Arunachal minister inaugurates administrative block at Rongoge Mega Food Park near Banderdewa

Arunachal Pradesh Industries Minister Nyato Dukam on July 11, inaugurated the administrative block of the Rongoge Mega Food Park at Dolikoto near Banderdewa, describing the project as a major step towards strengthening the state's food processing sector and creating opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.
 

The Mega Food Park, developed under the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries' (MoFPI) scheme, is designed to connect agricultural production with retail markets through a hub-and-spoke model, helping reduce post-harvest losses, promote value addition and generate rural employment.
 

Speaking at the inauguration, Lead Promoter of the Mega Food Park, Likha Maj, said the newly inaugurated administrative block would serve as the centre for implementing policies and programmes related to the project.
 

"There will be a food testing laboratory, and investor meetings will also be held here in the future," he said.
 

Maj said the Mega Food Park has been developed over 75 acres with supporting infrastructure such as roads, electricity and water supply. He added that the park is expected to house 35 food processing units, with investors being invited to establish industries at the site.
 

The project began in 2019 and was originally scheduled for completion by 2024. However, it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and delays in assistance from the state government, he said.
 

According to Maj, the facility is the only Mega Food Park in Arunachal Pradesh and one of only three such parks in the Northeast. It houses an international-standard food testing laboratory certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), where feed and raw materials are tested.
 

He said the park currently has a multidisciplinary workforce comprising veterinary doctors, nutritionists, food processing engineers and other professionals, with more than 45 staff members.
 

Maj also highlighted the opportunities available to local entrepreneurs, stating that eligible food processing units can avail grants of up to 75 per cent under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries' policy.
 

"Arunachal Pradesh has immense potential in the food processing sector, and this Mega Food Park is a golden opportunity for farmers and local entrepreneurs," he said.
 

Speaking to India Today NE, Minister Dukam said the project had overcome several hurdles, including issues related to forest clearances, before becoming a reality.
 

"After many obstacles from the forest and other issues, this Mega Food Park has finally become a reality. I assure that by 2027, it will be fully commissioned during my tenure," the minister said.
 

Once fully operational, the Mega Food Park is expected to provide integrated infrastructure for food processing, storage, quality testing and marketing, while enhancing value addition to agricultural produce and boosting employment in the state.