Shillong: In a major step toward strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting aromatic crop cultivation, the Meghalaya Aroma Mission under the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), in collaboration with the CSIR–IHBT Aroma Mission, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, inaugurated a Field Distillation Unit (FDU) at Phlangwanbroi village in Mawsynram Block on Tuesday.
The inaugural event was graced by Olan Singh Suin, MLA of Mawsynram Constituency, who unveiled the commemorative plaque and officially opened the facility. The ceremony saw the presence of Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur; Sachin Shankar Gavade, IFS, Executive Director, MBDA; A.L. Bareh, BDO Mawsynram; I. Saiborne, Joint Director, Agriculture (R&T); Bansara Mylliemngap, Joint Director, Horticulture; M. Dkhar, Joint Managing Director, MSFAC; and Aiban Swer, Director, MBDA.
The event drew enthusiastic participation from farmers of Phlangwanbroi and nearby villages, showcasing strong community involvement. In his address, Suin commended the collaboration between institutions and farmers, expressing optimism that the distillation unit — the first in the constituency — would serve as a catalyst for economic growth and agricultural innovation.
He highlighted the potential for lemongrass, bay leaf, and patchouli cultivation in Mawsynram and underscored the importance of value addition to enhance market returns and sustainability. “This initiative will not only improve productivity but also attract visitors and strengthen the local economy,” Suin said.
The event also featured cultural performances by local youth, followed by a live demonstration of the distillation process and a facility tour. Farmer-producer groups were briefed on operational practices, quality control, and market-linkage opportunities.
The new distillation unit represents a milestone in Meghalaya’s mission to integrate agriculture, technology, and community enterprise for sustainable rural progress.
