Nongpoh, Sep 4: A group of farmers from Western Ri Bhoi, known as the Jirang Organic Agro Farmer Producer Company (Jirang FPC) — the same group that successfully exported Khasi Mandarin to Dubai— has now achieved another milestone with the opening of the state’s first Aseptic Pulping Unit and Mandarin Sorting, Grading & Waxing Unit, a factory that will produce various kinds of fruit juices.
The factory is equipped with facilities for storing fruits and other produce, processing and extracting fruit pulp, as well as sorting and packaging before being transported to other markets. The facility can process 10 metric tons daily, targeting annual output of 480-600 metric tons.
The unit was established under the innovative Community Public Private Partnership (CPPP) model, where the community provides land and labour, the government contributes capital investment, and private partners bring working capital, technology, and market access.
This initiative is supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Farmers’ Collectivization for Upscaling Production and Marketing System (FOCUS) scheme.
Established in 2017, Jirang FPC currently has about 434 members. With this new facility, farmers will now be able to process and market their produce, including Khasi Mandarin, pineapple, jackfruit, ginger, and other crops, at fair prices. This initiative is expected to be a major boon for the farming community.
At present, Jirang FPC is also in partnership with the Lulu Group International, enabling smoother export and supply of agricultural products both to other states and international markets.
Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh who inaugurated the unit said the factory will bring lasting benefits to the farmers.
