Meghalaya Pineapple Fest 2024 held at Dilli Haat

-Sweety. New Delhi : The second edition of Meghalaya Pineapple Fest 2024, organised by the Government of Meghalaya, held at the iconic Dilli Haat, concluded today. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma visited the Meghalaya Farmers’ Market and engaged with farmers and entrepreneurs, exploring the exhibits of the festival.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma underscored the government’s investment of Rs.5.63 crore in infrastructure and Rs.1.39 crore in working capital, with Rs.78 lakhs allocated specifically for pineapples until 2023. These efforts have resulted in tremendous achievements, including the export of 4.36 MT of pineapples to Lulu Group Abu Dhabi. Close to 300 MT are also exported to EU countries after being freeze-dried at the PRIME Hub in Ri Bhoi District. Additionally, these initiatives have increased farmers’ income by 30-122 percent, directly impacting 300 plus farmers and indirectly benefiting more than 5000.

The Chief Minister shed light on significant developments in the pineapple industry and informed that 11 Collective Marketing Centres (CMC) were set up for trading fresh pineapples. He also informed that 338 Integrated Village Cooperative Societies (IVCS) and 28 Organic Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) have been established to subvert the influence of middlemen and price fluctuations in the fresh fruits segment of the market. With upcoming initiatives like the launch of Agri Response Vehicles, Warehouses, and Farmer’s markets, these co-operatives act as formidable trading partners for institutional buyers and as a capable exporter handling logistic issues.

With the aim of doubling farmers' income, the government has initiated mission-mode interventions for high-value commercial crops, Sangma stated. These interventions, covering Turmeric, Ginger, Mushroom, Apiculture, Spice, Khasi Mandarin, Pineapple and more, are designed to be holistic, community-centric endeavors with the farmer at the heart of it all, he stated.

The 5-day-long festival witnessed the presence of thousands of visitors savoring the state’s organically grown pineapples and witnessing live performances by Meghalaya Grassroot Music Project (MGMP) artistes-ALIVE, Leonard H Syiemlieh, Ahaia. A remarkable sale of 6.5 tonnes (approx.) of organically grown sweet pineapples was sold from Day 1 to Day 4 of the Pineapple Festival. Meghalaya exported 9-10 tonnes for the Pineapple Festival 2024.

The Pineapple Festival has not only highlighted the agricultural excellence of Meghalaya but has also provided a vibrant cultural experience through music and arts. The collaboration with MGMP artists added a unique and lively dimension to the festival, drawing in crowds and fostering a deeper appreciation for the region’s cultural richness.