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Meghalaya exports 20 MT Khasi Mandarin oranges to Dubai, looks to tap into more foreign markets.
Dec 15, 2023

The Meghalaya Directorate of Horticulture and Agricultural Marketing Board Tuesday flagged off a ceremony to send 20 metric tonnes of Khasi Mandarin oranges to Dubai.

The move to boost trade and commerce prospects by connecting foreign markets marked a significant increase from the 1 tonne Khasi Mandarin exported to Doha and Bahrain last year.

Khasi Mandarin is a variety of oranges unique to Meghalaya. These citrus fruits often grow larger than a tennis ball, weighing between 130-150 gm, are bright orange in colour and are characterised by a very mild 0.6-0.7 per cent citric acid, making them full of sweet and aromatic citrus juices.

Meghalaya Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, who joined the flagging-off ceremony as chief guest at the Integrated Agriculture Training Centre (IATC) in Upper Shillong, said the government is looking to boost Khasi Mandarin exports and focus on organic farming of the fruit, reclaim confidence of farming communities and financially assist the growers.

'At one point, we would only, on trial, internationally export 1.5 MT to 2 MT of Khasi Mandarin; today, we are talking of 20 MT. This step will instil a sense of security in our farmers, telling them that we will grow together and benefit together. They (farmers) are going to be dictating our economy.'

'The next biggest challenge is to handhold all our farmer groups to return 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 sensitise, educate, expose, and financially assist our farmers,' she added.

Agriculture Secretary Isawanda Laloo said Meghalaya’s unique agro-climatic conditions facilitate the growth of many fruits and crops. He also said there is a huge opportunity to promote organic farming of Khasi Mandarin since farmers still cultivate in the traditional way in the state.

MLA RV Lyngdoh, Horticulture Director D C Sohtun, Lulu Group international senior general manager Ravi Kumar, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) deputy general manager in-charge of NE region Sunita Rai and Agriculture Director J C Lyngdoh were among the attendees.

Sunita Rai said while growing foreign exports are crucial for the business potential, these are 'stepping stones to success'. She said Khasi Mandarin is expected to be soon exported through commercial shipments. She said there are also a few other local fruits that APEDA has plans to popularise.

Last month, the Meghalaya Agriculture Marketing Board signed an MoU with the Lulu Group to set up a strategic partnership for mutual growth and promote Meghalaya’s agricultural products to Gulf nations. Lulu Group senior general manager Ravi Kumar expressed confidence in achieving higher export volume next year.

Khasi Mandarin is locally Called Soh Niamtra or Soh Myntra in Meghalaya’s Khasi language and is widely cultivated in Meghalaya, Assam and a few other Northeastern states. It is also called Soh Sohra in Shillong to signify its place of origin – Sohra, which used to be the hub of the Khasi mandarin trade in the past.

Meghalaya is a significant grower of oranges in the region, and the fruit is considered an important commercial crop here. The state obtained a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the Khasi Mandarin in 2014 and promoted the fruit in different parts of the country and abroad.

Before Khasi Mandarin, Meghalaya successfully marketed Kew Pineapples, Lakadong turmeric, and ginger to European countries.

Khasi Mandarin is sourced from a host of local farmers and producers companies and cooperatives in Ri Bhoi district, East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, South West Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills and West Garo Hills.

Meghalaya has 331 integrated value chain societies, 179 primary agricultural credit societies, 81 organic cooperatives, 28 organic farmer producer organisations, and 499 livestock-related cooperatives actively working in the agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry sectors.

indianexpress.com

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