Lulu Group & Meghalaya Partner for Global Agri-Exports

Lulu Group International, a prominent global retail powerhouse, has deepened its engagement with the northeastern state of Meghalaya as part of a strategic initiative to enhance market access for the region’s agricultural exports. A delegation of eight officials, led by Salim M.A., Director of Global Operations, recently visited the state to assess the progress of existing partnerships and identify new areas of collaboration, particularly in boosting the global presence of the state’s organic and Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products.

A Partnership Rooted in Strategic Collaboration

This high-level 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 event. Facilitated by APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority), the partnership has already borne fruit, with MSAMB supporting the export of key produce such as Khasi Mandarin, Pineapple, and Ginger via both air and sea routes over the past two years.

Government Discussions to Expand Export Capacity

During the visit, the Lulu Group team held detailed discussions with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Agriculture Minister Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, and other senior government officials. These meetings focused on expanding export volumes, improving agri-logistics infrastructure, and elevating rural incomes. Chief Minister Sangma emphasized the importance of leveraging Meghalaya’s unique climatic conditions and traditional farming techniques to craft a compelling global brand for the state’s agricultural produce.

Sangma said, “Our focus is on ensuring maximum efficiency with the investments we make, so that the volume of products reaching international markets continues to grow. Meghalaya is an agro-based society, and our produce, especially the GI-tagged and organic varieties, are unique to this region. These products have immense potential, and we are determined to take them to global platforms.”

New Trade Channels Open Up for Meghalaya

Meghalaya has made significant progress in establishing direct international export routes. A major milestone was achieved in 2024 when a shipment of GI-certified Khasi Mandarin was airlifted directly to Dubai, marking the first time the state bypassed conventional transit hubs like Mumbai. This was soon followed by further air consignments of pineapple, facilitated through Air India Cargo, reflecting a growing logistical capability for perishable goods.

Sea Shipments Mark a Turning Point in Trade Strategy

The momentum continued into March 2025, when the state executed its first sea-bound export of organic ginger, 15 metric tons shipped to Dubai. This operation was managed by MSAMB in coordination with the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company. As of now, Meghalaya has successfully shipped more than 13 metric tons of Khasi Mandarin and 10 metric tons of Pineapple to Middle Eastern markets, signaling a shift towards consistent and scalable export activity.

Dubai Exposure Tour Builds Global Market Awareness

To further support its export agenda, the Meghalaya government facilitated an international exposure tour for a delegation comprising state agriculture officials and eight innovative farmers. Conducted in March 2025, the tour included interactions with wholesale distributors at Aweer Market in Dubai, a promotional event hosted at Our Wellness Village Café in Sharjah, and in-store visits to Lulu Hypermarket in Silicon Oasis. These engagements allowed participants to gain firsthand insights into buyer preferences, global pricing trends, and premium product presentation.

Bridging the Gap Between Farm and Global Retail

Such international exposure is intended to prepare Meghalaya’s farmers for the demands of global retail chains. Understanding consumer expectations and aligning production standards with international benchmarks are central to the state’s strategy. Building these connections with retailers like Lulu Group creates a foundation for stable, long-term trade partnerships, directly linking rural producers to high-value markets.

A Future-Focused Vision for Meghalaya’s Agro-Exports

The Government of Meghalaya continues to invest strategically in the infrastructure and systems needed to sustain export growth. From branding initiatives to value chain development, efforts are underway to position the state as a reliable global supplier of organic and GI-certified produce. These forward-looking policies aim to integrate Meghalaya’s unique agricultural strengths into international food supply networks, opening new economic horizons for the region’s farming communities.