Shillong: A major ginger processing unit is nearing completion in Ri-Bhoi district, known for its fertile soil and favourable agricultural atmosphere, in an initiative at reviving Meghalaya’s position as a leading ginger-producing state.“The largest ginger processing unit in the state, with a project cost of about Rs 20 crore, will soon be inaugurated in Ri Bhoi. This facility will benefit nearly 10,000 ginger farmers by providing assured market linkages and better returns,” CM Conrad Sangma announced on Monday.Elaborating on the ‘Ginger Mission’ launched in 2022, he noted that the govt has invested over Rs 62 crore, benefitting more than 19,000 farmers across the state. The programme would be further expanded to cover over 15,000 additional farmers with each beneficiary receiving 100 kg of quality ginger seed free of cost.The establishment of ginger processing units in the State has further supported value addition and contributed to improving farmers’ livelihoods.Farmers are also being covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. In West Garo Hills, 9,655 ginger farmers have been enrolled, with the state bearing a substantial share of the premium to ensure accessibility.Speaking at an input distribution programme for farmers and community institutions at Tura, organized by the dept of agriculture & farmers’ welfare, he said agriculture continued to be the backbone of the state’s economy, with over 70 percent households engaged in farming and allied activities.“One of the biggest challenges faced by our farmers has been the lack of timely availability of good quality seeds. This is why we are taking this up in a mission mode to ensure that every farmer receives the right inputs at the right time,” he said.The CM distributed cheques for low-cost vermin-composting units to help farmers become self-reliant in organic manure and reduce dependency on external inputs.“Through food processing units, we are ensuring that farmers get better value for their produce and access to larger markets,” he stated.Under the CM Farm Plus programme, high-value crops like black pepper, large cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, cocoa and avocado are being promoted with performance-linked incentives of up to Rs 5,000 per farmer.
