New Delhi/Shillong: Meghalaya Pineapple Fest 2023, organised by the Government of Meghalaya, kicked off at the iconic Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi, on August 18 celebrating the state’s famed produce, the Kew pineapples.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singh said, “I would like to express my appreciation for the Government of Meghalaya’s initiative in organising this event. It’s a step in the right direction towards promoting sustainable agricultural practices, fostering inter-state cooperation, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers.”
According to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, the Meghalaya Pineapple Fest is a platform to share the “diversity of our culture, the innovation in our agriculture, and the unity that binds our people”.
“Our pineapples are not merely fruits; they are a testament to the fertile land, dedicated farmers, and the rich legacy that Meghalaya carries,” he added.
The state has set up a mobile processing unit at Umdihar IVCS, in Umdihar village, Ri Bhoi, to enhance production.
The Meghalaya pineapples are famous for their high-sugar content and low sourness. The pineapples are mostly cultivated organically, resulting in significantly lower heavy metal and pesticide residue in the fruit.
Aspiring to double the state’s GDP, Meghalaya identifies agriculture and allied sectors as pivotal drivers of economic growth. This sector has the potential to create lakhs of employment opportunities in the next five years.
Meghalaya is blessed with diverse agro-climatic conditions and is home to a wide array of agricultural and horticultural produce. Rooted in traditional practices, most of the crops are cultivated in an organic manner. Factors such as favourable agro-climatic conditions, organic practices and endemic varieties make the produce unique in terms of their quality and taste.
Over recent times, pineapples from the state have been gaining more popularity. The northeastern states contribute 51.18% of the total pineapple production in the country, with Meghalaya contributing 7.69% (APEDA 2021-22), making the state one of the top 5 pineapple-producing states in India.
This season has been a fruitful one for pineapple growers of the state as many have realised an increase of up to 100% in farmgate price for their produce.
The efforts closer home has resulted in sustained market linkages with domestic processors and retailers. Last year, over 40 tonnes of pineapples were shipped to a Karnataka based processor to be further exported to European and North American markets. These pineapples were shipped by a farmer collective from Umdihar.
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