Even as the Common Facility Centre (CFC) Food Processing Unit at Yaongyimsen was discussed in the Assembly, sources told this newspaper that ginger from villages in and around Changtongya, including Yaongyimsen, is currently being procured by exporters in quantities ranging between 11 and 30 metric tonnes.
According to the sources, this batch of ginger will be transported to Siliguri and Bangladesh, where it undergoes dehydration before entering international supply chains.
Industry sources told this newspaper that the ‘medium-sized local Naga ginger’ grown in the region is particularly suitable for dehydration because it contains higher fibre and lower moisture content compared to many other varieties.
After dehydration, the processed ginger moves into the food processing chain, supplying industries involved in the production of spices as well as pharmaceutical products. Much of this processing and value addition currently takes place outside Nagaland.
The dehydrated products are also routed through Bangladesh seaports for export to other countries, sources said.
Responding to a starred question raised by MLA Nuklutoshi during Question Hour on the fifth day of the ongoing Eighth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio informed the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Thursday that the Common Facility Centre (CFC) Food Processing Unit at Yaongyimsen in Mokokchung district could be completed and become operational within a year if the pending central share is released.
Rio said the project’s completion now depends on the release of the 60 per cent central share from the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
The Chief Minister, who also holds the Industries and Commerce portfolio, stated that once the central funding is released, the processing unit at Yaongyimsen could be completed and begin operations within a year.
During the discussion, Nuklutoshi highlighted the importance of the project for the region, stating that its timely completion would benefit farmers not only from surrounding areas but also from neighbouring districts by providing opportunities for processing and value addition.
Industry sources also pointed out that the presence of local dehydration or processing units could attract investors, noting that such facilities are commonly found in places like Siliguri, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
They added that the establishment of a functional processing unit could help create a more secure market for farmers, generate local employment, and enable Nagaland’s horticulture produce to move further up the value chain within the state itself.