Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to embark on a two-day visit to Meghalaya starting Friday. During her visit, she will inaugurate key infrastructure projects, interact with farmers, artisans, and students, and participate in high-level conferences.
Inauguration of Organic Spice Processing Plant
On Friday, Sitharaman will inaugurate the northeast region's largest organic spice processing plant at Bhoirymbong in the Ri Bhoi district, according to an official statement. The facility, established by the Eastern Ri Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company, boasts an annual processing capacity of 10,346 metric tonnes. It is expected to benefit 5,500 organic farmers across the region, boosting the local economy and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Conference on Externally Aided Projects
Later in the day, the minister will attend the inaugural session of the conference on 'Leveraging Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the North-Eastern States' in Shillong. Organized by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Union Ministry of Finance and hosted by the Meghalaya government, the conference aims to bring together chief ministers, chief secretaries, and senior officials from across the northeast. The objective is to strengthen the uptake and impact of externally aided financing in the region.
Ceremony and Foundation Stone Laying
Sitharaman will also preside over a ceremony at the U Soso Tham Auditorium in Shillong alongside Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. The event will mark Meghalaya's journey with EAPs and include the laying of foundation stones for four projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore. These projects are expected to further enhance infrastructure and development in the state.
This visit underscores the central government's commitment to fostering growth in the northeastern region through strategic investments and collaborative efforts.
