Jackfruit Processing Unit And Community Centre / AtArchitecture

Architects: atArchitecture
Area: 5000 ft²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Avneesh Tiwari
Category: Industrial Architecture, Community Center
Design Lead: Neha Rane, Avneesh Tiwari
Architect Team: Milit satra
Consultant: Integrated Engineering Solutions, Rathi Consortium
Client: Anant Foundation, Government of Meghalaya
City: South Garo Hills
Country: India

Jackfruit Processing Unit and Community Centre designed by atArchitecture in rural Meghalaya, India functions as a dual-purpose facility that supports sustainable agriculture and social infrastructure for a marginalized farming population. Commissioned by the government and operated by a farmers’ cooperative, the center integrates processing spaces with community-use functions while addressing climatic challenges, flooding risks, and seismic vulnerability. A transverse plan separates movement flows and elevates the structure above the floodplain. Four distinct wings accommodate production, staff access, community activities, and goods handling, while an admin core enables passive oversight. The steel superstructure, chosen for affordability and ease of transport, is prefabricated, and rests on a concrete base constructed by skilled local craftsmen. By enabling value-added jackfruit processing, the project recovers produce worth USD 52 million per season and introduces a replicable model for agro-based rural development. Passive design strategies, rainwater harvesting, and solar energy reduce environmental impact while ensuring long-term sustainability and comfort for users.

Jackfruit processing unit and community centre / atarchitecture

A government-funded jackfruit processing plant in rural Meghalaya is part of a farmers’ cooperative and functions not only as a facility for production and the movement of goods but also as a community center for an otherwise isolated population. The design addresses user needs, local climate conditions, and the challenges of a remote setting, while offering an affordable solution that provides added value and long-term benefits.

A transverse plan is used to separate circulation flows while forming an efficient intersection for shared facilities. The structure is elevated above ground and aligned with the road level, preserving the floodplain and allowing continued use of the site during monsoon seasons. The building’s four wings house the goods processing area, staff access, community hall, and production zone. Circulation is organized to ensure that the movement of goods and people remain distinct. A centrally positioned administrative office supports passive surveillance, while the public hall opens toward the village fields, reinforcing the sense of community among users.

To minimize construction costs, the superstructure is constructed from steel, which is the most cost-effective material to transport. Steel also reduces the overall weight of the building and enhances economic efficiency, while prefabrication enables quicker and more straightforward assembly. The concrete base is built by local craftsmen skilled in reinforced cement concrete (RCC) construction, who are recognized nationally for their expertise and also take on the supervision of the entire building process.

By emphasizing a participatory and skill development-focused approach, the facility supports local job creation through the establishment of a complete value chain that includes infrastructure and capacity building for the community. It promotes livelihoods for both farming and non-farming villagers. Situated in a marginalized region of Meghalaya that is vulnerable to flooding and earthquakes, the building is designed for resilience and durability, providing a safe haven for the local population during times of disaster. It also functions as a landmark and prototype, offering the community a sense of identity and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable development.

The project engages two main groups: the producer group, consisting of farmers who cultivate fruits and vegetables, and the processor group, a cooperative of 50 farmers who add value to the produce and manage connections to market networks. Approximately 200 producer groups are involved, each comprising around 20 farmers. Capacity building and development are funded by the state government, while AFISI is responsible for providing training, business planning, and supply chain support. The initiative generates 100 new jobs and increases the income of more than 4,000 farmers, 60 percent of whom are women. It encourages sustainable agricultural practices and contributes to strengthening the local economy. In addition, the facility includes a community center for these farmers and their families, where ethnic, cultural, and recreational events are held.

The project seeks to reduce the waste of ripe jackfruit in the Garo Hills, where seasonal losses are estimated at USD 52 million. This value is recovered through the production of value-added jackfruit products such as canned goods, chips, pickles, and flour. The model demonstrates its replicability by emphasizing affordability and ease of assembly. The plant’s rapid construction is achieved using prefabricated steel components, which are cost-effective, lightweight, and easy to transport and install in remote areas. In addition, the use of local expertise in concrete construction supports the regional economy and contributes to the structure’s durability and the creation of long-term employment.

The jackfruit processing unit and community center support sustainable agricultural practices. The building incorporates a rainwater harvesting system, reducing reliance on external water sources. It operates on solar power, lowering its carbon footprint and promoting the use of renewable energy. The structure’s narrow footprint and orientation minimize heat gain from the west, while allowing sufficient north light and enabling effective cross-ventilation. Moreover, the double-skin construction offers thermal insulation and passive cooling, contributing to a comfortable, energy-efficient, and sustainable working environment for its users.