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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has inaugurated Northeast India’s largest organic spice processing unit at Bhoirymbong in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district. Developed by the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company, the 10,000-tonne facility is expected to benefit around 5,500 farmers by providing processing, packaging and marketing support for organic spices. The project forms part of broader efforts to strengthen value addition, boost exports and create sustainable livelihoods through the region’s growing organic agriculture ecosystem.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has inaugurated Northeast India’s largest organic spice processing unit at Bhoirymbong in Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya, marking a significant addition to the region’s agricultural infrastructure. The facility, developed by the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company, has an annual processing capacity of 10,000 tonnes and is expected to support nearly 5,500 farmers engaged in organic cultivation.
The inauguration took place during the finance minister’s visit to the state, which also included the launch and foundation laying of projects worth more than INR 1,200 crore across various sectors. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang were present during the event.
The spice processing facility has been established to strengthen the value chain for organic produce by enabling cleaning, grading, processing, packaging and marketing activities within the state. The project is aimed at reducing dependence on external processing facilities and improving returns for growers through value addition and market access.
Addressing stakeholders during the visit, Sitharaman said externally aided projects should be viewed not merely as financing mechanisms but as instruments that can help local products from the Northeast reach global markets. She noted that the region’s strengths in sustainable agriculture and organic produce offer opportunities to create livelihoods and expand exports.
The minister also said the Northeast possesses the potential to emerge as a major growth engine by leveraging its biodiversity and agricultural resources. She highlighted the importance of creating infrastructure that enables farmers and producer organisations to participate in larger domestic and international markets.
The unit is expected to enhance processing capabilities for spices grown across Meghalaya and neighbouring states, supporting the development of a more integrated supply chain. Officials said the facility would contribute to improving quality standards and strengthening the competitiveness of organic products originating from the Northeast.
The project aligns with ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and increase value addition in farm produce. With the establishment of the processing unit, Meghalaya aims to expand its presence in the organic food market and provide greater income opportunities for farmers through organised production and marketing channels.
Source - PIB
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