Shillong, Feb 26: The state’s agricultural export has achieved a milestone as the first ever sea shipment of Meghalaya Ginger was flagged off to Dubai.
Export of the consignment of 15 MT ginger, produced by Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company (FPC), was facilitated by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in collaboration with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
It has marked a new chapter in the state’s efforts to promote organic and high-value agricultural produce internationally, the statement said, the department said in a statement.
The flagging-off ceremony in Shillong was attended by officials of APEDA, Ministry of Economic Affairs and IFAD.
Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic FPC, established in 2017 under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER), has played a pioneering role in facilitating the export.
The FPC, which began with limited infrastructure, has now expanded its operations significantly, processing ginger with modernized washing, slicing, drying, and packaging facilities.
“The FPC supports over 500 member farmers from 9 villages. Over the years, this collective has increased its revenue from ₹17 lakh in 2018 19 to ₹374 lakh in 2023-24,” according to the statement.
In his address, APEDA chairman Abhishek Dev underscored the significance of sea shipment in making Indian agri-exports competitive.
“Sea shipment is crucial as it ensures cost competitiveness. We have developed a dedicated sea protocol, and I am hopeful that with close coordination among stakeholders, our shipments will be well received in the UAE market,” he said.
Urging the stakeholders to plan for early participation in Gulf Food 2026 (January 26-30) to showcase Indian ginger, he noted, “The organic tag ensures a 30-40% higher price realisation.”
APEDA is fully committed to supporting stakeholders in organic certification, and with Meghalaya’s own certification body, this process will now be easier, he said.
On the export of 50 MT Meghalaya Ginger to Dubai’s Lulu Group, he affirmed, “This is not a one-off event. We will see more such flag-offs in the future as we continue expanding India’s agri-export footprint.”
IFAD country director Abdelkarim Sma highlighted significance of farmer-led cooperatives in creating sustainable livelihoods.
“Farmers are the owners of the cooperatives, and these cooperatives provide them security and hope for the future,” he said.
Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic FPC chief executive director Revistar Kharumnuid and Horticulture director B Mylliem Umlong also addressed the occasion.
Meanwhile, the state government is developing one of North East India’s first organically certified spice processing units in Bhoirymbong.
“This ₹21 crore investment, with funding support from IFAD, will significantly bolster the capacity of FPOs, ensuring that high-value spices like ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and chili meet international standards,” the statement said.
The upcoming facility is designed to process 10,346 MT of spices annually and provide 50 MT cold storage and 300 MT dry storage capacity.
The facility will utilise solar-powered technology for sustainable processing that will directly benefit 5,500 organic farmers.
