A foundation stone for the Organic Spice Industrial Unit (Prime-Hub) under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare was laid by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma at Bhoirymbong, Ri-Bhoi district yesterday.
The prime hub will be managed by Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company Ltd. The unit aims at boosting organic spice processing and value addition, which is one of the main agricultural products in the area. It is a multi-purpose facility, not only limited to ginger processing but also capable of handling other spices like turmeric, black pepper, and more, potentially making it the largest of its kind in the Northeastern region.
Speaking at the programme, the Chief Minister said the unit will impact and help thousands of farmers in the region. “We are monilising Rs 15 crores financial support from the government, out that Rs 12 crores will be in terms of the incentives that we are giving and Rs 2 to 3 crores will be a loan component that will come from the bank,” he said.
Sangma highlighted the strategic significance of Ri Bhoi, particularly Umroi and Bhoirymbong, as a critical transit point connecting the Northeast region and the country.
CEO of Ri Bhoi Organic Farmer Producers Company Ltd, RevistarKharumnuid stated that the company’s growth reflected the combined efforts and progress made since its inception in 2017. He mentioned that the company’s goal was to empower local farmers and promote Meghalaya’s rich organic traditions.
Kharumnuid said that the company had started with a small processing facility but was now expanding its capacity to 18 metric tonnes per day. The new facilities would not only improve the quality and quantity of products but also strengthen the company’s presence in the global market, he added.
He also acknowledged the funding received through the Meghalaya Industrial policy and the Unnati scheme, which had made the project possible.
The CEO said that the industrial unit would benefit over 4,500 farmers, leading to an increase in production. The company had also tied up with 10 other FPOs from different districts of the state. The total input targeted per annum will be 4700 metric tonne and the number of working days will be 264 days per year. The target revenue for three years will be Rs 18.71 crore, 24.94 crore, and 27.68 crore respectively.
