South West Garo Hills Farmers Send 10 Metric Tons of Black Pepper to Mumbai

Guwahati : In a major shot in the arm for local agri-business, South West Garo Hills farmers have successfully exported 10 metric tons of black pepper to Mumbai. The 10 metric tons of black pepper were shipped on Thursday evening from the Chapahati Prime Hub and has been a milestone achievement for the spice growers of the region.

The consignment was coordinated by the Kerupara and Dingampara Integrated Village Cooperative Societies (IVCS) under Zikzak block, with logistical support and promotion by the Meghalaya Livelihoods and Access to Markets Project (M-LAMP) and the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA).

The black pepper, sourced from local growers, is on its way to Sundardas Ratansey Spice Pvt. Ltd., a leading Mumbai spice procurement firm. This is the district's second major consignment, after the 2023 export of 11 metric tons by Dimiligre IVCS.

Out of the existing dispatch, Kerupara IVCS supplied 6,600 kg at the rate of procurement of Rs 640 per kg, and Dingampara IVCS provided 3,400 kg, procured at Rs 610 per kg  the difference due to grading of quality.

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The project is an example of a well-coordinated effort from various stakeholders. South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Hema Nayak was responsible for ensuring that there were smooth logistical arrangements. The Am'beng Farmers & Producers Association also mobilized farmers, while MBMA's Marketing Executive, Bravantyo K. Marak, was in constant communication with buyers during the exercise.

Grikseng Ch. Marak, District Project Manager at MBMA, vouched that Directors of Sundardas Ratansey Spice Pvt. Ltd. Satish Dharamsey Pallicha and Kalind Satish Pallicha have agreed to provide the pepper to Everest Masala & Everest Food Products. Everest is a top spice brand of India with extensive domestic distribution and export abroad.

The successful shipment marks growing market access and deeper value chain integration for Meghalaya’s spice sector, promising improved incomes and sustainable livelihoods for farmers in the region.