On 20th March 2025, the ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) project, organized a significant event for the distribution of turmeric processing machinery to farmers across Meghalaya. As part of the initiative, fifteen turmeric washers and fifteen turmeric slicers were distributed to selected Self-Help Groups (SHGs) or cooperative societies representing various districts, including Ri-Bhoi, East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and East Khasi Hills. This distribution marks an important step towards enhancing post-harvest processing facilities for turmeric in region.
        The event was graced by the presence of several dignitaries and scientists from ICAR RC for NEH Region, including Dr. V. K. Mishra, Director of the Institute; Dr. S. Hazarika, Nodal Officer for the TSP project; Dr. B. P. Singh, Head of the Division of Technology Assessment and Capacity Building; Dr. Badapmain Makdoh, Dr. Heiplanmi Rymbai, Dr. Hammylliende Talang, Dr. Naseeb Singh, Dr. Jiten Singh, and Dr. H. Dayananda Singh.
        Prior to the distribution, around 35 farmers from the selected SHGs and cooperatives participated in a training session aimed at ensuring proper use and maintenance of the distributed machines. Dr. Naseeb Singh, inventor of these machines, conducted the technical training, guiding farmers on the operation, repair, and upkeep of the turmeric washer and slicer. He also explained the functioning and management of the custom hiring centres, encouraging collective use and shared responsibility among members of the cooperatives to ensure sustainability and efficiency.
        Further, Dr. Badapmain Makdoh, Dr. Heiplanmi Rymbai, and Dr. Hammylliende Talang addressed the farmers in the local language, offering valuable insights on agronomic practices, along with fruit and vegetable cultivation techniques suitable for the region.
        To formalize the initiative and ensure accountability, agreements were signed between the Presidents of the respective SHGs/cooperative societies, the TSP Nodal Officer, and the Director of ICAR RC for NEH Region.
        During the event, Dr. S. Hazarika emphasized the importance of using these machines for efficient turmeric processing, highlighting the benefits such as improved quality, and reduced post-harvest losses. Dr. B. P. Singh stressed how the mechanization of turmeric processing significantly reduces physical drudgery, particularly for women farmers who often bear the brunt of manual operations. Dr. V. K. Mishra, in his address, highlighted the institute’s ongoing commitment to the development and welfare of farmers in the NEH Region. He urged the beneficiaries to use the machines judiciously and ensure that the entire farming community benefits from the resources provided under the TSP project.
        The program concluded with the successful distribution of machines, reinforced by expert guidance, training, and mutual agreements that ensured a structured implementation. This initiative is expected to bring substantial improvements in the post-harvest handling of turmeric, enhance value addition, and strengthen livelihood opportunities for the tribal farming communities of Meghalaya.