Silchar | Pineapples grown in Assam’s Cachar district have entered the Dubai market, marking a significant milestone for local farmers and highlighting the export potential of one of Barak Valley’s most renowned horticultural products.

Riding on this achievement, farmers, exporters, processors, agri-entrepreneurs and institutional buyers came together at a buyer-seller meet on Thursday to explore opportunities for expanding the fruit’s presence in domestic and international markets.

The Post-Harvest Management Programme and Buyer-Seller Meet on Cachar Pineapple was organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Cachar district administration.

The programme focused on strengthening post-harvest management practices, minimising losses, promoting value addition and creating direct market linkages for pineapple growers.

Inaugurating the event, Assam Cabinet Minister and Lakhipur MLA Kaushik Rai described the initiative as an important step towards enhancing market access for farmers in the region.

“The Kew variety of pineapple cultivated in Lakhipur is among the finest in India and reflects the immense agricultural potential of the region,” Rai said.

Emphasising agriculture’s role in the Barak Valley economy, the minister noted that Cachar’s naturally grown pineapples deserve wider recognition in both national and international markets.

He said the initiative would improve post-harvest management, strengthen market connections and create greater economic opportunities for pineapple growers. Rai also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and unlocking the full commercial potential of the district’s pineapple industry.

The minister highlighted that better post-harvest handling, scientific grading, packaging and direct engagement with buyers could help farmers secure improved prices while reducing dependence on intermediaries.

The event facilitated direct interaction between growers and potential buyers, with discussions covering procurement, quality standards, pricing, logistics and long-term sourcing arrangements. Farmers also displayed fresh pineapples and other agricultural products, including premium-quality spices, attracting interest from businesses exploring sourcing opportunities.

Agricultural experts and officials attending the programme said Cachar’s favourable agro-climatic conditions, fertile soil and strong horticultural base provide an ideal environment for expanding pineapple cultivation and exports.

However, they stressed that investments in organised market support, modern post-harvest infrastructure and processing facilities would be crucial for fully realising the sector’s export potential.

Participants noted that stronger engagement with buyers from outside Assam could open new market channels for farmer-producer organisations and progressive growers, helping integrate local produce into larger national and global supply chains.