FM Sitharaman unveils facility, hopes it will boost farmers’ incomes
BHOIRYMBONG, June 19: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, on Friday inaugurated Northeast India’s largest organic spice-processing plant at Lumdaitkhla village in Bhoirymbong, Ri-Bhoi district.
The Eastern Ri Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company Ltd established the state-of-the-art processing facility at an investment of approximately Rs 30 crore. The project was funded and implemented by the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency under the FOCUS programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development under the Meghalaya Livelihoods and Access to Markets Project.
The plant is expected to significantly benefit farmers across the region by enhancing the value of agricultural produce such as ginger, turmeric, and black pepper through processing and value addition. The facility is projected to process more than 10,000 metric tonnes of spices annually, directly benefiting around 5,500 farmers.
It is also expected to strengthen Meghalaya’s agricultural value chain, reduce dependence on external processing facilities, and create greater market access opportunities for local producers.
During the event, several memoranda of understanding were signed between various companies and the Eastern Ri Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company Ltd to facilitate marketing, distribution, and business development of the processed spice products.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, cabinet ministers, MLAs, senior government officials from the state and district administration, and representatives of farmer groups attended the inauguration ceremony.
Sangma expressed his happiness over Meghalaya’s continued progress in development and highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector through various farmer-centric initiatives. He stated that the government has been working extensively to empower farmers, improve productivity, and enhance income generation opportunities through modern agricultural practices and value-addition infrastructure.
He further noted that while farming has traditionally been the backbone of rural livelihoods in Meghalaya, the government is focused on helping farmers improve product quality, increase production, and access better markets. He expressed confidence that more such transformative projects would be introduced across the state in the future.
Sitharaman said that Ri-Bhoi district, recognised as one of the country’s aspirational districts, has made remarkable progress in achieving key development goals and is poised to graduate from the category in the near future. She commended the success of the organic spice processing plant and emphasised its potential to boost farmers’ incomes and contribute to Meghalaya’s economic growth.
The Union Minister also praised Sangma’s leadership and his team for successfully implementing several development projects across the state. She expressed optimism that initiatives such as the spice processing facility would generate substantial benefits for farmers and enable Meghalaya’s agricultural products to reach national and international markets.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s globally recognised Lakadong turmeric, she noted its unique qualities and growing international reputation, adding that the new processing facility would further strengthen the state’s position as a leading producer of high-quality organic spices.
