Green Growth Applauded: Paswan Commends Meghalaya’s Organic and Agro-Tech Drive

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan has commended the Meghalaya government for its pioneering efforts in food processing and organic cultivation during the inauguration of the “Meghalaya Pavilion: Showcasing Natural Richness and Innovation” at World Food India (WFI) 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

• Paswan praised Meghalaya’s globally recognized Lakadong turmeric and emphasized the state’s role as a model for sustainable agriculture.

• Chief Minister Conrad Sangma launched the “Meghalaya Collective Organic” brand, uniting farmers, FPOs, and cooperatives to deliver traceable, authentic organic produce.

• Strategic MoUs were signed between MEGNOLIA and leading companies including Lulu Group Retail and Plantrich Agri Tech Pvt Ltd, aiming to boost market access in India and the Gulf.

• Meghalaya’s Organic Mission 2024–28 targets certification of 1 lakh hectares by 2028, with over 24,000 hectares already certified, benefiting 40,000+ farmers.

• The state’s Community Public Private Partnership (CPPP) model and PRIME Hubs have attracted Rs 220 crore in investment, supporting 15,000 farmers and creating 1,500 jobs. Plans are underway to expand to 55 hubs by 2032.

• Sangma urged Self-Help Groups to actively engage with such platforms to unlock new opportunities and scale their businesses.

Paswan assured full central support to further Meghalaya’s progress, calling its initiatives a blueprint for other states to emulate.

Sources: Nagaland Post, Rediff Mone South Asia Views, Times of India.