Songsak (Meghalaya), July 28: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the state’s first centrifuged latex manufacturing unit at Koksi Nengsat in East Garo Hills. This project marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to support farmers and promote entrepreneurship. The unit, funded by the State Government through the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency at a cost of ₹18.8 crore, will benefit approximately 3,000 farmers involved in rubber plantation across Garo Hills.
The modern facility has a processing capacity of 20 metric tonnes of latex per day and is managed by Sr Rose, founder of Mendipathar Multipurpose Cooperative Society. During the event, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation for Meghalaya’s first fruit dehydration unit, which will be constructed at a cost of ₹23 crore and is expected to be completed by November 2026. The fruit dehydration unit will process 7,400 metric tonnes of fruit annually, benefiting over 5,000 farmers by reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring better price realization.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to support farmers, citing initiatives like Focus, Focus+, and CM Farm+, which aim to double farmers’ income and achieve a $10 billion economy. “This unit is a boon for Garo hills and the state as a whole, as it will benefit a large number of farmers involved in rubber plantation,” he said.
