The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of the Meghalaya government has made its first sea shipment of 15 tonnes of Meghalaya ginger to Dubai’s Lulu Group, in collaboration with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). This initiative was facilitated by the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company (FPC).
Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic FPC was established under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region in 2017. The FPC, which began with limited infrastructure, has now expanded its operations significantly, processing ginger with modern washing, slicing, drying and packaging facilities.
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A media statement said the FPC supports over 500 member farmers from nine villages, ensuring better price realisation and market access. Over the years, this collective has increased its revenue from ₹17 lakh in 2018-19 to ₹3.74 crore in 2023-24, illustrating the immense potential of farmer-led enterprises when given the right support.
Importance of sea shipments
Speaking on the occasion, Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, underscored the significance of sea shipment in making Indian agri-exports competitive. “Sea shipment is crucial as it ensures cost competitiveness. We have developed a dedicated sea protocol, and I am hopeful that with close co-ordination among stakeholders, our shipments will be well received in the UAE market,” he said.
Reflecting on Gulf Food 2024, he said there is immense excitement for Indian products, and India has been invited as the partner country for the next edition. “I urge stakeholders to plan early participation in Gulf Food 2026 (January 26-30) and prominently showcase Indian ginger,” he said.
Highlighting the potential of organic exports, he said the organic tag ensures a 30-40 per cent higher price realisation. APEDA is fully committed to supporting stakeholders in organic certification, and with Meghalaya’s own certification body, this process will now be easier.
On ginger exports, he said this is not a one-off event. “We will see more such flag-offs in the future as we continue expanding India’s agri-export footprint,” he said.
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Highlighting the significance of farmer-led cooperatives in creating sustainable livelihoods, Abdelkarim Sma, Country Director, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), said the farmers are the owners of the co-operatives, and these cooperatives provide them security and hope for the future. “I and the whole team of IFAD are proud to be part of this success. I look forward to hearing from the members about their journey so far and, most importantly, understanding what they envision for the co-operative’s future,” Sma said.
Organic spice processing units
Recognising the need for enhanced processing capacity, the Meghalaya government is developing one of North East India’s first organically certified spice processing units in Bhoirymbong, Ri-Bhoi district. This ₹21 crore investment, with funding support from IFAD, will significantly bolster the capacity of FPOs, ensuring that high-value spices like ginger, turmeric, black pepper and chili meet international standards, the statement said.
Abhishek Dev, Abdelkarim Sma, Revistar Kharumnuid, Chief Executive Director of Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic FPC, and B Mylliem Umlong, Director of Horticulture of Meghalaya, attended the flag-off ceremony in Shillong recently.