Meghalaya Pineapple Festival 2025 Highlights Push for NE Agri-Export Revival

The event commenced with the exchange of several strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focused on enhancing pineapple production, processing, and export.

The vibrant agricultural bounty of Meghalaya took center stage at the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival-2025, held today in the national capital. Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated the event alongside Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma. The celebration, aimed at showcasing Meghalaya’s exceptional pineapple and other organic produce, also marked the beginning of a new phase in agricultural collaborations between the Centre and the northeastern state.

MoUs, Book Launch Signal Policy and Promotional Thrust

The event commenced with the exchange of several strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focused on enhancing pineapple production, processing, and export. These agreements brought together stakeholders from government agencies and private enterprises, laying the groundwork for integrated value chain development.

In a symbolic gesture, Shri Chouhan also released a special publication titled “Meghalaya’s Progress in Agriculture Sector,” which outlines recent policy interventions, success stories, and developmental indicators in the state’s agrarian landscape.

Praise for Meghalaya’s Agri-Potential

Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister commended the exceptional quality and organic nature of Meghalaya’s produce, particularly highlighting pineapples, turmeric, ginger, jackfruit, mushrooms, coffee, and tea. He emphasized that these products—many cultivated under traditional and organic systems—are fit for the global market and deserve aggressive promotion abroad.

“Meghalaya’s pineapples are not just sweet in taste but also rich in quality. This uniqueness must be leveraged internationally,” Shri Chouhan stated, underscoring the sincerity and hard work of Meghalaya’s farmers.

Boosting Exports and Agri-Processing Infrastructure

A key highlight of Shri Chouhan’s address was the assurance of full central support in facilitating the export of northeastern produce beyond regional and national boundaries. He noted that MoUs signed today signal Meghalaya's proactive approach, and that the Centre will actively engage with the state government and private partners to build a robust export framework.

The Union Minister shared plans for enhanced logistical and infrastructural capabilities, including:

• Airlifting perishable produce from Meghalaya for timely export.

• Rail transport options to improve bulk movement efficiency.

• Establishment of agro-processing units to increase shelf life and marketability.

• Collaborative research with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to tackle challenges like post-harvest losses.

He revealed that after feedback received during his previous visit under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, farmers’ concerns around the shelf life of perishable goods have been taken seriously. In response, ICAR scientists have been instructed to expedite research, with concrete outcomes expected shortly.

Roadmap for Agri-Development in Meghalaya

In an important announcement, Shri Chouhan confirmed that the Centre and the state government will jointly craft a comprehensive roadmap for agricultural transformation in Meghalaya. This roadmap will include efforts to:

• Increase pineapple yield per hectare through scientific intervention.

• Strengthen supply chain linkages from farm to global markets.

• Expand value-added products like pineapple juice, canned fruit, and herbal derivatives.

The Minister also informed the audience of his upcoming visit to Meghalaya, accompanied by a team of agricultural scientists, to undertake ground-level assessment and build context-specific solutions for farmers.

Empowering Youth and Startups

Concluding his speech, Shri Chouhan made a passionate appeal to India’s youth to venture into agriculture-focused startups, particularly those that can bridge the gap between production and market access through tech and innovation. “The future of Indian agriculture lies in entrepreneurship,” he said, encouraging young minds to lead Meghalaya’s agri-revolution.

He also urged consumers across India to embrace and celebrate the produce from Meghalaya, saying, “Our products are world-class. Let us take pride in consuming what our own soil grows.”

Strengthening NE’s Role in India’s Agri-Economy

The Pineapple Festival not only spotlighted the unique offerings of Meghalaya but also reflected the Centre’s commitment to integrating the Northeast into the mainstream agrarian economy. As the government moves forward with export promotion, improved logistics, and research-backed solutions, events like these serve as critical platforms to inspire collaboration and investment.