NESCOM, Guwahati, February 19, 2026: A Spices Processing Center aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods was inaugurated at Yazali Village in Keyi Panyor District, Arunachal Pradesh, under the aegis of the Diocese of Itanagar. The initiative is expected to benefit more than 250 farmers by promoting value addition, improving product quality, and enhancing income opportunities.
Arunachal Pradesh, located in India’s northeastern region, is rich in agricultural potential, particularly in the cultivation of spices such as turmeric, ginger, chilli, and large cardamom. However, farmers have long faced challenges including limited processing facilities, post-harvest losses, and dependence on intermediaries for market access.
The newly established center addresses these gaps by providing facilities for cleaning, drying, grinding, grading, and packaging spices. By integrating production, processing, and marketing under one roof, the project seeks to reduce post-harvest losses, improve quality standardization, and ensure better price realization for farmers.
Strengthening the Local Spice Value Chain
The Spices Processing Center has been designed to enhance scientific processing, promote value addition, and facilitate access to regional and national markets. In addition to improving farmers’ incomes, the initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities for rural youth and women, while encouraging cluster-based spice cultivation and collective marketing.
The key objectives of the project include:
Establishing a modern processing unit for cleaning, drying, grinding, grading, and packaging.
Enhancing value addition and improving market competitiveness of local spices.
Creating employment opportunities for rural youth and women.
Promoting organized, cluster-based production and collective marketing.
Supporting branding and wider market access for Yazali-grown spices.
Inauguration Ceremony
The center was officially inaugurated by Shri Toko Togur, Deputy Director, Department of Trade and Commerce, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in the presence of Shri Toko Bath of the Spice Board, Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Tai Arun, Trade Development Officer; Shri Toko Soul, Inspector, Trade and Commerce; along with entrepreneurs and farmers from Keyi Panyor District.
Most Rev. Bishop Benny Edathattel of the Diocese of Itanagar blessed the center and encouraged the community to utilize the facility effectively for sustainable economic growth. On the occasion, Shri Toko Togur received the first sale from Shri Taw Tagur, a community leader, symbolizing the formal commencement of operations. The programme was compered by Karang Robert and Taba Yasum.
Church-Led Rural Development Initiative
The Diocese of Itanagar expressed gratitude to Fr. Dr. Robin Thomas, Director of IDEA — the social development wing of the Diocese — for initiating the project. Recognizing the untapped potential of spice cultivation in Yazali, his leadership combines pastoral commitment with developmental vision, positioning the processing center as a catalyst for rural economic advancement.
Fr. Jinu MCBS, Parish Priest of Yazali, also played a pivotal role in mobilizing the community and supporting the implementation of the initiative. Through coordinated efforts, the center has emerged as a symbol of community empowerment and economic self-reliance.
The establishment of the Spices Processing Center represents a transformative step toward sustainable livelihoods, improved market integration, and long-term economic resilience for farming families in Northeast India.