Shillong: Global retail major Lulu Group International is exploring long-term sourcing partnerships in Meghalaya, with an eye on strengthening international market linkages for the state’s unique agricultural products.
An eight-member delegation led by Salim M.A., Director of Global Operations, visited Shillong for high-level discussions and field assessments as part of this strategic engagement.
The visit builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2023 between Lulu Group and the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) during the World Food India summit in New Delhi, facilitated by APEDA.
Over the past two years, MSAMB has actively pushed for the global export of the state’s Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Khasi Mandarin, Pineapple, and organic Ginger.
During their visit, the Lulu delegation met with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Agriculture Minister Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, and senior state officials.
Discussions focused on scaling up infrastructure for agri-exports, opening new markets, and enhancing farmer incomes through strategic investments.
The chief minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the partnership, calling it a significant opportunity to showcase Meghalaya’s organic and GI-certified produce to global buyers.
“Our efforts are focused on maximising efficiency so that more of our products reach international markets. Meghalaya is an agro-based economy with produce that is both unique and high in quality,” he said.
He highlighted ongoing progress in production volumes, certification, and farmer collectivisation as strong foundations for future expansion.
In recent years, the state has achieved major breakthroughs in agri-export logistics. In a landmark step last year, Meghalaya facilitated the first direct export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin to Dubai via air cargo from Guwahati, bypassing traditional ports like Mumbai.
Building on that momentum, direct air exports of pineapples were also initiated with support from Air India Cargo.
To date, over 13 metric tons of Khasi Mandarin and 10 metric tons of Pineapple have been shipped to Middle Eastern markets.
In March 2025, the state marked another milestone by exporting its first sea shipment of 15 metric tons of organic ginger to Dubai, in partnership with the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company.
These efforts highlight Meghalaya’s capacity to scale and trace its organic supply chains for global markets.
The partnership with Lulu Group is seen as a critical step in placing Meghalaya’s fresh and high-value agricultural products in premium retail spaces internationally.
As part of ongoing efforts to deepen trade engagement, eight progressive farmers and agriculture department officials from the state visited Dubai in March 2025 for a market exposure programme.
The delegation interacted with wholesalers at Aweer Market, participated in promotional activities in Sharjah, and visited Lulu Hypermarket in Silicon Oasis to see local produce showcased alongside international brands.
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Officials said the exposure visit gave farmers valuable insights into international pricing, branding, packaging, and consumer expectations, strengthening their preparedness to meet global standards.
The collaboration with Lulu Group is expected to further streamline export operations and open up consistent, high-return markets for Meghalaya’s farming communities.
The Government of Meghalaya sees these developments as part of a broader strategy to create sustainable, high-value opportunities for farmers, positioning the state as a key player in India’s organic and GI-certified agri-export sector.
