Finance Minister Inaugurates Northeast’s Largest Organic Spice Processing Unit in Meghalaya
Hills Live News Desk
Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, June 19: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman today inaugurated Northeast India’s largest organic spice processing unit in Ri-Bhoi district, calling it a milestone in India’s journey toward premium organic agriculture.
Speaking at the event, attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma and Sikkim Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang, the Finance Minister said the future of agriculture lies in producing “better, cleaner, safer, more traceable and more sustainable products.”
Sitharaman praised Meghalaya’s deep-rooted culture of sustainability and community stewardship, noting that the state’s traditional farming wisdom positions it to lead India’s organic revolution. She emphasized that the new facility reflects the shift from exporting raw produce to exporting finished, branded products that retain value and livelihoods within the region.
Developed with an investment of ₹32 crore, the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company’s facility is the first organically certified spice processing unit in the Northeast. Certified under both NPOP and EU Organic Standards, it will process over 10,000 metric tonnes of ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and chilli annually, directly benefiting around 5,500 organic farmers.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s premium crops, Sitharaman pointed to Lakadong turmeric, which received GI status in 2024 for its exceptionally high curcumin content, and ginger varieties known for superior quality and low fibre. She said value addition through processing, branding, packaging, and certification is key to bridging the gap between subsistence and prosperity for farmers.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the project as “game-changing,” noting that 11 processing units across Meghalaya are already benefiting nearly 55,000 farmers. He said the government’s focus has been on infrastructure, training, and market connectivity to strengthen traditional practices with modern support.
Agriculture Secretary Shri Vijay Kumar D. called the inauguration a historic day for Meghalaya’s 3.6 lakh farming households, predicting that farmer incomes could rise by 50 percent within a single season. He highlighted the state’s pioneering community public-private partnership model, which combines government investment, private sector expertise, and community ownership to ensure sustainability.
The facility, supported under MOVCDNER, MIDH, the Government of Meghalaya, and IFAD, marks a significant step in transforming smallholder agriculture into a commercially viable and globally competitive sector.