GUWAHATi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday inaugurated the Northeast’s largest organic spice processing plant in Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district.
The facility, established by the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company, has an annual processing capacity of 10,000 metric tonnes of spices and is expected to directly benefit 5,500 organic farmers across the eastern part of Ri Bhoi.
The unit is equipped to process turmeric, black pepper and a variety of other spices.
The inauguration ceremony was attended, among others, by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
On the occasion, several Memorandums of Understanding were signed with different companies to strengthen market linkages and create sustained business opportunities for farmers and producer groups.
Addressing the gathering, Sitharaman lauded the initiative, and praised the efforts of the farmer producer organisation. She was confident that Ri Bhoi would soon move beyond its Aspirational District status and emerge as a model district for the rest of the country.
She also said that the achievements of Ri Bhoi district were of a remarkably high standard and had the potential to serve as a benchmark for other districts nationwide.
Sangma said Meghalaya’s Lakadong turmeric, ginger and black pepper had earned recognition across India and beyond for their exceptional quality.
“This state-of-the-art processing facility marks a significant step towards strengthening our organic agriculture ecosystem by enhancing value addition, improving market access, and ensuring that our farmers receive greater returns from their produce,” the chief minister said.
He further stated that by bridging the gap between farm output and commercial markets, the plant would create new opportunities for growth, livelihoods, and sustainable prosperity in one of Meghalaya’s most important agricultural sectors.
“The establishment of this state-of-the-art plant marks a significant milestone in promoting organic agriculture, value addition, and sustainable economic growth across the region,” the Sikkim chief minister posted on X.
The spice processing plant is expected to significantly strengthen the agricultural value chain, improve rural livelihoods and enhance the economic prospects of organic farmers across Meghalaya and the Northeast.