SHILLONG: The Directorate of Horticulture, department of Agriculture has stated that during the financial year 2016-17, the Centre allocated Rs 28.33 crore for the State under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture.
Clarifying on a news report that appeared in The Shillong Times, the department stated that out of the allocated amount, a sum of Rs 16.75 crore has been released to the State as first installment which is in the process of implementation.
“Out of the total available amount of Rs 16.75 crore, an amount of Rs 4.52 crore (including spillover) has been utilized during the current financial year,” the Directorate of Horticulture said.
“As for nurseries, 10 ha of land have been earmarked for production of fruit saplings for the year 2016-17. Out of the aforesaid, an area of 3 ha has been achieved. The remaining area will be taken up within this financial year,” the statement said. It added that with regard to the “post harvest management”, the remaining financial target of 0.2 per cent is under implementation. “Various market infrastructures have been established in the state from the other State Plan Schemes,” the statement said and added that cold storages are being established in different parts of Meghalaya as per requirement.
“If need arises, the aggrieved farmers/producers may contact the department for redress,” the statement said.
The department has not stopped procurement of certified organic inputs as stated. In addition to procurement of certified organic inputs, the department is engaged in promoting and encouraging the farmers to produce organic manure by virtue of 18 days composting method which is cost effective and easy to produce in the farmer’s fields themselves.
