Shillong, Nov 6: Meghalaya Aroma Mission under the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology(CSIR–IHBT) Aroma Mission, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, inaugurated Field Distillation Unit (FDU) of the Farmers Malai Sohmat Protection Group at Phlangwanbroi village, Mawsynram Block on November 4.
The inaugural programme was graced by ShOlan Singh Suin, MLA, Mawsynram constituency, as the Chief Guest, who unveiled the commemorative plaque and formally inaugurated the processing unit. The event was attended by Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR – IHBT, Palampur; Sachin Shankar Gavade, Executive Director, MBDA; A.L. Bareh, BDO, Mawsynram; I. Saiborne, Joint Director, Agriculture (R&T);Bansara Mylliemngap, Joint Director, Horticulture; M. Dkhar, Joint Managing Director, Meghalaya Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (MSFAC); and Aiban Swer, Director, MBDA.
The event witnessed the participation of a number of farmers from Phlangwanbroi and neighbouring villages.
In his address, Suin expressed happiness at witnessing the collaboration between various organisations and local farmers. He conveyed his gratitude to all dignitaries and stakeholders present and highlighted the immense potential for lemongrass cultivation within the Mawsynram constituency. He further encouraged farmers to explore bay leaf and patchouli cultivation as emerging opportunities, emphasising the importance of value addition to agricultural products for better market returns and economic sustainability.
He also mentioned that this is the first distillation unit established in the constituency, expressing hope that it will not only boost agricultural productivity but also attract visitors and contribute to the area’s overall growth. He concluded with optimism for a prosperous future for the farming community in the region.
The inaugural function also featured a traditional dance performance by the youth of Phlangwanbroi village, celebrating the local culture and community spirit.
The inauguration was followed by a demonstration of the distillation process and a visit to the facility by the assembled guests. Farmer-producer groups were introduced to operation protocols, quality assurance measures and market-linkage opportunities.
