Assam Hills Small Industries Development Corporation (AHSIDC) and Karbi Hills Processors Private Limited, a company promoted by entrepreneurs from Kerala, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to set up ethanol and agro-based manufacturing units at Mailoo in West Karbi Anglong, marking a step towards boosting industrial activity in the hill districts of Assam, Pratidin Time reported.
The MoU was signed by AHSIDC Managing Director Dhonsing Lekthe and Meena Thomas, Director of Karbi Hills Processors Private Limited, in the presence of senior officials and public representatives. Those present included AHSIDC Chairman Ratan Teron, Diphu MLA Bidya Sing Engleng, Corporation Chairman Arun Terang, and Protima Rongpip, Joint Secretary in the Industry Department of the Government of Assam.
The proposed project will come up on about 22 bighas of land at Mailoo that has remained unused for several years. Officials said the initiative is expected to bring industrial activity to West Karbi Anglong, which has seen limited development in this sector so far.
Under the project, Karbi Hills Processors Private Limited will first set up a rice processing unit along with facilities to manufacture bags used for grain storage. Plans have also been outlined to establish an ethanol plant in the future, while the possibility of cement production will be explored at a later stage.
Speaking after the signing, company director Meena Thomas said the rice processing unit would be the first to begin operations. She said the ethanol project would depend on the availability of raw materials and would require close coordination with local farmers. The company plans to hold discussions with farmers to encourage the cultivation of suitable crops to ensure a steady supply.
Thomas also said the project would focus on generating local employment, adding that all workers would be recruited from within the region.
The development has renewed attention on earlier proposals to set up a sugar mill in the Kheroni and Mailoo areas, which are known for sugarcane cultivation, though that plan has not yet taken shape. Officials said the new initiative is expected to support agriculture, create jobs and open up new economic opportunities in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong.
