State govt to implement special schemes to help farmers

NONGPOH: The State Government through the Directorate of Agriculture will implement special schemes for farmers of the state to boost the economic condition through agriculture sector.
This was informed by the Agriculture Production Commissioner for the state, KN Kumar while addressing the Kisan Mela held at Krishi Vigyan, ICAR Complex, Umiam on Monday.
The Mela was organised by the Agriculture Technology and Management Agency (ATMA), in collaboration with the Horticulture of Ri Bhoi District.
Kumar also informed that the Directorate of Agriculture was established by the state government with the sole intention to boost the production of farmers and help them turn their produces into a value addition to increase their income.
Kumar stated that as Meghalaya, unlike other bigger states like Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka is having only 15 per cent of agricultural land; therefore it is important that the farmers should consider food processing and send their produces as finished product to the market in order to increase their income instead of selling raw materials which yields lower profit as compared to finished product.
He also informed that the government is concerned over the situation of farmers in the state, and that is why they have come up with several initiatives to generate higher profits and income for them
Others dignitaries who were also present at the programme include Dean of Central Agricultural University, Umiam, Dr. U.K Behara, Ri Bhoi Horticulture Officer, G Shylla and other officers.