North Garo Hills, July 5: Meghalaya’s efforts to secure better markets for its horticultural produce received a boost on Sunday as the first 10-tonne consignment of premium pineapples from North Garo Hills was flagged off for Delhi, marking a new chapter in the state’s farm-to-market initiative.
More than 100 pineapple growers, including a large number of women farmers, gathered to witness the launch of the consignment by Dijako Farmer Producer Company Limited. The market linkage has been facilitated by the Meghalaya New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (MNREDA) under the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-supported agriculture project.
The shipment comprises 10,000 kg of carefully graded premium-quality pineapples sourced from farmers in the district and is expected to fetch better prices by linking producers directly with wholesale buyers in the national capital, reducing dependence on intermediaries.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, MNREDA Chairman Rupert M. Momin said the initiative builds on the success of an earlier programme under which more than 150 metric tonnes of ginger from Meghalaya had been marketed to premium export destinations.
“Today we have taken another important step by launching premium pineapple marketing, which will help farmers receive better prices through direct market linkages,” he said.
Officials said the consignment is the first in a series planned during the current harvesting season, with the Farmer Producer Company aiming to send substantially larger volumes of Meghalaya’s premium pineapples to major markets across the country.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the role of Farmer Producer Companies in collective marketing while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for small and marginal farmers. It also highlights the growing focus on value-chain development and organised market access for Meghalaya’s high-value horticultural produce.
The state is known for producing naturally sweet, low-acid pineapples, and officials believe improved logistics and direct market access could significantly enhance returns for growers while expanding the national footprint of Meghalaya’s fruit sector.
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