Yazali, February 19: In a major push to strengthen value addition and improve market access for farmers, a Spices Processing Centre was inaugurated at Tagar Complex, Yazali, in Keyi Panyor district on Thursday.
 |
| Officials and dignitaries at the inauguration of the Spices Processing Centre at Tagar Complex, Yazali, Keyi Panyor district. (TNP) |
The facility was inaugurated by Toko Togur, Deputy Director, Department of Trade & Commerce, in the presence of Rev. Bishop Benny Varghese Edathattel of the Diocese of Itanagar, officials of the Spices Board of India, entrepreneurs, farmers and community representatives.
With a processing capacity of 1,000 kg per day, the centre is expected to benefit spice growers not only from Keyi Panyor but also neighbouring districts such as Kra Daadi, Lower Subansiri and Kamle. The district is known for producing ginger, large cardamom and turmeric, but the lack of processing infrastructure had often forced farmers to sell raw produce at lower prices.
Addressing the gathering, Toko Togur described the inauguration as a milestone for the district’s agricultural economy. He highlighted initiatives under the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) framework, noting that trading licences are now being issued through an online portal to streamline services.
ALSO READ: Arunachal Police Bust Vehicle Fraud Racket, Seize 16 High-End Cars; Guwahati Man Arrested
He also announced plans to establish an Export Facilitation Centre at Chimpu in Itanagar to help local exporters complete export-import procedures within the state, eliminating the need to travel to cities like Guwahati, Kolkata or Delhi. Farmers were encouraged to participate in the India International Trade Fair in New Delhi and avail training opportunities conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Kolkata.
Blessing the facility, Rev. Bishop Benny Varghese Edathattel said value addition through processing would ensure fair returns for farmers and prevent exploitation by middlemen. He expressed hope that the centre would motivate farmers to expand spice production.
Entrepreneur Tatung Tama, proprietor of Tam’s Organic Pvt Ltd, urged farmers to focus on indigenous spices and continue traditional organic farming practices, citing strong demand for naturally grown produce from Arunachal Pradesh. Representatives from the Spices Board of India and local entrepreneurs also shared insights on processing, branding and marketing.
Officials said the newly established centre would strengthen the agri-horti sector by enhancing value addition, improving income opportunities and promoting sustainable farming practices in the region.
