By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 6: A new Field Distillation Unit (FDU) set up under the Meghalaya Aroma Mission was inaugurated at Phlangwanbroi village in Mawsynram Block, signalling a push to promote aromatic crop cultivation and enhance rural livelihoods.
The facility, constructed for the Farmers Malai Sohmat Protection Group, was inaugurated by Mawsynram MLA Olan Singh Suin in the presence of officials from the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) and the CSIR–Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, which collaborated on the project.
Senior officials including Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR–IHBT; Sachin Shankar Gavade, IFS, Executive Director, MBDA; AL Bareh, BDO, Mawsynram; I Saiborne, Joint Director of Agriculture (R&T); Bansara Mylliemngap, Joint Director of Horticulture; M Dkhar, Joint Managing Director, Meghalaya Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (MSFAC); and Aiban Swer, Director, MBDA, attended the event, which drew strong participation from farmers across Phlangwanbroi and neighbouring villages.
Speaking at the function, Suin expressed happiness over the collaboration between government institutions and the farming community, noting that it was the first distillation unit to be established in the constituency. He said the initiative would encourage farmers to take up lemongrass cultivation on a larger scale while exploring new avenues such as bay leaf and patchouli.
Emphasising the need for value addition to agricultural produce, the MLA said such facilities could transform the economic landscape of rural areas by linking local farmers with wider markets. He also expressed hope that the project would spur tourism and serve as a model for community-led development.
The programme concluded with a traditional dance by the local youth, adding a touch of local colour to the celebration of a project that blends tradition with innovation.
