Sweet success: Meghalaya’s Pineapples gold rush takes root

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 30, 2023

In a delightful development, Meghalaya’s pineapple growers are riding the waves of success, as they continue to tap into both domestic and international markets, reaping sweet rewards for their labour. This picturesque state’s lush landscapes have served as the setting for a thriving agricultural revolution that is focused on pineapples, one of the region’s most prized fruits.

Following the triumphant export of Khasi mandarins last year, the Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, and the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) have once again facilitated a remarkable feat. Over 1.3 tonnes of juicy pineapples have recently made their way to the Middle East, where they are now proudly displayed in prestigious malls in Dubai, Kuwait, and Sharjah. This successful venture not only strengthens the state’s presence in lucrative international markets but also fuels the farmers’ passion as they enjoy up to two times the price realization for their produce.

Domestic Success and Overcoming Challenges

The triumphs extend to the domestic front as well. The concerted efforts of Meghalayan pineapple growers have resulted in sustained market linkages with domestic processors and retailers. Building on the momentum of the previous year, more than 40 tonnes of pineapples were expertly shipped to a reputed processor in Karnataka, destined for European and North American markets. Buoyed by this achievement, the processor took it a step further by setting up a mobile processing unit in Umdihar IVCS, Umdihar Village (Ri Bhoi), to accommodate larger quantities. Within the first week of its operation, the unit processed an impressive 23 tonnes of pineapples, cementing the state’s position in the domestic market.

However, the journey to prosperity has not been without its share of obstacles. The processing units’ preference for larger pineapples weighing a kilogram or more has left the farmers with smaller-sized pineapples known as Grade B or the table variety. These small fruits are vulnerable to distress sales due to accelerated ripening post-harvest, leading to a significant drop in prices. To address this issue, the Department has been proactive in exploring market linkages with local retailers. A significant breakthrough was recently achieved with Reliance Retail stores across Guwahati now offering the Grade B pineapples from Meghalaya, bringing smiles to the faces of farmers who are now receiving more than double the previous prices for their produce.

The Pineapple’s Unique Appeal

The sweet success of Meghalaya’s pineapples is not just a matter of taste but a testament to their exceptional quality. Known for their high sugar content (brix value of 16-18) and low sourness, these pineapples have carved a niche for themselves in the market. What makes them even more desirable is their cultivation without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, resulting in significantly lower heavy metal and pesticide residues. These eco-friendly practices align with the preferences of conscious consumers, making Meghalaya’s pineapples highly sought after both nationally and internationally.

Empowering Farmers: A Community-Centric Approach

In the past, the pineapple trade in Meghalaya was dominated by middlemen and traders who took advantage of the farmers’ limited access to market information. As a result, many farmers were compelled to accept undervalued deals, sacrificing their hard work for paltry sums. The Government of Meghalaya recognized this issue and took significant strides to empower the farmers.

Through a community-centric approach, the government mobilized farmers to form farmer cooperatives and producer organizations (FPOs) across the state. Over the last three years, more than 350 such collectives have been established, allowing farmers to regain control over production and marketing. A notable success story is the ‘Silchang Dimrimbri Palwa Adling IVCS’ of East Garo Hills District, a farmer collective that recently undertook their first international trade of over 1.3 tonnes of pineapples to the Middle East, with active support from the Department and MBMA.

Upcoming Celebration: The Pineapple Festival in Delhi

To further promote the pride of Meghalaya, the government is organizing a grand Pineapple Festival in Delhi. Scheduled after the celebrations of Independence Day, this festival promises to be a delightful occasion, offering Delhiites the chance to savour the finest pineapples, aptly termed “fine apples,” from the state. With an unwavering commitment to sustainability and community-driven solutions, the Pineapple Festival celebrates the prosperity brought forth by the dedication and hard work of Meghalayan farmers.

As the sun continues to shine on the fields of Meghalaya, the future for pineapple growers looks even brighter. With each passing day, the state is marching confidently towards a pineapple gold rush like never before, where sweet rewards are not only savoured by the taste buds but cherished by the hearts of its people.