Meghalaya to the World: Pineapples from East Garo Hills sold at Abu Dhabi
Meghalaya is renowned for its exceptional agricultural and horticultural produce that is grown using traditional and organic agricultural practices. Blessed by a favourable and diverse agro-climatic conditions, Meghalaya horticulture produces have garnered attention for their unique quality and organic nature.
Pineapples from Meghalaya have emerged as a star export from the region because of their unparalleled taste and minimal pesticide usage. Recently, Meghalaya pineapples found their place of pride in Abu Dhabi’s Al-Wahda Mall. These pineapples from the Meghalaya are currently the focal point of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations at the Al-Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi. The Lulu Group has taken the lead in marketing these fruits in the Gulf markets.
Unlike produces from other regios of India, Meghalaya pineapples are characterized by their low pesticide and heavy metal residue content. They are remarkably sweeter and less sour. Notably, pineapples are a key product promoted by the State Government under the “One District One Product” initiative and huge plantation was undertaken in Ri Bhoi and East Garo Hills districts.
From Songsak to Abu Dhabi, Meghalaya #Pineapples in grand display at Al Wadha Mall, Abu Dhabi. Congratulations to our farmers! @nstomar @AgriGoI @luluhypr pic.twitter.com/A7CD6K0doY
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) August 9, 2023
This success story was brought to fruition by the collaboration between the Jamge Integrated Village Cooperative Society (IVCS) from Songsak C&RD Block, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA).
The Jamge Integrated Village Cooperative Societies (IVCS), comprising over 250 farming households across four villages, produced nearly 100 tonnes of pineapples during the growing seasons. This cooperative model has led to an increase in farmers’ income. Through this collective effort, farmers now earn Rs 16 per pineapple, compared to the meagre Rs 10 per pineapple they used to receive.
The Government of Meghalaya acknowledges the significance of processing perishable horticulture produce to extend shelf life and expand market reach. Collaborations like the one between Karnataka’s IQF Private Food Limited and Ri Bhoi’s Umdihar (IVCS) have set up mobile processing units for the quick freezing of pineapples, thereby enhancing processing capacity and infrastructure within the state.
These efforts have yielded results, with over 52 metric tonnes of pineapples processed in just three weeks. Collaborations with Reliance Retail and other initiatives have facilitated the regular supply of Meghalayan pineapples to various markets across India.
Similar interventions have been undertaken for crops like Lakadong turmeric, ginger, Khasi mandarin, honey, and black pepper. Over the past three years, the government has been driving community-led transformation in the agriculture sector, empowering farmers through collectives, training, infrastructure development, and market linkages.
