrated with a flag-off ceremony by the Directorate of Horticulture and the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board in presence of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister, Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh, MLA of Mylliem, Ronnie V Lyngdoh, representatives from Apeda and the LuLu group, among other officials.
The luscious Khasi mandarin locally known as Soh Niamtra/Soh Myntra/ Soh Sohra weigh around 150 gms. It contains less than 1% citric acid and is known for its thin skin, juicy flesh, and unique tangy sweetness.
These mandarins have long been revered as special fruits grown in the hilly terrains of Meghalaya, Assam and a few other Northeastern states. The Khasi Mandarin obtained a Geographical Indication tag in 2014 making it a globally recognized product.
GI tagged Khasi Mandarin of Meghalaya continues to be a global favourite!
Agriculture Minister @ampareenlyngdoh flagged off 20 Metric Tonnes of Khasi Mandarin to Dubai yesterday.@nstomar @AgriGoI @APEDADOC @LuLuGroup_India pic.twitter.com/TMIKKqzOAJ
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) December 12, 2023
This export to Dubai has opened doors for Meghalayans to present their unique produce on a global platform, creating new opportunities for farmers and boosting the state’s economy.
Recently, the Meghalaya Agriculture Marketing Board and the Lulu Group signed an MoU and agreed to work together. They want to help each other grow and sell more of Meghalaya’s farm products in Gulf countries.
LuLu Group is a highly diversified conglomerate with successful business entities in strategic locations worldwide. Being a major player in the economic scenario of the Middle East, this partnership signals a potential long-term collaboration, opening avenues for regular exports of Khasi mandarins to the lucrative Gulf market.
During the flag-off ceremony, Ampareen Lyngdoh said, “This step will instil a sense of security in our farmers, telling them that we will grow together and benefit together.”
She further added, “The next biggest challenge is to handhold all our farmer groups to return to natural farming practices. The Organic Mission needs to be attended to. We have to reclaim our confidence in the farming communities. We will do what it takes to sensitise, educate, expose, and financially assist our farmers.”
