New Delhi, August 03: The third edition of the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival turned Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi, into a vibrant celebration of Meghalaya’s agricultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Organized by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, the festival spotlighted the state’s renowned Kew pineapples celebrated for their exceptional sweetness, low acidity, and organic quality alongside indigenous crafts and local talent.
Inaugurated on August 1, 2025, by Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, the festival underscored Meghalaya’s commitment to elevating its farmers and produce on national and global platforms.
The Union Minister praised the quality of Meghalaya’s pineapples and the state’s agricultural initiatives, pledging full support from the Central Government.
As part of the festival’s learning and exposure initiative, a delegation of 40 Meghalaya farmers visited Reliance Fresh’s Collection Centre in Bakhtawarpur, Delhi, and its state-of-the-art Distribution Center in Sonipat, Haryana, on August 2, 2025.
Facilitated by the Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Meghalaya, the visit offered insights into advanced supply chain operations, from harvesting to sorting, grading, packaging, and distribution. The delegation also explored Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters’ roastery, learning about roasting techniques, specialty coffee grading, and post-harvest practices.
Mr. Prin Ranghang, President of Umwang Pyllun IVCS, Ri Bhoi, shared, “Witnessing such an efficient facility was inspiring. This exposure, supported by the Directorate of Horticulture, opens new avenues for growth and investment for our farmers.”Mr. Daman Shabong of Warsanlyngdoh Coffee Collective highlighted how Meghalaya’s unique terroir enhances coffee quality, expressing gratitude for tracing their coffee’s journey from local fields to Delhi’s cafes.
On August 1st, 2025, the festival marked a milestone with the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Reliance Fresh, Amazon Karigar, and Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters. These partnerships will enhance procurement, visibility, and national distribution of Meghalaya’s organic produce, including pineapples, coffee, jackfruit, turmeric, and black pepper.
Ms. Reena Nongrum, a women entrepreneur from Ri Bhoi, shared her success story,said “With support from the Horticulture Department, my pineapple jams and candies are now reaching customers in Delhi, Kolkata, and Kerala. From a small-scale tailor to owning a food processing unit, I’m proud to scale my venture.”Her stall, featuring innovative products like dried pineapple, pineapple candy, and ginger powder, drew significant crowds.
A visitor from Bangalore, visiting the Pineapple Festival 2025 at Dilli Haat, praised the pineapples, saying, “I am taking these to Bangalore because I think they’re the best in the world because these pineapples are not only juicy but flavourful, and easy to cut and slice. I will even try making jam with them. These are the tastiest pineapples in the world!”. Moreover, a visitor shared,“Every small farmer enriches our lives. The pineapples from Meghalaya taste absolutely divine, and I am deeply grateful to the farmers and people of Meghalaya.”
Visitors engaged directly with farmers and entrepreneurs at curated stalls, tasting the juiciest pineapples and learning about organic cultivation.
