The Meghalaya Pineapple Festival 2025 kicked off in New Delhi on July 31, attracting attention from national retailers and food buyers. The festival is being held at Dilli Haat, INA, and will continue for three days.
Union Minister for DoNER G Kishan Reddy and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma jointly inaugurated the third edition of this fruit-themed event. They praised the efforts of farmers and encouraged national buyers to source pineapples directly from Meghalaya.
Promoting Meghalaya’s Queen Pineapples
The Meghalaya Pineapple Festival highlights the state’s famous Queen variety, known for its sweetness and aroma. Farmers from across the state have brought freshly harvested pineapples to the capital, hoping to secure direct deals.
Over 20 farmer producer organizations (FPOs) are participating in the festival. These groups aim to create better market access for growers and promote organic farming.
Chief Minister Sangma said that Meghalaya produces more than 1.3 lakh metric tonnes of pineapples every year. “This festival will not only showcase our fruit but also improve livelihoods through better linkages,” he said.
Retail Partnerships for Market Expansion
This year’s festival stands out because of its retail partnerships. Companies like Reliance Retail, Big Basket, and Spencer’s have joined hands with the Meghalaya government to source pineapples.
During the event, several MoUs were signed between these retail chains and the state. These agreements focus on steady procurement, improved logistics, and proper packaging.
“We want Meghalaya pineapples to be available across all major Indian cities,” said CM Sangma. “Our farmers should no longer rely on local or unorganized markets.”
Retailers also expressed interest in long-term engagement, including off-season demand, cold chain infrastructure, and shelf-ready packaging solutions.
Women Farmers Take the Lead
Women-led FPOs are playing a major role in the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival. Many stalls at the venue are run by women farmers who cultivate pineapples in districts like Ri-Bhoi and East Garo Hills.
Workshops organized during the festival focus on post-harvest practices, organic certification, and branding. Officials said these sessions would help women-led groups access better-paying markets.
K Kongsha, a farmer from Ri-Bhoi, said the festival gave her confidence. “I now know buyers value quality and are ready to support us if we grow consistently,” she said.
Cultural Showcases and Tourism Promotion
The Meghalaya Pineapple Festival is also promoting the region’s culture and tourism. Visitors at Dilli Haat are enjoying folk dances, traditional music, and food stalls featuring local recipes made from pineapple.
The Meghalaya Tourism Department has set up a dedicated stall to share information on agri-tourism. Officials said tourists can now visit pineapple farms, engage in harvest activities, and explore the scenic beauty of the region.
“This festival connects farmers, tourists, and food lovers. It’s a complete experience,” said a tourism officer.
Boosting Pineapple Farming in Meghalaya
The state government launched the ‘Meghalaya Pineapple Mission’ to expand cultivation and improve farmer incomes. Officials said the current area under pineapple cultivation covers around 10,000 hectares.
Plans are in place to increase this through scientific methods, training, and access to planting materials. Young entrepreneurs are being encouraged to take up pineapple farming through support schemes.
Advanced technologies like drip irrigation, GPS mapping, and organic inputs are being promoted. These tools help farmers increase yield and reduce losses.
“The demand is there; we now need to meet it with consistency and quality,” said an official from the agriculture department.
National and Global Reach in Sight
Apart from domestic sales, the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival also aims at export. Officials said talks are ongoing with international buyers from the Middle East and Europe.
The Meghalaya Agriculture Marketing Board is working on branding strategies to position the state’s pineapples in high-end markets. They are also exploring GI tagging for the Queen variety.
“Meghalaya’s pineapples can become a global brand if we maintain standards,” said a representative from the board.
Local Success Stories Get Spotlight
Several farmers who previously sold only in village markets are now earning more through direct supply chains. Their success stories were shared during the festival to inspire others.
Participants were also encouraged to explore value addition. Products like pineapple jam, candy, and juice are being promoted as potential business avenues for local youth.
The Meghalaya Pineapple Festival 2025 is more than a fruit fair. It is a growth engine for farmers, retailers, and the state’s economy. With support from both government and private players, Meghalaya’s pineapples are poised to become a national favourite.
By combining agriculture, tourism, and culture, the festival shows how local produce can bring large-scale change when supported by the right partnerships.