Organic pineapples from state in Dubai market
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 03 2022:
Days after the first consignment of organic pineapples of the state was airlifted to Dubai from here, the fresh pineapple products are now available for local consumers in Dubai's Lulu hypermarket.
An exclusive stall for the organic pineapples from the state was opened at Lulu Hypermarket on Saturday through video conferencing.
Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APE-DA) deputy general manager Vinita Sudhansu, general manager UK Vats, secretary Dr Sudhansu, Lulu Group International director Zulfiqar, horticulture and soil conservation director Honey Chara, additional chief secretary P Vaiphei, senior officials of the department, officials of Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) and representatives of farmers' producers' company joined the programme online.
Speaking on the occasion, additional chief secretary P Vaiphei described as a happy moment for the farmers of the state that their organic products are being sold in an international market.
It is a great achievement for the farmers, who used to worry about market shortage, he said, adding that it is more delightful to see the organic products from the state attracting buyers from Dubai through one of the leading multinational market chains of UAE.
He also thanked APEDA for its contribution in realisation of the goal.
Lulu Group International bought the organic pineapples of the state from farmers of the state through MOMA and APEDA.
LuLu Group International is a multinational conglomerate company that operates a chain of hypermarkets and retail companies, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
It was founded in 2000 by MA Yusuf Ali from Nattika, Thrissur district in Kerala.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal also shared photos of the stall selling organic pineapples from Manipur on his Facebook page, stating 'Pineapples of Manipur become special in Dubai market' with hashtag LocalGoesGlobal.
His post attracted several comments with one user called Kanchan Karan saying that he witnessed huge production of pineapples when he was posted in Manipur from 2002 to 2005,' and now they get their values.
Another user called Alek Sahoo also hailed the organic product as 'great quality food' .