By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 21: Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, has pledged full central government support to Meghalaya’s growing endeavours in the food processing sector.
Paswan, who paid a visit to the Meghalaya Pavilion at World Food India 2024, held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, admired the initiatives taken by the Meghalaya government in food processing and organic cultivation.
He particularly appreciated the Meghalaya Collectives, an innovative approach to promote farmer-producer organisations, rural entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture practices.
“The Centre is always there to help you with all your initiatives, and the way Meghalaya is growing, especially in the sector of food processing. We assure full support to the Government of Meghalaya from the Centre,” the union minister said.
It may be mentioned that the Meghalaya Pavilion features Meghalaya Collectives with 21 food processing brands and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). These brands include value-added products made from renowned Lakadong Turmeric, Khasi Mandarin, Kew Pineapple, Local Ginger, Cashew Nuts, and many other indigenous products.
The Meghalaya Collectives is an initiative of the state government to empower rural communities through FPOs, rural entrepreneurship development, sustainable agriculture practices and market linkages.
This collective approach aims to enhance farmers’ income, improve agricultural productivity, and promote Meghalaya’s unique products.