Global retail conglomerate Lulu Group International is stepping up its engagement with India’s northeastern state of Meghalaya, signaling a significant push to expand international market access for the region’s agricultural produce.
An eight-member delegation from Lulu Group, led by its Director of Global Operations, Salim M.A., recently visited Meghalaya to explore strategic sourcing opportunities. The visit builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Lulu Group and the Meghalaya State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB) in November 2023, facilitated by India’s APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority).
Over the past two years, MSAMB has actively supported the export of Meghalaya’s GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin, Pineapple, and Ginger through both air and sea routes.
The Lulu Group delegation met with Meghalaya’s Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, and Agriculture Minister, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, to discuss expanding global market access for the state’s farm products, boosting farmer incomes, and enhancing agri-export infrastructure.
Chief Minister Sangma assured the delegation of full government support, emphasizing the unique agro-climatic conditions and traditional farming practices that yield distinct, high-quality produce.
“Our focus is on ensuring maximum efficiency with the investments we make, so that the volume of products reaching international markets continues to grow,” Sangma said, highlighting the state’s commitment to leveraging its organic and GI-tagged varieties.
Meghalaya has aggressively pursued direct export channels for its agricultural products. Last year, the state facilitated the first-ever direct air cargo export of GI-tagged Khasi Mandarin to Dubai from Guwahati Customs, bypassing conventional routes and speeding up delivery of perishable goods. This was followed by direct pineapple consignments.
To date, Meghalaya has successfully exported over 13 metric tons of Khasi Mandarin and 10 metric tons of Pineapple to Middle Eastern markets. In March 2025, the state dispatched its first-ever sea shipment of 15 metric tons of organic ginger to Dubai, demonstrating the scalability and traceability of its organic value chains.
These initiatives are designed to unlock premium markets and enhance farmer incomes, positioning Meghalaya as a key agri-export hub from India’s Northeast.
In a move to further integrate farmers into global supply chains, a team of state officials and eight progressive farmers visited Dubai in March 2025. They gained first-hand insights into international trade practices, interacted with wholesale buyers, and saw their products displayed in Lulu Hypermarkets, helping them understand global consumer preferences and packaging standards.
These strategic efforts underscore Meghalaya’s ambition to create sustainable, high-value market opportunities for its farmers and establish itself as a competitive player in the international organic and GI-tagged product space.