Meghalaya’s organic triumph: Ginger joins the global export league after Khasi Mandarin and Lakadong Turmeric

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 27, 2025

Meghalaya’s agricultural exports continue to break new ground with the historic first-ever sea shipment of 15 metric tonnes of premium Meghalaya Ginger to Dubai’s Lulu Group. This achievement not only strengthens Meghalaya’s presence in international markets but also showcases the state’s commitment to empowering farmers and promoting organic produce worldwide. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), marks a step forward in integrating Meghalaya’s farmers into global value chains. Lakadong Turmeric has already established a strong presence in international markets, further highlighting the state’s agricultural potential. The consignment was flagged off on February 25 at a ceremonial event attended by dignitaries from APEDA, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

From local farms to global markets: Meghalaya’s agricultural surge

Meghalaya’s agricultural sector has long faced challenges such as fragmented landholding, limited credit access, and constraints in working capital for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Farmers often struggle with inconsistent market linkages, leading to suppressed prices and dependence on intermediaries. However, through strategic government interventions, cooperatives have successfully aggregated and marketed ginger collectively, demonstrating the potential of farmer-led initiatives.

Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic FPC: A catalyst for ginger exports

The Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company (FPC), established in 2017 under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER), has played a crucial role in facilitating this export. Initially operating with limited infrastructure, the FPC has expanded significantly, now processing ginger with modern washing, slicing, drying, and packaging facilities. It supports over 500 member farmers from nine villages, ensuring better price realization and market access. The collective has seen its revenue grow from Rs 17 lakh in 2018-19 to Rs 374 lakh in 2023-24.

Flag-off ceremony highlights: Experts hail Meghalaya’s export breakthrough

The flag-off ceremony in Shillong was attended by key officials. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev highlighted the importance of sea shipments in making Indian agri-exports competitive. He noted that a dedicated sea protocol had been developed to ensure cost-effectiveness and expressed optimism about Indian products gaining a strong foothold in the UAE market. He also emphasized the potential of organic exports, which yield 30-40% higher price realization.

IFAD Country Director Abdelkarim Sma stressed the role of farmer-led cooperatives in ensuring sustainable livelihoods, stating that cooperatives provide security and hope for farmers. Revistar Kharumnuid, Chief Executive Director of the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic FPC, acknowledged the collective efforts of farmers, government agencies, and export facilitators in achieving this milestone. Director of Horticulture B. Mylliem Umlong extended gratitude to all stakeholders and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector.

Next-Gen infrastructure: Meghalaya’s Rs 21 crore spice processing hub

Recognizing the need for enhanced processing capacity, the state government is developing one of North East India’s first organically certified spice processing units in Bhoirymbong, Ri-Bhoi district. This Rs 21 crore investment, supported by IFAD, aims to bolster FPO capacities, ensuring that spices like ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and chili meet international standards. The facility will process 10,346 metric tonnes of spices annually, provide cold and dry storage, utilize solar-powered technology, and establish direct linkages with national and international buyers, benefiting 5,500 organic farmers.

Meghalaya’s global leap: Expanding market reach with organic exports

The first sea shipment of Meghalaya Ginger to Dubai underscores the state’s export potential and the success of community-driven development. APEDA’s continued support has been instrumental in trial marketing commodities from Meghalaya, including GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin, organic pineapple, and now ginger. Lakadong Turmeric has already made its mark in international markets, further strengthening Meghalaya’s agricultural presence globally. With infrastructure development, farmer training programs, anAdproved market access, Meghalaya is strengthening its agricultural ecosystem for long-term sustainability, ensuring better remuneration for farmers and economic growth.