Delegation of UAE-based Lulu Group on visit to Meghalaya
Shillong, July 14: Chief minister Conrad K Sangma has assured the UAE-based Lulu Group International of full government support in maximising the partnership with the multinational conglomerate for promoting the state’s unique agricultural produces in the Middle-East.
“Our focus is on ensuring maximum efficiency with the investments we make, so that the volume of products reaching international markets continues to grow,” the chief minister said during a meeting with a company’s delegation led by Salim MA, director of its Global Operations.
The visit follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Lulu Group International and Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) in November 2023 in New Delhi.
Over the past two years, MSAMB has proactively facilitated export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin, pineapple, and ginger through both air and sea routes.
“Meghalaya is an agro-based society, and our produces, especially the GI-tagged and organic varieties, are unique to this region. These products have immense potential, and we are determined to take them to global platforms,” the chief minister said.
Sangma also emphasised the importance of leveraging Meghalaya’s unique agro-climatic conditions and traditional practices to create a strong brand identity in global markets.
Meanwhile, he informed that the state has witnessed significant growth in production, organic certification, and farmer collectivisation.
“A great deal of groundwork is already in motion, and we are building on that momentum to ensure long-term gains for our farmers,” he said.
The meeting with Lulu Group delegation, also attended by agriculture and farmers’ welfare minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, discussed expanding global market access for Meghalaya’s agricultural produces, increasing farmer incomes, and scaling up agri-export infrastructure.
In recent years, the state government has initiated measures to establish direct export channels for the state’s unique agricultural produces, particularly those with GI tags and certified organic status, transforming Meghalaya into a key agri-export hub of North East.
In a pioneering move last year, the state government facilitated the first-ever direct export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin to Dubai via air cargo, ensuring faster and more efficient transportation of perishable, high-value produce.
Building on this success, direct exports of pineapple consignments were also initiated, with Air India Cargo managing the shipment directly from Guwahati.
To date, Meghalaya has successfully exported over 13 MT Khasi Mandarin and 10 MT pineapple to markets in the Middle East, reinforcing the state’s reputation for high-quality and fresh produce.
Besides, the first-ever sea shipment of 15 MT organic ginger was dispatched to Dubai in March 2025 facilitated by MSAMB in collaboration with Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company.
Meanwhile, a team of agriculture officials and eight progressive farmers from across the state undertook a market exposure visit to Dubai in March this year.
The experience enabled farmers to better understand global consumer preferences, branding standards, and packaging benchmarks, key areas that are now being addressed in collaboration with Lulu Group and other partners.
