New Delhi: Record sales, new retail partnerships and an
overwhelming public response marked the successful conclusion of the 4th
Meghalaya Pineapple Festival today at Dilli Haat, New Delhi, reinforcing
Meghalaya's emergence as one of India's
leading examples of farmer-led integrated value-chain transformation. More than a fruit festival, the three-day event
demonstrated how strategic investments in farmer collectivisation, value
addition, branding and market access are transforming Meghalaya's premium
pineapples into a nationally recognised agricultural brand.
The biggest highlight of this year's
Festival was the sale of 30 metric tonnes of fresh Meghalaya pineapples, nearly
doubling the 15.4 metric tonnes sold during the previous edition in 2025 and
7.7 MT in the first edition in 2023. The
achievement reflects the growing consumer demand for Meghalaya's premium
pineapples, renowned for their exceptional sweetness, rich aroma and low
acidity, while also demonstrating the success of the State's sustained efforts
to build stronger market linkages for its farmers.
Speaking on the closing day, Shri
Conrad K. Sangma, Hon'ble Chief Minister thanked the people of Delhi for their overwhelming response to the festival and joined young artists of the Chief
Minister's Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme (CM-MGMP) for an impromptu
musical performance, playing the guitar and singing alongside them.
Shri Conrad K. Sangma said, “On behalf of all the farmers, entrepreneurs
and musicians of Meghalaya, I really want to thank all of you for making this
festival, a great success.”
While singing alongside the artists
of the CM-MGMP, Shri Sangma
added, “We have a programme called the
Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme, and you will be happy to know that there are more than 7,000 artists in this
programme. We have conducted over 38,000 shows. Today, when you go to Meghalaya, in different
tourist spots and destinations, these young musicians will be right there
performing for you. And we, the Government of Meghalaya finance them, to ensure
that it not only helps their passion and talent grow, but also, provide them a
livelihood out of music; and give the visitors, a glimpse of Meghalaya.”
Organised by the Department
of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, the Festival has evolved into the State's flagship
platform for connecting farmers directly with organised retailers, food
processors, exporters, hospitality businesses and consumers. Under the
leadership of Shri
Conrad K. Sangma, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, the Festival reflects the State's broader vision
of making agriculture a driver of inclusive economic growth through integrated
value-chain development, ensuring that greater value reaches farmers through
improved market access, processing and branding.
The showcase was a resounding success, resulting in
a sell-out of items and successfully promoting "Meghalaya's Finest"
on a much larger scale. Local cuisines served as a major draw for the crowds,
generating demands
for indigenous products such as Lakadong turmeric, ginger, jackfruit chips, and
honey. Notably, these products
achieved outstanding sales through the collaborative efforts of brands like
Meghalaya Collectives, State support groups, and a dedicated network of local
farmers and entrepreneurs.
The remarkable response witnessed over the three
days built upon a strong inaugural foundation laid by Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon'ble
Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region and Communications, and Shri
Conrad K. Sangma, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya. The festival also witnessed the signing of
strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with Flipkart and NCDEX e Markets
Limited (NeML), creating a market for Meghalaya's pineapples and to establish a
market for other niche Meghalaya products that are critical to the State's
agricultural transformation. It is intended to serve as a broader platform to
showcase the premium agricultural produce of the State of Meghalaya.
Visitors enthusiastically participated in fresh
pineapple tastings, explored premium value-added products, interacted directly
with growers through the 'Meet
the Growers' sessions and
experienced innovative culinary creations prepared using Meghalaya's premium
pineapples.
Beyond commerce, the festival
celebrated the people and culture of Meghalaya. Live performances under the Chief Minister's Meghalaya Grassroots
Music Program (CM-MGMP) captivated
audiences throughout the three days, while local entrepreneurs, self-help
groups and artisans brought alive the creativity, hospitality and
entrepreneurial spirit that define the State. The seamless integration of
agriculture, culture, entrepreneurship and tourism offered visitors a truly
immersive Meghalaya experience.
As the Festival concluded, farmers return home with more than
just successful sales. Most of them have visited Delhi, for
the first time, and resultantly, they leave with new business relationships,
stronger market confidence and expanded opportunities for year-round engagement
with organised retail and institutional buyers. The festival once again demonstrated that
Meghalaya's agricultural transformation is being driven not merely by increased
production, but by creating sustainable value chains that place farmers at the
centre of growth.
The 4th Meghalaya Pineapple Festival
leaves behind a legacy of
stronger market linkages, growing consumer trust, expanding commercial
partnerships and renewed confidence in Meghalaya's vision of building globally
competitive, farmer-led agricultural enterprises. More importantly, it
reinforces the State's commitment to ensuring that every new market, every new
partnership and every value-added opportunity ultimately translate into higher
incomes and better livelihoods for its farming communities.