By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: A distribution programme of livestock to the farmers was conducted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Umiam in collaboration with the Inner Wheel Club of Shillong and the Meghalaya Youth Foundation Mawpyrshong Village, East Khasi Hills District on Wednesday.
During the function, livestock was distributed to the beneficiaries of the village. Also, about 300 numbers of tree saplings were distributed and planted by the farmers which included broom saplings and others.
Senior Scientist of Forestry Division Dr. KP Mohapatra gave a brief insight about the importance of afforestation in the village drawing emphasis on growing trees in the cultivated land and fields.
“The reason as to why trees should be grown in the fields is due to the fact that they retain the fertility of the soil as well as they help retain moisture”, he said. “Growing trees is like investing money in the bank for future use, therefore to have long term investment, trees should be grown”, he added while urging the farmers to grow trees in their gardens so that they will be benefitted in the long run.
Meanwhile, MYF Chairman Joannes JTL Lamare urged the villagers to avail the assistance provided under the Scheme as it would be beneficial for them. He added that this scheme is a Central sponsored scheme and it comes directly to the needy farmers and that their village was lucky to have access to the scheme.
Renowned Scientists of ICAR which included Dr. Samar Hazarika Senior Scientist Soil Division; Dr. G. Kadirvel, Senior Scientist of Animal Production and Dr. Ramkrushna G.I., Scientist of Agronomy Division were present on the day.
Those present at the inaugural function of the distribution Programme also included the President of Inner Wheel Club of Shillong, Chandana Das and her team, Sordar of Mawpyrshong village, members of the dorbar shnong and the local residents of the village and the beneficiaries.