Ri-Bhoi (Meghalaya): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday inaugurated Northeast India’s largest organic spice processing facility at Lumdaitkhla in Bhoirymbong, Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya, marking a major milestone in the region’s efforts to strengthen organic agriculture, value addition and farmer income.
The state-of-the-art processing unit, developed by the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company Ltd. with an investment of around Rs 32 crore, was inaugurated in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
Sharing the development on social media platform X, Chief Minister Sangma expressed delight over the inauguration and highlighted that Meghalaya’s renowned Lakadong turmeric, ginger and black pepper have earned recognition across India and international markets for their exceptional quality. He said the new facility would strengthen the organic agriculture ecosystem by enhancing value addition, improving market access and ensuring better returns for farmers.
Addressing farmers, community leaders and dignitaries at the event, Sitharaman said Meghalaya possesses a unique advantage at a time when global consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable, traceable and high-quality agricultural products. She noted that the people of Meghalaya have long practised sustainable farming and community stewardship, making the state well-positioned to emerge as a leader in premium organic agriculture.
The Finance Minister described the processing plant as the result of nearly a decade of institution-building efforts by the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company. She said the project demonstrates how targeted investments, community participation and sustained government support can create long-term and inclusive development outcomes.
The organically certified facility is capable of processing more than 10,000 metric tonnes of high-value organic spices annually. Equipped with modern infrastructure including cold storage, dry storage, washing, drying and pulverising units, the plant will process key crops such as ginger, turmeric, black pepper and chilli.
Officials said the facility is the first organically certified spice processing unit in the Northeast and has received certification under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) as well as European Union Organic Standards. These certifications will enable direct access to premium domestic and international organic markets.
The project is expected to directly benefit around 5,500 organic farmers from Meghalaya and neighbouring Northeastern states by reducing post-harvest losses, improving quality control, strengthening aggregation systems and enhancing market linkages.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s premium agricultural products, Sitharaman noted that Lakadong turmeric, which received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2024, contains significantly higher curcumin content than most commercially traded turmeric varieties. She also praised Meghalaya’s ginger for its low fibre content, superior quality and growing demand in national and international markets.
The Finance Minister stressed that the focus should now shift from exporting raw agricultural produce to exporting branded, value-added products. She said processing, branding, packaging, certification and market access are essential to ensuring that greater value, jobs and livelihoods remain within the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sangma thanked the Union Finance Minister for her continued support to development initiatives in the Northeast. He said the Meghalaya government has spent the last eight years working to improve farmers’ livelihoods through better infrastructure, market connectivity, value addition and targeted interventions.
Describing the project as a transformative initiative, Sangma said the government has combined traditional farming strengths with financial assistance, technical expertise, training and marketing support. He informed that eleven processing units are currently operational across Meghalaya, benefiting nearly 55,000 farmers and their families.
The Chief Minister also highlighted increasing collaboration among Northeastern states and said the region is witnessing unprecedented momentum in development, supported by improved political stability and stronger institutions. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Northeast is progressing rapidly and emerging as an important contributor to India’s economic growth.
The newly inaugurated organic spice processing facility is expected to play a crucial role in expanding export opportunities, strengthening rural livelihoods and positioning Meghalaya as a leading hub for premium organic agricultural products in India.
