Shillong, July 27: The Directorate of Food Processing today organised a one-day event entitled ‘Jack Start 2023’ at the State Convention Centre, Shillong. Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare graced the event as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh said that Meghalaya has more than a million jackfruit trees across the state and the jackfruit trees are available in many parts of Meghalaya which grow in the backyard without much care and attention.
She stated that there is a need to extend the Jackfruit mission which is in the final year of its implementation looking at how the farmers have benefitted from it. The minister said that there is a high potential for new entrepreneurs to start a profitable business in processing jackfruits.
She urged the officers of the Agriculture and Horticulture Department to continue to engage actively with the producers group and to give them support to ensure to mark their products efficiently, to follow the standards of food safety because this is what the international market is looking for.
In his address, Shri K.N. Kumar, Chairman, Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission, speaks on the promotion of processing of jackfruit in the state while Shri M.L Suiam, Officer in Special Duty, Directorate of Food Processing gave a brief presentation on Mission Jackfruit.
During the event, Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh visited the various stalls which were selling different kinds of jackfruit products. Others who were present during the programme include Smti Isawanda Laloo, Secretary Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Department, Entrepreneurs and farmers among others.
