Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while inaugurating Northeast India’s largest organic spice processing unit in Ri-Bhoi district, emphasized the importance of producing better, cleaner, and sustainable agricultural products over merely increasing output. The facility, established by the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company at a cost of Rs 32 crore, is set to benefit around 5,500 organic farmers in Meghalaya and the wider Northeast region by enhancing value addition and market access. Sitharaman praised Meghalaya’s tradition of sustainability and community stewardship, positioning the state as a potential leader in premium organic agriculture.
The processing unit, equipped with modern infrastructure for spice processing and storage, is the first organically certified facility of its kind in the Northeast. It is expected to process over 10,000 metric tonnes of organic spices annually, including ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and chilli. Certified under the National Programme for Organic Production and EU Organic Standards, the unit aims to provide direct access to premium global markets, enhancing the region’s agricultural competitiveness.
Sitharaman highlighted Meghalaya’s agricultural strengths, such as the renowned Lakadong turmeric with Geographical Indication status and high-quality ginger varieties. She stressed the importance of moving towards exporting branded, value-added products instead of raw produce to retain more value and create livelihood opportunities within the region. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma lauded the project as a significant initiative, noting the positive impact of similar processing units in benefiting farmers and improving rural incomes across the state.
