CM dreams to make state a destination for investment in livestock and dairy products
- Chief Minister Mukul Sangma looks at an Emu during the workshop on livestock farming at Ampati Mini Stadium on Friday.
AMPATI: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma launched the workshop on livestock farming for the farmers of Zikzak, Betasing and Selsella blocks in a massive gathering at Ampati Mini Stadium here on Friday. The workshop-cum-exhibition was organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary in collaboration with the District Basin Development Unit, South West Garo Hills.
Addressing the farmers on the occasion, Sangma informed that under the dairy farming scheme, 5000 families in the three blocks of Garo Hills would be provided with two cows each at a cost of Rs. 2 lakh per unit. Besides, required assistance and technical training will be provided to selected farmers for rearing of the cow.
Elaborating on the economics of dairy farming, the Chief Minister said that it is the fastest growing sector which the State should take advantage of in order to bridge the “gap of unemployment”.
He informed that sanction has been given for 1600 cows in the first phase which would be distributed to 800 farmers selected from the three blocks.
“We want to create a number of activities revolving around livestock mission. We want to make Meghalaya an alternative destination for investment in livestock and dairy products,” he said.
The same kind of programme was launched in Upper Shillong towards the end of last year.
Stating that many people from villages migrate to urban areas in the hope of finding better opportunities and end up in frustrating situations, Sangma said that this new initiative, which will cover maximum number of farmers, would ensure that they do not have to leave their homes in search of opportunities.
CM lambasts ‘criminals’
The Chief Minister also lambasted those who resort to killings, extortion, abduction and other form of violence in the name of fighting for separate state.
“After 43 years of statehood, we are still trying to put things together and people are demanding for a separate state,” he said while urging upon the youths to take up dairy farming and set example to others.
“If you want to leave behind assets for your children and grand children, take up dairy farming,” he told the gathering and also urged upon the farmers to be active partners in the process of development.
He also said that the project would open up many ancillary activities in rural areas.
The Chief Minister also informed the gathering that target has also been given to the department for poultry farming and piggery, so that those who are not interested in dairy farming can opt for these activities.
Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Zenith Sangma in his address highlighted on the statistics of dairy farming and compared the benefits with that of government service.
Parliamentary Secretary, Home & Education, WD Sangma, Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh, Director, AH & Veterinary, JS Jyrwa, District Veterinary Officer, Dr. PK Marak and EAC in-charge Basin Development Unit, Ampati, WRG Momin also spoke on the occasion.
The Chief Minister along with other dignitaries also inspected the exhibition on dairy and poultry products put up by the department on the occasion.
In the technical sessions held during the day, officials of the department deliberated on various aspects of dairy farming and livestock production for the benefit of the farmers.