Shillong: In a landmark achievement for Meghalaya’s agricultural sector, over 757 metric tonnes of processed pineapples have successfully made their way to European Union baby food manufacturers. This significant export milestone coincides with the state’s preparations for the third Meghalaya Pineapple Festival, slated to run from August 1st to 3rd at Dilli Haat in New Delhi.
This remarkable export success is the culmination of a widespread agricultural transformation program that has empowered more than 30,000 farmers across the Ri-Bhoi and Garo Hills districts. These farmers, organised into self-help groups, meticulously cultivate naturally organic Kew pineapples known for their high Brix value, ensuring stringent quality control and complete traceability from farm to market.
Adding to the state’s growing international presence, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently flagged off premium pineapple shipments to Dubai during her visit to Meghalaya. These premium fruits are now readily available at Lulu Hypermarkets, following established partnerships with major retailers like the Lulu Group and Mother India, thereby significantly expanding the reach of Meghalaya’s agricultural produce in global markets.
The state has diligently built a robust support infrastructure for its farmers, encompassing over 500 farmer collectives, interest-free loan programmes, cold storage facilities, processing units, mobile packhouses, and direct farm-to-airport logistics. The FOCUS initiative has played a pivotal role by providing crucial trial marketing grants and strengthening the vital connections between farmers and buyers.
Festival organisers have planned an exciting cultural spectacle, featuring live performances by artists from the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program at India Gate. This initiative seamlessly blends cultural celebration with agricultural promotion, offering visitors a glimpse into Meghalaya’s rich heritage through traditional crafts, indigenous cuisine, and captivating musical performances, all centred around the state’s flagship fruit.
Previous editions of the festival in 2023 and 2024 garnered substantial national attention and fostered valuable international partnerships. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself lauded the celebration as a fitting recognition of India’s agricultural diversity and its unwavering support for farmer empowerment.
The three-day festival promises visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Meghalaya’s vibrant cultural heritage through its delectable food, melodious music, and intricate traditional crafts, while simultaneously showcasing the remarkable economic transformation underway in the state’s agricultural sector. The event serves as both a joyous cultural celebration and a powerful platform to demonstrate successful rural development initiatives.
Attendees can look forward to savouring a diverse array of pineapple-based products, witnessing enthralling traditional performances, and gaining insights into the sustainable farming practices that have enabled Meghalaya’s farmers to successfully access premium international markets.
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