SHILLONG, Dec 22: In a major boost to pig farming in Meghalaya, select cooperatives societies and Integrated Village Cooperative Societies (IVCS) from the eleven districts from the state were sanctioned funds via cheques during the Meghalaya Piggery Mission Roll-out Function at the State Convention Centre on Tuesday.
The Meghalaya Livestock Enterprises Advancement Society distributed the cheques.
The Meghalaya Piggery Mission aims to make the state self-sufficient in pork production, improve incomes of over 25,000 households, enhance food security, strengthen cooperative culture and credit extensions and improve the nutritional status of the state’s population.
Addressing the gathering through video conference, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma lauded the efforts of all stakeholders in making the Meghalaya Piggery Mission a reality while also underlining the importance of the project on which the government has been working for a year and half.
Stating that a lot of revenue is going outside the state in purchasing pigs, Conrad encouraged individuals, co-operatives societies and the community to come forward and avail the various schemes under Meghalaya Piggery Mission, and thereby help in enhancing the economic condition of the people.
In his address, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong stated that this is a historic moment for the cooperative sector, while also expressing hope that the financial assistance will serve as working capital for the beneficiaries. Later, the deputy chief minister handed over the cheques to all the beneficiaries.
Others present during the function were GHP Raju, Principal Secretary, Cooperation, Dr Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner and Secretary, Cooperation, WAM Booth, Joint Secretary Cooperation and Chief Executive Officer, M-LEADS among others.