Meghalaya to showcase premium pineapples at Delhi festival
New Delhi, July 8
Meghalaya will showcase its globally acclaimed premium pineapples at the fourth edition of the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival in the national capital from July 10 to 12, with the state set to sign strategic agreements to expand market access for farmers, officials said on Wednesday.
The three-day festival, organised by the Meghalaya Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare at Dilli Haat, aims to strengthen direct market linkages among pineapple growers, retailers, institutional buyers, exporters, and consumers, while promoting the state's horticulture sector.
A senior government official stated that the inaugural programme on July 10 will be attended by the Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, as the chief guest, while Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma will be the guest of honour.
A key highlight of this year's festival will be the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with e-commerce and marketing platforms, which the state government said would help improve market access, supply chains and marketing opportunities for pineapple farmers.
The event will also witness the release of a commemorative publication titled "Meghalaya Pineapple: A Four-Edition Journey", documenting the evolution of the festival since its launch in 2023.
Known for their exceptional sweetness, low acidity and Brix value of around 16-18 degrees, Meghalaya's pineapples have emerged as one of the country's premium fruit varieties. The produce has also found a growing international market, including exports to major hypermarkets in Dubai and the UAE through farmer-producer organisations.
According to the state government, fresh pineapple sales at the festival have doubled over the past two years, increasing from 7.7 metric tonnes in 2023 to 15.4 metric tonnes in 2025. The festival has also helped farmer groups establish business partnerships with leading retail and food companies.
Officials said the festival forms part of Meghalaya's broader strategy to transform agriculture into a key driver of economic growth under the Vision@2032 roadmap. The initiative is complemented by the Rs 295-crore Meghalaya State Organic Mission, which seeks to bring one lakh hectares under certified organic cultivation by 2028, benefiting more than 90,000 farmers.
Apart from fresh pineapples, visitors will be able to purchase value-added products, interact with farmer collectives and entrepreneurs, and enjoy cultural performances by artists under the Chief Minister's Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme, highlighting the state's agricultural heritage and cultural diversity.
— IANS
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