NERAMAC and NECBDC Transforming Northeastern Agriculture: Empowering Farmers, Fostering Innovation, and Nurturing Artisan Welfare

North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd. (NERAMAC), a PSU under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, has been at the forefront of supporting farmers and producers in the region. The corporation aims to secure remunerative prices for agricultural produce while simultaneously enhancing the agricultural, procurement, processing, and marketing infrastructure. NECBDC distributed around 115 Occupational Health Safety Kits to artisans in NECBDC clusters across Assam and Manipur, contributing to the well-being of the workforce.

NERAMAC actively participated in the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare's scheme for the ‘Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Produce Organizations (FPOs).’ This initiative has led to the formation of 205 FPOs across the North East Region, benefiting 15,500 farmers.

Diverse Procurement and Market Linkages

In the year 2023, NERAMAC, under its umbrella brand 'NE Fresh,' successfully procured more than 140 metric tons of various products, including pineapple, avocado, black rice, cashew nut, large cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper. The corporation has established market linkages, particularly for fresh pineapple and other vegetables, broadening its retail product basket to over 130 items.

Notably, approximately 30 local entrepreneurs and MSMEs have joined forces with NERAMAC for the branding and marketing of their processed products. NERAMAC's retail products are available through 12 stalls and retail outlets, strategically covering seven cities and towns. Among these, two stalls follow the One Station One Product (OSOP) concept, located at Kamakhaya and Dimapur Railway stations.

Introducing 'NERAMAC Premium' for G.I. Tagged Products

A significant milestone in the development of the agri-horti sector in the North East Region is the launch of the brand 'NERAMAC Premium' for marketing Geographical Indication (G.I.) tagged products. NERAMAC facilitated the User Authorization registration of 1308 farmers for all 13 G.I. registered Agri-Horti products, reinforcing the region's commitment to agricultural excellence.

Revitalizing Agricultural Infrastructure

In a commendable effort, NERAMAC revived the Cashew Processing Plant (CPP) in Agartala and the Integrated Ginger Processing Plant (IGPP) in Byrnihat, Meghalaya, during the year. The revival was made possible through fund support from the North Eastern Council (NEC) and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode, respectively.

NECBDC's Bamboo Development and Skill Enhancement

The North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC) achieved a milestone by completing the plantation of 900 hectares in three districts of Assam, covering 3.30 lakh saplings and benefiting 750 farmers. Capacity building and skill upgradation remain central to NECBDC's activities, with 21 training and skill development programs conducted during the period, training more than 463 individuals in cane and bamboo.

Sovima Village Craft Concentration Centre

The Bamboo Based Craft Concentration Centre at Sovima Village, Dimapur, Nagaland, funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER, Government of India, was completed and inaugurated on November 22, 2023. The center focuses on traditional and modern handloom and handicrafts of Nagaland for both domestic and international markets.