New Delhi, 19 June (H.S.):

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said that the Northeastern region has the potential to become India's next growth engine by leveraging its strengths in sustainable agriculture and organic produce. She noted that Meghalaya is uniquely positioned to lead the region owing to the global trust its products enjoy in international markets.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Northeast's largest organic spice processing unit at Bhoirymbong in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district, the Finance Minister said that the future of agriculture no longer belongs solely to those who produce more, but to those who deliver better, cleaner, more reliable, and premium-quality products.

Sitharaman said that when Meghalaya's farmers prosper, the entire Northeast will move forward, and as the Northeast advances, India's development journey will gain a new engine of growth. She congratulated the Meghalaya government, women's groups, and entrepreneurs for driving the organic farming movement across the state.

Highlighting Meghalaya's competitive advantage, the Finance Minister said the state does not need to compete with larger agricultural states in terms of production volumes, as the future belongs to trusted quality and dependable producers rather than sheer quantity.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong were also present at the event.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar