We will do what it takes to sensitize, educate, expose, and financially assist our farmers: Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh
Shillong, December 11: In a historic event marked by pride, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration, the Directorate of Horticulture and Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board orchestrated the flagging off ceremony of 20 metric tons of Khasi Mandarin to Dubai. This momentous occasion not only highlights Meghalaya’s rich agricultural diversity but also responds to the global demand for distinctive and high-quality produce.
Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh graced the event as the Chief Guest. The ceremony hosted at the Integrated Agriculture Training Centre (I.A.T.C), Upper Shillong, witnessed the participation of key dignitaries Shri R. V. Lyngdoh, MLA, Mylliem Constituency, Smti D. C. Sohtun, Director Horticulture, Shri Ravi Kumar, Senior GM, Lulu Group International, Smti Isawanda Laloo, IAS, Secretary Department of Agriculture, Smti Sunita Rai, Deputy GM APEDA i/c NER, Smti JC Lyngdoh, Director Agriculture, Shri Persevere Rani, Chairman Jirang FPC. This landmark occasion signifies the culmination of concerted efforts by the Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with esteemed partners such as APEDA, the Lulu Group, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
Speaking at the event, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh expressed, “At one point of time, we would only on a trial, internationally export 1.5 MT to 2 MT of mandarin alone; today we are talking of 20 MT. This step will instill a sense of security with our farmers telling them that we will grow together, we will benefit together. They (farmers) are going to be dictating our economy.. The next biggest challenge that we have before us which we have to handhold all our farmer groups is to get back to natural farming practices. The Organic Mission needs to be attended to. We have to reclaim our confidence in the farming communities. We will do what it takes to sensitize, educate, expose, and financially assist our farmers.”
Isawanda Laloo, IAS, Secretary, Department of Agriculture said, “Our unique agro-climatic condition reflects that we have a huge array of variable fruits, and crops; and, we want to capitalize on these. Given that many of our farmers still cultivate in the traditional way, there is huge opportunity for us to capture the growing organic consumer-based market in the entire world.”
Stakeholders are optimistic about the positive impact this venture will have on the livelihoods of farmers and the overall economic development of Meghalaya. Sunita Rai, Deputy GM APEDA i/c NER, in her address stated, “This is a stepping stone to success. I hope that in the days to come, from 20 MT, we can sustain to commercial shipment. We should be proud of some other local fruits which we aim to popularize.”
The ceremony exemplified the collaborative endeavors of Meghalaya’s farmers and exporters, introducing the flavors of Khasi Mandarin to international markets. It not only opens new avenues for Meghalaya’s agricultural sector but also strengthens trade ties between Meghalaya and Dubai. Ravi Kumar, Senior GM, Lulu Group International, in his address, emphasized, “Last year, we promoted hardly one ton of Khasi Mandarin from Meghalaya, this year we are going to export 20 tons of Khasi Mandarin. I am expecting at least we should add one more zero next year because zero does not have value but if we put in the right place, we can have a lot of value. Automatically, the dollars will come to Meghalaya state and the lifestyle of the farmers will increase.”
The Farmer Producer Company (FPC)/groups where the Khasi Mandarin is being sourced is from Jirang FPC – Ri Bhoi, Tomdaksan FPO Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited – East Garo Hills, Gangga IVCS – West Garo Hills, Nongsteng IVCS – South West Khasi Hills, Narwang MPCS – East Jaintia Hills, Nongkdait Nongtwah IVCS – East Khasi Hills, Durama MPCS – West Garo Hills, Rongmil IVCS – East Garo Hills.
The success stories of Geographical Indication tagged Meghalaya Khasi Mandarin and Kew Pineapple in the Gulf Market, coupled with the shipment of Lakadong Turmeric and Ginger to the European market, stand as a testament to the dedication and vision of Meghalaya’s agricultural community. Currently, 331 Integrated Value Chain Societies, 179 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, 81 Organic Cooperatives, 28 Organic Farmer Producer Organizations, and 499 Livestock-related cooperatives actively work towards the betterment of the farmers of the state. Over the past year, with the invaluable support of APEDA, the Meghalaya government embarked on its maiden trial export to Doha and Bahrain in the UAE.
In a significant stride towards sustainable market linkage, the Agriculture Marketing Board entered an MoU with the Lulu Group on 3rd November 2023, under the auspices of APEDA and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. This strategic partnership aims to foster mutual growth and promote Meghalaya’s agricultural products in the GCC countries, expanding global reach.
Following this agreement, the Agriculture Marketing Board, with the Directorate of Horticulture, worked closely with farmers’ groups to facilitate Mandarin export. The Lulu Group will receive the first 20 Metric Tons, with 2 Metric Tons already shipped for the Dubai market, marking a significant milestone with the ceremonial flag-off today.
