Tura August 20: The College of Community Science, Tura, under the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Meghalaya, inaugurated its state-of-the-art Techno Incubation Centre (TIC) today, a major stride towards fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven development in the region.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Honourable Chief Minister of the state Dr. Conrad K Sangma, as the Chief Guest, Vice Chancellor of CAU-Imphal, Dr. Anupam Mishra, as the Guest of Honour, and Shri Jagdish Chelani, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, as the Guest of Honour. Smt. B. Mylliemngap, Officer on Special Duty incharge, Directorate of Food Processing, Meghalaya, was also in attendance.
The Techno Incubation Centre for Jackfruit, Tura centre, under Mission Jackfruit, Government of Meghalaya was inaugurated on 20thAugust, 2024 at the College of Community Science, Central Agricultural University, Tura, Meghalaya.
The Inauguration was graced virtually by Dr Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya. Dr. Anupam Mishra, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Central Agricultural University and Shri. Jagdish Chelani , Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills were the Guests of Honour of the program.
The dignitaries were given a tour of the cold storage unit, product processing line of squash, powder production, chips processing unit, packaging line and quality control labs set up under the Mission Jackfruit.
The jackfruit products such as jackfruit chips, mixture, flour, squash, papad, crackers, cookies and cakes prepared in the centre were showcased in the exhibition stall.
A total of 250 farmers and entrepreneurs registered for the inauguration programme. Jackfruit entrepreneurs from five districts were invited to showcase their jackfruit products.
The event began with an inspection of various stalls by the dignitaries, showcasing the accomplishments of local entrepreneurs, innovative products developed by fourth-year students of College of Community Science, Tura, and exhibits by state departments and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Garo hills.
Dr. Jyoti Vastrad , Dean of the College of Community Science, extended a warm welcome to the esteemed guests, farmers, and the audience. After the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Vice Chancellor, the dignitaries were felicitated for their contributions and support.
The program’s focal point was the address by Smt. B. Mylliemngap, Officer on Special Duty, who presented an insightful overview of Mission Jackfruit, an initiative aimed at turning the untapped potential of jackfruit into profitable business ventures.
She highlighted that 23 beneficiaries had received machinery and equipment for nano processing units, and two additional beneficiaries were supported in establishing small and medium-scale enterprises (SMSEs).
Smt. Mylliemngap emphasized the importance of collaboration and networking, noting that TIC itself was the result of a successful partnership between experts and institutions. She further expressed optimism about future collaborations for expanding jackfruit processing and fostering entrepreneurship in the region.
The event also featured Mr. Perastill R. Sangma, a celebrated entrepreneur recognized by the Chief Minister who shared his inspiring journey in the jackfruit processing industry. His success story served as a testament to the impact of Mission Jackfruit and provided motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Shri Jagdish Chelani, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the role of incubation centres like TIC in empowering local entrepreneurs and strengthening agricultural value chains.
He highlighted the growing importance of jackfruit and other regional crops, such as turmeric and aromatic plants, and expressed confidence that TIC would play a crucial role in adding value to these resources.
In his address, the Honourable Vice Chancellor, Dr. Anupam Mishra, expressed his gratitude to the Government of Meghalaya for supporting initiatives like TIC. He described TIC as more than a facility—a hub of learning, innovation, and growth for the agricultural sector.
Dr. Mishra also called for the establishment of a specialized food processing institution in Meghalaya, given the state’s rich natural resources and the potential to create a strong human resource base to utilize them effectively.
The audience was further engaged by a special video message from the Chief guest who, though unable to attend in person, emphasized the significance of the TIC in advancing the state’s agricultural and entrepreneurial landscape.
The inauguration concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Natasha R. Marak, Associate Professor, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, and also the Principal Investigator of the Jackfruit Project.
She extended her heartfelt appreciation to the dignitaries, District Horticulture Officer (DHO), Field Extension Coordinators (FEC) of West Garo Hills, and media representatives for their support and participation.
With the establishment of the Techno Incubation Centre, the College of Community Science, Tura, is poised to become a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship in Meghalaya, contributing to the agricultural development of the state by nurturing new ideas and supporting budding entrepreneurs.
