Williamnagar, July 19: In a significant boost to farmers of East Garo Hills, the Tomdaksan Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), led by Lebi D. Sangma and team, successfully dispatched its first pineapple consignment of 3,000 tonnes to the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited (NERAMAC) on July 18.
The consignment marks a proud milestone for pineapple growers in the region, particularly from Dawachipit under Samanda Block. Facilitated by the District Horticulture Office in Williamnagar, the initiative is a step towards scaling up pineapple trade from the district, “one pineapple at a time.”
NERAMAC has also committed to purchasing 6 tonnes of pineapples from Tomdaksan FPO every week, ensuring steady market access and encouraging further cultivation.
Formed during 2021–22, Tomdaksan is one of the active FPOs in Meghalaya. Apart from pineapple, the organization is also engaged in the Khasi mandarin orange value chain, working alongside other regional FPOs such as Jirang FPC and East Ri Bhoi FPO.
East Garo Hills pineapples, known for their natural sweetness, high juice content and low acidity, have grown in demand both within the Northeast and in wider Indian markets. With support from government schemes such as the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), and the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, the district has enhanced its capabilities in pineapple processing, packaging, and logistics.
As a result, farmers are now exporting their produce to Guwahati, Kolkata, North India, and even international markets moving beyond local sales for the first time.
Pineapple is the designated ODOP product for East Garo Hills, thanks to its unique flavor profile sweeter and more aromatic than pineapples from other regions largely due to traditional cultivation methods with minimal chemical use. Other prominent horticultural products from the district include Khasi mandarin, banana, black pepper, ginger, sweetcorn, and a variety of vegetables.
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, led by Lebi D. Sangma and team, successfully dispatched its first pineapple consignment of 3,000 tonnes to the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited (NERAMAC) on July 18.){kind=link}