₹18.8 Crore Processing Facility to Benefit 3,000 Farmers, Boost Local Economy
Shillong, July 28 – In a major push for agri-processing and rural entrepreneurship Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the state’s first centrifuged latex manufacturing unit in Koksi Nengsat (East Garo Hills). The facility, only the second in Northeast India, aims to cut middlemen exploitation and directly benefit 3,000+ rubber farmers across Garo Hills.
Key Highlights of the Project
1. Centrifuged Latex Unit
✔ Investment: ₹18.8 crore (funded by Meghalaya Basin Management Agency)
✔ Capacity: Processes raw rubber into high-value latex concentrate
✔ Managed by: Mendipathar Multipurpose Cooperative Society (MMCS)
✔ Impact:
- Eliminates middlemen from Assam/West Bengal
- Better prices for farmers (₹50-60/kg vs. ₹30-40/kg earlier)
- Supplies latex to medical, automotive, and footwear industries
2. Fruit Dehydration Unit (Foundation Launched)
✔ Investment: ₹23 crore
✔ Capacity: 7,400 MT/year (first in Meghalaya)
✔ Completion: November 2025
✔ Beneficiaries: 5,000+ fruit farmers
Why This Matters for Meghalaya?
✅ Economic Boost for Rubber Farmers
- Garo Hills has 10,000+ hectares under rubber cultivation
- Earlier, 90% raw rubber was sold to outsiders at low prices
- Now, local processing = higher income
✅ Reducing Post-Harvest Losses
- Dehydration unit will preserve pineapple, ginger, turmeric
- Adds shelf life, enables exports
✅ Entrepreneurship Push
- Part of CM Elevate scheme supporting startups
- 40+ agro-processing units planned statewide
Chief Minister’s Vision
Conrad K. Sangma stated:
- “Since 2018, our goal has been doubling farmers’ income—PM Modi’s call, but in Meghalaya, we must do even more.”
- *”From Nokma ice cream (1 lakh packets/day) to Awang chips, we’re proving local processing = local prosperity.”*
- “Government jobs are saturated. Youth must embrace entrepreneurship—we’ll support them.”
What’s Next?
🔹 40+ more processing units under Focus+/CM Farm+ schemes
🔹 Expansion of rubber plantations in Garo Hills
🔹 Market linkages for latex & dehydrated fruits
Conclusion:
This dual launch (latex + dehydration units) marks a turning point for Meghalaya’s agrarian economy. By cutting middlemen and adding value locally, the state is ensuring farmers get their rightful share—critical for its $10 billion economy goal.
Biggest Winners:
👩🌾 Rubber farmers (finally getting fair prices)
🛒 Local MSMEs (new raw material access)
📈 State GDP (agri-exports set to rise)