An eight-member delegation from Lulu Group International, led by Director of Global Operations Salim MA, visited Meghalaya to engage in strategic discussions aimed at enhancing international market linkages for the state's agricultural outputs. The engagement follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Lulu Group International and the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), facilitated by APEDA in November 2023 during World Food India, held in New Delhi.
MSAMB reports that in the past two years, the Khasi Mandarin, Pineapple, and Ginger with Geographical Indication (GI) tags have been exported via air and sea routes. Official meetings with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, and other senior officials focused on broadening global market access for Meghalaya's agricultural products. Discussions also centered on boosting farmer incomes and expanding the state's agri-export infrastructure.
Chief Minister Sangma assured the delegation of government support, citing the goal to leverage Meghalaya's agro-climatic conditions and traditional farming practices to establish a unique brand identity internationally. According to Sangma, "Our focus is on ensuring maximum efficiency with the investments we make so that the volume of products reaching international markets continues to grow."
Efforts have been ongoing to create direct export channels for the state's unique agricultural products, especially those with GI tags and organic certification. Direct export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin to Dubai was initiated by bypassing traditional routes through Mumbai, using air cargo from Guwahati Customs. Following this, pineapple consignments were also sent directly, managed by Air India Cargo from Guwahati.
Meghalaya has exported over 13 metric tons of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin and 10 metric tons of Pineapple to Middle Eastern markets. In March 2025, a sea shipment of 15 metric tons of organic ginger was sent to Dubai, facilitated by MSAMB and Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company. This shipment demonstrated the scalability and traceability of Meghalaya's organic value chains.
Source: The Shillong Times
