Tura, July 9: West Garo Hills on Thursday flagged off its first consignment of 4 metric tonnes of premium-quality pineapples to Dilli Haat, New Delhi, for the upcoming Pineapple Festival.
The consignment was prepared by the Organic Producer Cooperative Society Limited of Ringgi Demdemma in Chibinang, West Garo Hills.
Known for their superior taste and quality, the pineapples being shipped weigh an average of 1.6 to 1.7 kilograms each. The Chibinang variety records a sweetness level of 20° Brix, significantly higher than the average 16–17 Total Soluble Solids, making it one of the sweetest pineapple varieties produced in the region.
Officials said the consignments consist of carefully graded, premium-quality fruits procured directly from local growers. By establishing direct market linkages with major wholesale markets outside the state, the initiative aims to eliminate intermediaries, secure better prices for farmers, and enhance their overall income.
Meanwhile, authorities said another 5 metric tonnes of pineapples from the Muktidata Cooperative Society, Tikrikilla in South West Garo Hills will be dispatched on Friday.
The initiative is being undertaken with the support and guidance of the Directorate of Horticulture under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, to showcase the exceptional quality of Garo Hills pineapples on a national platform while creating better market opportunities for local farmers.
The programme also underscores the growing success of cooperative marketing in Garo Hills, strengthening sustainable livelihoods and expanding market access for pineapple producers across the region.
The dispatch was facilitated with the support of District Horticulture Officer, West Garo Hills, Aldrina B. Marak; Agriculture Development Officer (Marketing), Tura, Moses G. Momin; Horticulture Development Officer, Tikrikilla Block, Silas G. Momin, along with consultants and other departmental officials.
