Meghalaya opens first Aseptic Pulp Unit, empowering farmers and boosting agribusiness

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 5, 2025

Meghalaya marked a major milestone in agricultural innovation on September 4 with the inauguration of the state’s first aseptic pulp processing unit at Jirang Organic Agro Farmer’s Producer Company Ltd (FPC). The event, attended by Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun, and key officials, highlights a shift toward farmer-led agribusiness and modern value-chain integration.

The unit, established under a Community Public Private Partnership (CPPP) model, combines community land and labor, government capital, and private investment, technology, and market access. Supported by IFAD, the FOCUS scheme, and state programs such as MLAMP and CM FARM+, it aims to reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality, and strengthen year-round market linkages.

Dr. Lyngdoh described farmers as the backbone of Meghalaya, urging them to embrace self-reliance, organic methods, and traditional practices. She stressed that the government is ready to support farmers in overcoming challenges and expanding into new markets.

Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun expressed pride in witnessing the inauguration of Meghalaya’s first aseptic pulp and mandarin processing units. He lauded farmers for their tireless efforts in promoting local produce and emphasized that the facility will help showcase Meghalaya’s agricultural products not only in domestic markets but also globally, boosting incomes and economic growth for the region.

Saloni Verma, Deputy Secretary and Additional CEO of MEGNOLIA, highlighted the FPC’s journey from its modest beginnings in 2017 to a 433-farmer strong collective spanning 18 villages and 500 hectares. She said, “What started as small shipments of produce has now developed into sophisticated exports to Delhi, Bangalore, and Dubai. This facility ensures farmers are not restricted by geography. By extending shelf life, we can reach much wider markets and provide better returns to our farmers.”

The FPC’s growth underscores the success of farmer-led initiatives: revenues have surged from Rs 1.5 lakh during 2017–21 to Rs 1.17 crore by August 2025—a more than 77-fold increase. With a processing capacity of 10 metric tons per day and a projected IRR of 25%, the unit is expected to produce 480–600 metric tons annually, linking farmers directly with buyers such as Lulu Group International, Safal–Mother Dairy, Reliance Retail, Blinkit, Shabri AI, and Earthly Tales, ensuring premium prices and reduced reliance on intermediaries.

CEO Ibalahun Thangkhiew shared the FPC’s journey, highlighting the challenges overcome and the collective effort in building a sustainable, farmer-driven agribusiness.