SHILLONG, July 11: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday appreciated the rapid growth of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Meghalaya, particularly their increasing integration with digital commerce platforms.
She noted that 44 FPOs from the state have already been onboarded to the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), allowing local farmers and producers to sell their goods online and access wider markets.
The union finance minister pointed out that Meghalaya’s FPOs are active in sectors such as turmeric, ginger, pineapple, oranges and spices such as pepper and bay leaves.
Among the most notable, she said, is the Tagro Farmer Producer Company from North Garo Hills, which specialises in banana and jackfruit chips. The company is performing exceptionally well and currently supplies its products to Mother Dairy stores across the country, particularly in Delhi.
Sitharaman also mentioned an FPO from West Jaintia Hills led by strong farmer leadership, which has achieved an annual turnover of over Rs 1.1 crore.
She also spoke about Jirang Farmer Producer Company from Ri-Bhoi, which supplies products to Reliance Smart and other major retail chains, with a presence across multiple states.
She then referred to the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company, which deals in organic ginger and various other spices. This FPO supports around 5,500 organic farmers.
During her visit, the union finance minister also flagged off a major consignment of pineapples bound for Dubai, marking a significant step towards expanding Meghalaya’s agricultural exports.
Responding to a question on why inflation is not coming down, Sitharaman said that recent data show a decline in both the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and retail inflation.
“If inflation had not come down, the RBI would not have reduced the interest rates,” she explained, adding, “That’s why the RBI has indicated the possibility of front-loading rate cuts. Inflation is well under control.”
On Friday, the union finance minister also paid a courtesy visit to Governor CH Vijayashankar at Raj Bhavan here.
During her visit, the union minister engaged in a cordial discussion with the Governor on various matters of mutual interest, particularly focusing on Meghalaya’s economic landscape, corporate development and the role of financial inclusion in strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship.
They also deliberated on the central government’s ongoing initiatives in the state under the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, including the promotion of ease of doing business, capacity-building in the MSME sector, and enhancing corporate governance in the Northeastern region.
The Governor highlighted Meghalaya’s immense potential in the sectors of tourism, agro-based industries, handicrafts and sustainable development, and appreciated the Centre’s continued efforts in bringing policy reforms that benefit smaller states.
He also shared key concerns related to connectivity, institutional infrastructure and the scope for greater engagement between state and central agencies in promoting transparent and accountable corporate practices.
Sitharaman then lauded the cultural richness and entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Meghalaya. She reiterated the Centre’s commitment towards equitable economic growth across all regions of India, and assured the Centre’s support in enhancing digital financial literacy, strengthening cooperative structures and attracting private investments in Meghalaya.
Meanwhile, cabinet minister AL Hek also paid a visit to the union finance minister and presented her with fresh jackfruits from his resort.
The union finance minister thanked Hek for the gift.
