The remarkable journey of one of the country’s finest pineapples took centre stage in the national capital today as the 4th Meghalaya Pineapple Festival was inaugurated at Dilli Haat, New Delhi.
More than a celebration of a fruit, the festival has evolved into Meghalaya’s flagship platform for connecting farmers directly with organised retail, exporters, food processors, institutional buyers and consumers, while successfully positioning its world-renowned pineapples into domestic and international markets.
The festival was inaugurated by Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region and Communications, in the presence of Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, senior government officials, industry leaders, retailers, entrepreneurs, exporters and farmer collectives from across the State.
Organised by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, the three-day Festival from July 10-12, 2026 celebrates Meghalaya’s premium-quality pineapples, renowned for their rich aroma, low acidity and exceptional sweetness, with a Brix value of 16–18, significantly higher than the national average.
Cultivated across the rain-fed hills and valleys of Ri Bhoi, Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills, pineapple cultivation supports thousands of farming households and has emerged as one of Meghalaya’s most important horticultural success stories.
A major highlight of the inauguration was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Flipkart and the National E-Market Services Limited (NeML), strengthening new marketing and distribution channels for Meghalaya’s pineapple growers while expanding their access to organised retail, institutional buyers and digital marketplaces across India.
Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region and Communications, said, “Meghalaya is truly a jewel- a diamond and an emerald among the 36 States and Union Territories of the country.
Meghalaya’s remarkable transformation under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma is a shining example of how visionary governance, community participation and farmer-centric policies can together create sustainable economic growth. Today, the sweetness, rich aroma, low acidity and high Brix content of Meghalaya’s pineapples have earned them recognition far beyond the State and the country, reaching premium markets across the world.”
Praising initiatives such as CM FARM+, MLAMP and the Meghalaya State Organic Mission, he stated that Meghalaya is building globally competitive value chains that place farmers at the centre of development. He added, “Meghalaya has many jewels to offer the world, from its exceptional pineapples and Lakadong turmeric to its unique culture and warm hospitality, and I am confident that these will continue to strengthen the State’s identity on the global stage.”