SHILLONG, Feb 12: At least 288 producer groups from Tikrikilla region in West Garo Hills district, on Saturday, received cheques amounting to Rs 1.86 crore at a public programme, which was attended by producers groups, self help groups and cooperative societies
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma reiterated the government’s ambitious farmers’ collectivisation programme – FOCUS — that aims to revolutionise farming activities linked to income generations.
“As a government, we realised that our farming communities in the state were left out, which called for launching various welfare initiatives for the farmers. Through our programmes, we are providing support, financial assistance and market linkage, so as to upscale farming activities,” he said.
The chief minister also informed the gathering that under FOCUS, Rs 200 crore has been earmarked for the current financial year, which is being disbursed to farmers across the state as financial support.
During the programme, women-led SHGs were also provided interest-free bank loans worth Rs 29 lakh and Community Investment Funds worth Rs 21 lakh.
“Our commitment to spur women empowerment and their entrepreneurial dreams is testament to the burgeoning SHGs Movement in the state,” Conrad said.
During the daylong programme in Tikrikilla, the chief minister also interacted with beneficiaries of PMAYG, MGNREGS, NSAP, farmers and SHGs.
Cold storage unit
The chief minister, during the day, also inaugurated the cold storage unit of the Rengsinpara Integrated Village Cooperative Society at Lower Rengsinpara under Tikrikilla block in West Garo Hills.
The project promoted under MEGH-LAMP, MBMA West Garo Hills, covers seven villages under cluster mode.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that the project will greatly help the farmers in storing and preserving agricultural produce for longer periods irrespective of weather and climatic conditions.
He added that the government will set up more cold storages in different parts of the state for the benefit of the farming community.
The cold storage constructed at a cost of 15 lakhs under funding from MEGH-LAMP and SELCO foundation runs completely on solar power and has a capacity of 5 MT.
The chief minister also took time to interact with the villagers of Rengsinpara and nearby villages.
He informed the gathering of the different programmes initiated by the government for the welfare of our farmers. He also exhorted people to avail benefits from various programmes and schemes designed to enhance the livelihood of rural farmers.
The chief minister also informed the gathering of the different initiatives for farmers that the government is promoting through the Integrated Village Cooperative Societies.
It may be mentioned here that the Collective Marketing Center (CMC) is another initiative taken by the Rengsingpara IVCS Ltd. which is being installed at a cost of around 8 lakhs.
Both the Cold Storage and Collective Marketing Center is facilitated by MBMA (MeghaLAMP), West Garo Hills.