Aayal QureshiSharjah, UAE – In a strategic push to catapult Meghalaya’s organic and high-value agricultural products onto the global stage, a delegation of state officials and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) is currently showcasing the region’s premium produce at key promotional events in the UAE. Organized by the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), the initiative aims to unlock international trade opportunities for farmers and position the state as a hub for sustainable agri-exports.
The delegation, led by Batrity M Umlong, Director of Horticulture, is highlighting Meghalaya’s organic turmeric, ginger, strawberries, and other Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products at events hosted at Our Wellness Village Café in Sharjah (March 17) and Lulu Hypermarket in Dubai (March 18). These showcases, under the Meghalaya Collective brand, emphasize the state’s biodiversity, chemical-free farming practices, and mission to integrate smallholder farmers into global value chains.
Sustainable Growth, Global Ambitions
Meghalaya, where over 80% of the population relies on agriculture, has prioritized value-added crops like turmeric, ginger, Khasi Mandarin, and pineapple through targeted missions. The state’s November 2023 MoU with Lulu Group International has already borne fruit, with successful exports of Khasi Mandarin and ginger to Dubai. “This visit is about creating sustainable opportunities for our farmers,” said Smt. Umlong. “By fostering global partnerships, we aim to enhance incomes and ensure Meghalaya’s produce becomes synonymous with quality worldwide.”
Vision 2028: A $10 Billion Agri-Economy
The UAE outreach aligns with Meghalaya’s ambitious goal to transform into a USD 10 billion economy by 2028 through agriculture and trade. The state is investing in processing infrastructure, organic certification, and farmer training to meet international demand. With its focus on GI-tagged products and eco-friendly practices, Meghalaya aims to carve a niche in the Middle East’s thriving organic market, valued at over USD 1.5 billion.
Future Prospects
The delegation is engaging with retailers, distributors, and UAE trade bodies to secure long-term contracts and explore logistics partnerships. Stakeholders predict the initiative could boost annual farmer incomes by 30–40% while opening doors for niche products like Lakadong turmeric—a variety with 7–9% curcumin content, far above the global average.
As global consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, Meghalaya’s chemical-free ethos and FPO-driven model may well set a blueprint for India’s agrarian states. With this UAE push, the “Abode of Clouds” is raining opportunities for its farmers—one organic strawberry at a time.
