Meghalaya Takes Organic Bounty to UAE: Delegation Paves Path for Global Agri-Trade Expansion
Sharjah: In a strategic push to position Meghalaya as a global hub for organic and high-value agricultural products, a delegation of state officials and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) is courting international buyers in the UAE this week. The three-day Market Exposure Visit, organized by the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), spotlights the state’s premium organic turmeric, ginger, strawberries, and other GI-tagged produce at promotional events in Sharjah and Dubai.
The delegation, led by Smt. Batrity M Umlong, Director of Horticulture, is engaging with retailers and trade giants like the Lulu Group International to secure long-term export partnerships. Showcases at Our Wellness Village Café (Sharjah) on March 17 and Lulu Hypermarket (Dubai) on March 18 aim to amplify the Meghalaya Collective brand, emphasizing the state’s biodiversity and sustainable farming practices.
“This visit bridges our farmers to global opportunities,” stated Smt. Umlong. “By embedding our FPOs into international value chains, we’re unlocking income growth and aligning with Meghalaya’s Vision 2028 to transform into a $10 billion economy.”
The initiative builds on a November 2023 MoU with Lulu Group, which already enabled exports of Khasi Mandarin, Pineapple, and Ginger to Dubai. With 80% of Meghalaya’s population reliant on agriculture, the state has prioritized mission-mode projects in spices, mushrooms, and fruits, focusing on value addition and eco-friendly practices.
Global Ambitions, Local Impact
Meghalaya’s organic push aligns with rising global demand for sustainable produce. The delegation’s agenda includes B2B meetings to explore logistics, pricing, and quality compliance, critical for scaling exports. Stakeholders highlight that partnerships with UAE retailers could spur investments in processing infrastructure, further boosting farmer earnings.
As the state eyes markets in the Gulf and beyond, this visit signals Meghalaya’s readiness to transition from domestic reliance to global agri-trade leadership. With its GI-tagged products and carbon-neutral farming ethos, the “Abode of Clouds” is poised to become India’s organic export powerhouse.