Interest-free loan to farmers

TURA, Aug 23: With an eye on boosting the farming sector in the state and the farmers’ fraternity, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has announced two crucial financial support schemes aimed at raising the production level and marketing opportunities for both individual and groups alike.
The chief minister, on Monday, attended an interaction programme termed ‘Producers Group’, an initiative of Farmers Collectivization for Upscaling Production and Marketing Systems (Focus) at Gokulgre village of Mendal in North Garo Hills.
It was in the meeting the chief minister announced that his government has earmarked funds to the tune of Rs 200 crore which will be utilised for farmers, producers’ groups and entrepreneurs to help them in their ventures.
“As a first step, funds amounting to Rs 40 crore is to be shortly released under Phase 1 for various groups,” stated Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at the farmers’ meet.
“Our government has also envisaged interest free loans to the farmers and support producers groups,” added Conrad as he urged the farmers to work together and avail the benefits of the scheme.
According to the chief minister, as many as 30,000 farmers across the state stand to benefit from this government initiative in the next couple of months.
To coincide with the birth anniversary of NPP founder and Garo Hills’ renowned political leader and parliamentarian, late Purno A Sangma, on September 1, the government is launching the FOCUS programme in various parts of the state on the same day during which financial support will be released to the producers’ groups.