Shillong: Dubai-based retail giant Lulu Group International is set to significantly amplify its sourcing of organic and GI-tagged agricultural produce from Meghalaya, signalling a major boost for the state’s farmers and its burgeoning agri-export ambitions.
A high-level delegation from Lulu, spearheaded by Salim MA, Director – Global Operations, concluded a strategic visit to Meghalaya this week, aiming to solidify long-term partnerships that promise to bring the state’s unique produce to international markets. This visit builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked with the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) in 2023.
Meghalaya’s Khasi Mandarin, pineapple, and ginger have already found their way into Middle Eastern markets in recent years, thanks to direct export initiatives by the state government. The current engagement with Lulu Group marks a pivotal step towards not just expanding this global footprint but also enhancing the value chain. Discussions with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh revealed Lulu Group’s plans to scale up procurement of value-added and processed goods, introduce modern packaging solutions, and lend its expertise in branding to position Meghalaya’s produce competitively on the world stage.
“We are committed to building sustainable sourcing models that benefit local farmers and meet global quality standards,” stated Salim MA during the discussions. The group also expressed keen interest in diversifying its sourcing to include a wider range of spices and processed agri-products from the state. Chief Minister Sangma reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support, highlighting Meghalaya’s agro-based economy and its unique agro-climatic conditions that yield high-quality produce. “Our focus is on efficiency and maximising global access for Meghalaya’s high-quality products,” he emphasised, reiterating the government’s dedication to creating premium opportunities for its farming community.
Over the past two years, Meghalaya has made commendable strides in streamlining its agri-export logistics. This includes the successful direct air cargo exports of Khasi Mandarin and pineapple from Guwahati to Dubai, effectively bypassing traditional, time-consuming hubs like Mumbai. A notable milestone was the sea shipment of 15 metric tons of organic ginger to Dubai in March 2025, demonstrating the state’s readiness for large-scale international trade. To date, over 23 metric tons of produce have been exported to Middle Eastern markets, firmly establishing Meghalaya as an emerging agri-export hub in the Northeast. Further reinforcing its export ambitions, the state government also led a delegation of progressive farmers and officials on a Market Exposure Visit to Dubai in March 2025, providing invaluable direct interaction with international buyers and a firsthand look at their products showcased in Lulu Hypermarket in Sharjah.
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