In a first, Manipur on Monday exported 20 metric tonnes of fresh pineapples outside the country to Dubai under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). It was under the initiative of Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA).
"It is the first time that Manipur is able to export fresh pineapples at international level," MOMA project director Devadutta said.
Horticulture and SC Minister Letpao Haokip and additional chief secretary of horticulture P Vaiphei flagged off the vehicles loaded with fresh pineapples from the office gate of the Directorate of Horticulture.
Speaking to the media, Devadutta said that MOMA has been exploring ways to benefit the pineapple farmers of the state.
"The trial and shipment and export of 20 metric tonnes organic Manipur pineapple (both Kew and Queen variety) to Dubai is unique as Manipur is entertaining a market with heavy competition, where only the best and world class quality pineapples are on demand," he said.
The state has been able to tap the demand for organic products of the state outside the country and is venturing into the global market space with the sole aim of providing remunerative prices for the farmers, Devadutta stated.
A cooperative venture involving various stakeholders, the initiative has been made possible by collective efforts of the pineapple farmers of various Farmer Producer Companies (FPC) under MOVCDNER, Manipur.
Thayong Organic Producer Company Limited, Imphal East as the exporter will be the first FPC in the state which is showcasing exceptional pineapple of the state to the international market and to avail various benefits under different export promotion schemes.
“The export can increase sales and profits of the FPCs, create new markets and present an opportunity to capture significant global market share of pineapples as the sales have saturated in the state,” Devadutta said.
In the state, there are 65 farmer producer companies out of which only two companies are selected from Imphal East for exporting fresh pineapple. Twenty metric tonnes of fresh pineapples were kept in precooling storage for six-seven hours to maintain quality and protect from decaying, he said.
Devadutta mentioned that MOMA has been trying to expand not only into markets abroad but also build an international brand identity and quality assurance.
As an initiative, export to Dubai may help in navigating foreign markets, discover marketing practices, gain confidence and fulfil demand while building confidence among buyers for the products of ‘Organic Manipur’ brand, he added.
“It will provide strength and encouragement to the organic pineapple farmers of the state and connect them to the consumers of the world,” he assured.
The buyer of Dubai is Grand Hyper Market, Dubai and APEDA is doing export facilitation with assistance. Fresh pineapples will be transported through Salt Range Supply Chain Solution, Guwahati (Imphal to Guwahati) and it will be carried from Guwahati to Dubai by JSB Cargo Movers, Delhi.
It may be mentioned that the fresh pineapple suppliers of Manipur are Thayong Organic Producer Company Limited, Imphal East; Loulhoumi Organic Producer Company Limited, Churachandpur; Kapaih Organic Producer Company Limited, Churachandpur; Khuga Hills Organic Producer Company Limited, Churachandpur; Than Than Organic Producer Company Limited, Churachandpur; Khawaizu Organic Producer Company Limited, Kangpokpi.
