Shillong: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has exalted Meghalaya’s Pineapples, which are both savoured domestically and internationally.

Responding to the X thread of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma about the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival-2022 at Dilli Haat, New Delhi, the Prime Minister on Saturday said, "Happy to see Meghalaya’s pineapples receiving the recognition they deserve both domestically and internationally. Such endeavours not only celebrate our diverse agricultural heritage but also empower our farmers."

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sangma has thanked Prime Minister Modi for appreciating Meghalaya's pineapples "Thank you, Hon’ble PM, Shri Narendra Modi, for your appreciation for Meghalaya’s pineapples."

Hopeful that its fame and sweetness further reach worldwide under your guidance," Sangma replied on his microblogging site X.

Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Giriraj Singh, inaugurated Meghalaya Pineapple Fest - 2023, at Dilli Haat, New Delhi, on Friday in the presence of Chief Minister Sangma, Agriculture Minister Dr Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, and Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh.

The three-day festival aims to showcase not only the exceptional quality of Meghalaya’s succulent Kew pineapples but also the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Sangma had said that the pineapples from Meghalaya are now being sold across malls in Dubai, Kuwait, and Sharjah with the persistent effort of the state government and all stakeholders.

"The premium quality of Meghalaya’s pineapples, with their sweetness measuring a high brix value of 16–18, is gradually making it a sought-after fruit by retailers like Reliance, apart from being exported to other countries. This is opening bigger markets for farmers who are getting the fruit of their hard labour," he said.

The North-Eastern States contribute a whopping 51.18 percent to the total pineapple production in the country, with Meghalaya contributing 7.69 percent (APEDA 2021-22), making it one of the top five pineapple producing states in India.

(With UNI inputs)