Unit at Jirang FPC to help increase shelf life of organic produces, enabling their export across the globe
Shillong, Sep 4: Setting a milestone in the growth of agro economy in Meghalaya, the state’s first aseptic pulp processing unit was opened on Thursday at Jirang Organic Agro Farmer’s Producer Company (FPC) in Ri-Bhoi district.
With the unit at Nonglum, New-Jirang, farmers of the region would not be restricted by geography anymore, enabling them to export their organic produces across the globe.
The facility would help substantially increase shelf life of the produces, ensuring much wider markets for the FPC with over 400 farmers engaged in it.
Inaugurating the state’s first aseptic pulp processing unit, Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said, “This milestone reflects Meghalaya’s vision for agrarian transformation and rural prosperity under the leadership of hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K Sangma.”
“If you work hard and have the determination, you work together, the government will provide you with all of the necessities…” the minister said.
She also emphasised that initiatives like this demonstrate the government’s commitment to paving the way forward for farmers.
Encouraging the farmers to adopt organic farming, she called for a return to the traditional methods practised by earlier generations.
She advised against the use of chemical fertilisers for their possible impact on human health and the very existence of generations to come.
In his address, Jirang MLA Sosthenes Sohtun commended the tireless efforts of farmers in uplifting and promoting agriculture by showcasing the local produces in global markets.
Terming farmers of Jirang Organic Agro FPC as “at the heart of” setting up the aseptic pulp processing unit, deputy secretary Saloni Verma, who is Additional CEO, MEGNOLIA narrated the FPC’s journey of success in a short period.
“What started as shipments of some produces here and there has now developed into sophisticated export to Delhi, Bangalore, Dubai,” she said.
Started in 2017 in a modest way, Jirang Organic Agro FPC is now a 433-farmer strong organisation spread across 18 villages and 500 hectares of farmland.
While the FPC generated Rs 1.5 lakh as revenue during 2017–21, the agribusiness volume skyrocketed to Rs 1.17 crore by August 2025, recording a remarkable 77-fold increase.
By bypassing intermediaries, farmers linked with the FPC now receive premium prices through contracts with prominent buyers such as Lulu Group International for GCC exports, Safal–Mother Dairy, Reliance Retail, Blinkit, Shabri AI, and Earthly Tales, significantly improving their economic standing.
Currently, it has a processing capacity of 10 MT per day, targeting an annual output of 480–600 MT.
Horticulture S Rani highlighted the unit’s significance in advancing Meghalaya’s agricultural innovation.
The FPC’s CEO Ibalahun Thangkhiew shared her inspiring journey, detailing the challenges and successes of establishing this transformative venture.
Ri-Bhoi deputy commissioner Abhilash Baranwal and district horticulture officer Pranjal Dutta were among others present on the occasion.
In the aseptic pulp unit, established under Community Public Private Partnership (CPPP) model, the community provides land and labour, the government contributes capital investment, and private partners bring working capital, technology, and market access.
This initiative is supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Farmers’ Collectivization for Upscaling Production and Marketing System (FOCUS) scheme.
The state government’s other programmes such as Meghalaya Livelihoods and Access to Markets Project (MLAMP), and CM FARM+ also helped to build the FPC to its present status.
Jirang Organic Agro FPC’s business model emphasises reinvestment by planning to distribute around 10% of its revenue as dividends to members.
