Shillong, Nov 19: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Meghalaya 18th November 2024, Shillong The Department has achieved a significant milestone with the launch of this season’s first export consignment of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin to Lulu Mall, Dubai, facilitated by the Jirang Farmer Producer Company (FPC) in Ri-Bhoi.
This consignment of 1 MT was transported via Air India Cargo from Guwahati Customs to the Dubai, marking the first-ever direct export shipment from the region using this route. The initiative represents a crucial step toward integrating Meghalaya’s farmers with global markets while addressing longstanding logistical and economic challenges.
Overcoming Challenges Through Strategic Interventions Meghalaya’s unique geography and remote location pose significant challenges to its agricultural sector. Farmers often lack access to lucrative urban markets and are reliant on middlemen and aggregators, which limits their earning potential.
Additionally, high transportation costs hinder the competitiveness of the state’s niche produce, such as Khasi Mandarin and pineapple, in both domestic and international markets. To address these issues, the state has adopted a community-based bottom-up approach, aiming to: i. Increase yield through good agricultural practices and quality farm inputs.
Achieve economies of scale by expanding cultivation areas and promoting farmer collectivization. Reduce post-harvest losses by developing storage and processing infrastructure. Enhance incomes by enabling value addition powered by renewable energy.
Foster market linkages for sustainable and remunerative growth. 2. Modern Infrastructure for Farmer Collectives The Jirang FPC, established under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) in 2017, has been at the forefront of these initiatives.
Initially operating with manual processes, with the support of the State Government FPC has transitioned to modernized infrastructure, including high-tech sorting, grading, and waxing units.
These facilities, developed with government support, ensure that produce meets export quality standards, extends shelf life, and enhances operational efficiency. Other farmer collectives, such as Rongmil IVCS in East Garo Hills and Narwang MPCS in East Jaintia Hills, have also received similar infrastructure support.
These developments have empowered farmers to handle larger volumes professionally, reducing post[1]harvest losses and ensuring higher incomes. The first consignment sent to Dubai in 2022 from the Jirang FPC was manually sorted and graded by the farmers. Figure 2: In 2024, the FPO is utilizing a fully functional advanced sorting, grading, and waxing unit 3. Expanding Horizons with Export Initiatives The Department has been proactive in promoting its niche produce globally.
In collaboration with key partners like Lulu Group International, Mother Dairy Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd, and the National Cooperative for Organic Limited (NCOL), the state is connecting its farmers to global markets.
Export activities began in 2022 with a trial shipment of 5 MT of Khasi Mandarin and Pineapples to the Middle East, supported by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). A detailed analysis of challenges was conducted, leading to corrective measures that enabled the export of 20 MT of Khasi Mandarin and pineapple in 2023.
This year’s consignment marks a breakthrough, as the state government leverages Guwahati Customs and Air India Cargo to reduce transportation costs and improve transit times. The Department is working closely with cargo providers to further lower logistics expenses, ensuring better remuneration for farmers.
Promoting Niche Produce and Building Capacity The state has also undertaken several promotional activities, including organizing Pineapple and Khasi Mandarin Festivals in metropolitan cities such as Delhi and Bangalore. These events showcase Meghalaya’s premium produce to wider audiences and foster new market linkages.
Additionally, the government is building farmer capacity for primary and secondary value addition, powered by renewable energy solutions. These efforts aim to enhance product quality and create new revenue streams for producers.
Sustaining Progress for the Future With ongoing support from both the state and central governments, Meghalaya is paving the way for sustainable agricultural growth. The season’s first export of Khasi Mandarin not only highlights Custom clearance and plant quarantine process in Guwahati the potential of Meghalaya’s niche produce but also underscores the importance of community[1]based development and strategic partnerships in overcoming challenges.
This initiative sets a benchmark for future exports, ensuring that Meghalaya’s farmers gain access to premium markets while contributing to the state’s vision of doubling farmer incomes and achieving inclusive economic growth, said the Commissioner and Secretary to the Govt. of Meghalaya Department of Agriculture Farmers Welfare in the press statement.
