Shillong: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday inaugurated a Rs 32 crore organic spice processing unit in Ri-Bhoi district, describing it as an example of how local produce can be linked to larger markets through value addition, processing and branding.
The facility was inaugurated in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
Addressing farmers and community representatives, Sitharaman said Meghalaya is well placed to benefit from the growing global demand for quality, traceable and sustainably produced agricultural products. She noted that the state’s farming practices and community-led approach provide a strong foundation for expanding organic agriculture.
The minister said the focus of agriculture should move beyond increasing production to improving quality, sustainability and market access. She stressed that farmers should not be limited to selling raw produce but should also benefit from processing, packaging, branding and exports.
Established by the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company, the facility has the capacity to process more than 10,000 metric tonnes of organic spices annually, including ginger, turmeric, black pepper and chilli. The unit is equipped with storage, washing, drying and processing facilities and is expected to benefit around 5,500 farmers from Meghalaya and other Northeastern states.
The processing centre is certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and EU Organic Standards, allowing access to domestic and international organic markets.
Sitharaman highlighted products such as Lakadong turmeric and Meghalaya ginger, saying value addition and better market linkages can help farmers secure higher returns while generating employment within the region.
Speaking at the event, Sangma said the project reflects the state’s efforts to improve farmer incomes through infrastructure, market access and value addition. He informed that 11 processing units are already operational across Meghalaya, benefiting nearly 55,000 farmers and their families.
The Chief Minister said the government has been working with community organisations by providing financial support, technical assistance, training and market connectivity. He added that investments in processing and aggregation have helped strengthen the agricultural sector and create livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
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Earlier, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Secretary Vijay Kumar D. said the facility marks an important step for Meghalaya’s farming sector. He said the project demonstrates how government support, community participation and private sector involvement can be combined to build farmer-owned enterprises and improve access to markets.
The organic spice processing unit was established with support from the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), the Meghalaya government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
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