Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated a Rs 32 crore organic spice processing unit in Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya, on Thursday. The facility was inaugurated in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
Sitharaman described the unit as an example of how local produce can be linked to larger markets through value addition, processing, and branding. Meghalaya is well placed to benefit from the growing global demand for quality, traceable, and sustainably produced agricultural products, Sitharaman said, noting that the state’s farming practices and community-led approach provide a strong foundation for expanding organic agriculture. The minister emphasized that the focus of agriculture should move beyond increasing production to improving quality, sustainability, and market access. Farmers should not be limited to selling raw produce but should also benefit from processing, packaging, branding, and exports, she stressed. The Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company established the facility, which has the capacity to process over 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.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. 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.
Sangma added that the government has been working with community organisations by providing financial support, technical assistance, training, and market connectivity. 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).
