SynopsisUnion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted Northeast India's potential as a growth engine, emphasizing sustainable agriculture and organic produce. Inaugurating a major organic spice processing plant in Meghalaya, she stressed quality over quantity for future agricultural success. Sitharaman also addressed a conference on leveraging externally aided projects, underscoring the need for strong institutions and partnerships to unlock the region's development potential and integrate it into India's mainstream growth agenda.Listen to this article in summarized formatAgenciesGuwahati: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said that northeast India can emerge as the country's next engine of growth by capitalising on sustainable agriculture and organic produce.Addressing an event after inaugurating the northeast's largest organic spice processing plant of the Eastern Ri-Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company Ltd. at Lumdaitkhla in Bhoirymbong, Sitharaman said the future of agriculture would increasingly favour quality over quantity.Read more: IOCL Solarises commissioned 150 kW Rooftop Solar System at its Guwahati facility“The future of agriculture increasingly belongs not to those who produce the most, but to those who produce the best, cleaner, more traceable, more trusted, and more premium products,” she said.The finance minister noted that states like Meghalaya need not compete with larger agricultural states in terms of production volume. “When Meghalaya’s farmers rise, the northeast rises. And when the northeast rises, India’s growth gains a new engine,” she said.Sitharaman added that the future belongs to trusted quality and reliable producers, placing Meghalaya in a strong position to benefit from the growing global demand for premium organic products.Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma stated in X, “Delighted to have Hon’ble Union Finance Minister, Smti. @nsitharamanji with us to inaugurate North East India’s largest Organic Spice Processing Plant of the Eastern Ri Bhoi Organic Farmer Producer Company Ltd. at Lumdaitkhla, Bhoirymbong. Meghalaya’s Lakadong turmeric, ginger and black pepper have earned recognition across India and beyond for their exceptional quality. This state-of-the-art processing facility marks a significant step towards strengthening our organic agriculture ecosystem by enhancing value addition, improving market access, and ensuring that our farmers receive greater returns from their produce. By bridging the gap between farm output and commercial markets, the plant will create new opportunities for growth, livelihoods, and sustainable prosperity in one of Meghalaya’s most important agricultural sectors."Sitharaman arrived at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati on a two-day visit to the region. She was received by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Assam Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah.Sitharaman, inaugurated the Conference on “Leveraging Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the North-Eastern States” in Shillong, emphasizing the critical role of strong institutions, implementation capacity and collaborative partnerships in unlocking the region’s immense development potential.The two-day conference, organised by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, has brought together policymakers, state governments, multilateral development banks, bilateral agencies and development practitioners.Sitharaman noted that Externally Aided Projects have emerged as an important source of development financing for the North-Eastern States, supporting investments in infrastructure, connectivity, livelihoods and social-sector development. She said the conference provides a valuable platform for the Centre and the Northeastern States to strengthen planning and implementation of such projects through greater coordination, faster execution and the sharing of best practices, thereby channelling development finance towards critical priorities and accelerating inclusive and sustainable growth across the region.The Finance Minister said that the Northeast is entering a decisive phase of development where stronger institutions, implementation capacity and partnerships are as important as investments. She noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Northeast has moved from the margins to the mainstream of India’s development agenda and will be central to the realization of the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.The Finance Minister outlined eight key enablers that will shape the next phase of development in the region.She emphasized the importance of leadership, noting that alignment between the Centre and the States accelerates development outcomes and strengthens public confidence. She also stressed the need to strengthen institutional capacity for effective planning, implementation, monitoring and service delivery.Read more: Assam and Arunachal Pradesh strengthen cooperation in excise administrationHighlighting the Northeast’s demographic strength, Sitharaman described the region’s youth, entrepreneurial energy and women leaders as key drivers of growth. She called for greater investments in human capital and reiterated the Government’s commitment to promoting women-led development as a cornerstone of inclusive progress.Read More News on