Shillong: Meghalaya’s famed ‘Khasi Mandarin’ emerged as the star attraction at the 1st Northeast India Organic Week and the 4th IFOAM World Organic Youth Summit, which concluded here on Monday with a renewed push to expand the state’s organic export footprint.
Exporters described the citrus variety as one of Meghalaya’s finest produce, celebrated for its bright colour, aromatic sweetness and easy-to-peel skin.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, addressing the valedictory session, said the success of Meghalaya’s organic mission depends on “unwavering and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders”.
He urged participants to view the event as the start of a long-term strategy rather than a standalone gathering.
“Farmers continue to be at the centre of our policy-making. Every programme is target-based and time-bound,” he said.
Sangma underscored the deep cultural roots of organic farming in the state, calling it a tradition passed down through generations.
While global agriculture embraced new technologies, he said Meghalaya preserved its traditional practices, adding that the Northeast holds valuable knowledge that can now be shared with the world.
Announcing an “ambitious but achievable” expansion of organic cultivation across the state, the chief minister said strengthening logistics remains a priority to ensure Meghalaya’s farmers gain better access to national and international markets.
APEDA general manager Vinita Sudhanshu said the Northeast is emerging as a significant contributor to India’s organic sector and praised the strong participation from farmers, FPOs and stakeholders.
She lauded Meghalaya’s community-driven model and noted APEDA’s support for citrus export protocols, cold-chain development and buyer-seller linkages.
Two FPOs from the region will be sponsored for exposure visits to the upcoming Gulfood event, she added.
IFOAM Asia executive director Jennifer Chang described Meghalaya as a potential global example of holistic organic development and commended farmers for “working in harmony with nature”.
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She urged the state to champion the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer, saying, “If you teach a woman, you are raising a nation.”
Agriculture Secretary Isawanda Laloo said Meghalaya remains “naturally organic by heritage, geography and practice”.
She noted that more than 50 metric tonnes of premium produce— including Khasi Mandarin, pineapples and ginger—have already been exported to Gulf markets through the state’s partnership with APEDA.
During an experience-sharing session, Ibalahun Thangkhiew, CEO of Jirang Organic Agro Farmers Producers Company Ltd, recalled how her organisation—formed in 2017 with 433 farmers across 15 villages—sent its first consignment of Khasi Mandarin to Dubai in 2022 with support from APEDA and the Horticulture Department.
