Shillong, Nov 5: A newly constructed Field Distillation Unit (FDU) of the Farmers Malai Sohmat Protection Group at Phlangwanbroi village in Mawsynram, yesterday.
The unit that aims to promote rural livelihoods was constructed under the Aroma Mission of the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) in collaboration with the CSIR–IHBT Aroma Mission, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh.
Mawsynram MLA Olan Singh Suin, who unveiled the commemorative plaque to formally inaugurate the processing unit, expressed happiness at witnessing the collaboration between various organisations and local farmers. He highlighted the immense potential for lemongrass cultivation in the area and encouraged farmers to explore bay leaf and patchouli cultivation as emerging opportunities, emphasising the importance of value addition to agricultural products for better market returns and economic sustainability.
He said this is the first distillation unit established in the constituency and expressed hope that it will not only boost agricultural productivity but also attract visitors and contribute to the area’s overall growth.
Suin concluded with optimism for a prosperous future for the farming community in the region.
The event witnessed the participation of a number of farmers from Phlangwanbroi and neighbouring villages, reflecting strong community involvement in the initiative.
The inauguration was followed by a demonstration of the distillation process and a visit to the facility by the assembled guests. Farmer-producer groups were introduced to operation protocols, quality assurance measures and market-linkage opportunities
The event was attended by Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR – IHBT, Palampur, Sachin Shankar Gavade, Executive Director of MBDA, A.L. Bareh, BDO, Mawsynram, I. Saiborne, Joint Director, Agriculture (R&T), Bansara Mylliemngap, Joint Director, Horticulture, M. Dkhar, Joint Managing Director, Meghalaya Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (MSFAC) and MBDA Director Aiban Swer.
