The Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC), New Delhi is promoting the setting up of a new Company-M/s Exotic Juices Ltd-at Punanamei Mao to encourage processing of Passion Fruits in the area. The Plant which has capacity to process 2 tonnes per hour. first of its kind in North Eastern States is based on the latest know how technology to process aseptic juices and concentrates from Passion Fruits and Oranges. It has generated tremendous interest amongst the Passion growers in the area and neighbouring state Nagaland. In the company the local farmers through Good Samaritan Social Service Association shall Service Association shall hold major share. SFAC and NEDFI are the equity partners.Financial assistances were also extended by the Ministry of Food Processing, GOI and National Horticulture Board. Exim Bank and UBI, Senapati have also extended Term Loans. For promoting and popularising Passion Fruit production a campaign was organised by Good Smaritan Social Service Association, Mao which was jointly sponsored by the Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium, New Delhi and Ministry of Agriculture, Deptt.of Agri.& Cooperation (Horticulture Division), GOI on 14 the Nov.2003 at the premises of the Factory. contribution. The Plant Machineries are supplied and set up by M/s Bertujii, Italy.Addl.Comm.Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, Shri.Henry K Heni, IAS. Commissioner Horticulture, Govt.of Manipur, Shri.Kh.Kirankumar, Director Hort.& SC, Manipur, Shri.Y.Kikon, Director Horticulture, Govt.of Nagaland, Shri.S.Sonowal, representative from Exim Bank, Mumbai, Shri.Ashok Jain, MD Vibrant Project Consultant (P) Ltd. Shri. Shukla representative from M/s Pennwatt Bartuzzi Ltd and Shri.Dikko Mao, Managing Director, Good Samaritan Social Service Association, Punanamei, Mao deliberated in the Campaign. The function was participated by about 450 delegates from Manipur and Nagaland.Shri.GS Dutt. Managing Director, SFAC has assured to fully support for successful running of the plant by providing an agri-clinic at the project site to provide extension and other required support to the passion fruit and other horticultural crop growers of the area. Marketing tie-ups for export and domestic marketing of the passion fruit and orange juices have also been made. It is hopeful that setting up of such a unique plant will herald an integrated development of the area in particular and the State as a whole.