Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, along with Speaker Thomas A. Sangma and PHE Minister Marcuise Marak, inaugurated several projects at Babadam in West Garo Hills.
The Garo Hills Agro Food Park, an initiative of the All Garo Hills Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society (AGHMPCS) led by Fr. Sunny Mavelil, was inaugurated. The park, funded entirely by the state government at an estimated cost of Rs 15.73 crore, includes a Mustard Processing Unit, a Cashew Processing Unit, a Hi-Tech Food Lab, a Ginger Processing Unit, a Solar Power Plant, and 25 Cold Storage Units.
Chief Minister Sangma highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting farmers engaged in agriculture and horticulture. He praised the cooperative society led by Fr. Sunny for promoting rural enterprises through farmers’ collective efforts. Sangma emphasized the importance of empowering farmers and cultivators to upscale their entities.
The newly inaugurated Agro Food Park is expected to process 100 MT of raw produce annually, including mustard, cashew, ginger, and areca nut. Sangma discussed the government’s efforts to double farmers’ income in the state, citing the establishment of processing units, warehousing facilities, and cold storages in remote areas.
The government is encouraging Integrated Village Cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organisations, and Women’s collectives to boost the rural economy. Sangma highlighted that some processing units in the state are among the best in the entire Northeast region.
He announced that Rs. 357 crore has been allocated for value chain development in the state, aiming to more than double the income of 4.5 lakh farming households. The success of the Agro Food Park at Babadam will be replicated in other parts of the state.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Arecanut Processing unit and laid the foundation for the P.A. Sangma Shopping Complex at Babadam. MLA Arbinstone Marak and CEM GHADC Albinush Marak were also present at the inauguration programme.