Shillong (Meghalaya), Nov 19 : In a major breakthrough, Meghalaya’s Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has successfully launched the first export consignment of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin to Lulu Mall, Dubai. This milestone marks a significant step towards integrating Meghalaya’s farmers with global markets, overcoming longstanding logistical and economic challenges.
The Jirang Farmer Producer Company (FPC) in Ri-Bhoi facilitated the export of 1 MT of Khasi Mandarin, transported via Air India Cargo from Guwahati Customs to Dubai. This pioneering direct export shipment from the region using this route paves the way for future opportunities.
Meghalaya’s unique geography and remote location have long posed significant challenges to its agricultural sector. Farmers often struggle to access lucrative urban markets and are reliant on middlemen and aggregators, limiting their profits. However, with this initiative, the government aims to empower farmers by providing them direct market access.
This achievement follows a successful export of 20 metric tons of Khasi mandarins to Dubai last year, a tenfold increase compared to the previous year’s trial export. The Khasi Mandarin, locally known for its thin skin, juicy flesh, and unique tangy sweetness, obtained a Geographical Indication tag in 2014, making it a globally recognized product.
The partnership between the Meghalaya Agriculture Marketing Board and the Lulu Group signals a potential long-term collaboration, opening avenues for regular exports of Khasi mandarins to the lucrative Gulf market .
