Shillong, Feb 10: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said around 4.5 lakh families are dependent on Agriculture.
Considering the huge population, he said it is important for farmers to take advantage of the FOCUS (Farmers Collectivisation for Upscaling Production and Marketing Systems) programme of the government.
He said interest-free loans that were being provided by the Govt would ensure that the livelihoods of farmers are upscaled.
He later interacted with Producers Groups at Baghmara and distributed financial assistance amounting to ₹ 1.1 cr to 166 producers groups.
FOCUS is a flagship initiative of the state government to provide market access and financial assistance to farmers collective. The farmers in the state who account to about 70 per cent of the population, will receive added benefits through the FOCUS programme to supplement the various welfare schemes of the Government that are in line with the state’s vision for the agriculture sector.