Delhi, 1 August (H.S.): Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan, attended the 'Meghalaya Pineapple Festival-2025' in New Delhi, alongside Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, and senior officials. The event commenced with the exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) related to pineapple. The Union Minister highlighted the unique taste and quality of Meghalaya's pineapples, commending the farmers for their dedication. He emphasized the need to promote the state’s organic agricultural products, including fruits, spices, and mushrooms, on a global scale.

Chouhan assured that the Central Government would collaborate with the Meghalaya government to enhance the export of North Eastern products. He acknowledged the private sector's potential role in this initiative and appreciated the state government's proactive approach through MoUs. He reiterated the Prime Minister's commitment to the development of the North-East and promised full support for agricultural advancements in Meghalaya.

The Minister mentioned a forthcoming visit to Meghalaya with a team of scientists to address challenges highlighted by farmers, particularly regarding the shelf life of agricultural products. He noted that efforts are underway to establish processing units and explore transportation options, including airlifting and train transport, for agricultural products.Additionally, a roadmap for agricultural development in Meghalaya will be developed in partnership with state authorities.

Concluding, Chouhan encouraged youth to start agricultural ventures and urged citizens to utilize Meghalaya's superior products, asserting their quality on a global scale.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar