Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, today inaugurated the North East’s largest organic spice processing unit at Bhoirymbong in Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya.
The facility has been set up under the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company Limited, promoted under the Government of India’s Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER).
Developed at an investment of around ₹32 crore, the unit has an annual processing capacity of over 10,000 metric tonnes of organic spices including ginger, turmeric, black pepper and chilli.
The processing centre is the first organically certified spice unit in North East India, certified under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and EU Organic Standards, enabling access to premium domestic and international markets.
Addressing the gathering, the Union Finance Minister highlighted Meghalaya’s strengths in high-quality organic produce, including Lakadong turmeric, which received GI tag in 2024, and noted the growing demand for the state’s ginger varieties in global markets.
The leaders said the initiative will strengthen farmer-owned enterprises, promote value addition, improve market linkages and boost rural livelihoods, marking a significant step in the region’s organic agriculture sector.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in Meghalaya’s journey towards becoming a leading hub for premium organic agriculture and demonstrates how farmer-owned institutions, value addition and strategic partnerships can transform rural livelihoods, strengthen market competitiveness and create sustainable economic opportunities across the Northeast.