SHILLONG, July 28: With the objective to provide an opportunity to families to take up additional activities and contribute towards agriculture value chain development, ‘FOCUS+’, an expansion to the government’s flagship initiative FOCUS (Farmers’ Collectivization for Upscaling Production and Marketing Systems), was launched by Chie Minister Conrad Sangma for the benefit of all households across Meghalaya, on Thursday.
Under this scheme, which was launched at an event in Resubelpara, North Garo Hills, a financial aid of Rs 5,000 per household will be provided directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.
FOCUS+ is likely to provide aid to large sections of the state’s rural population and will look to transform lives of the people of the state.
According to a statement, Meghalaya, which is progressing fast on various parameters including the top rating it received in NITI Aayog’s Innovation Index, ranked among the best in Startup ecosystem, global awards, and recognition, looks to be on course to realising its vision of being among the top 10 states in 10 years.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “Over the past four-and-half years, Meghalaya is making constant progress on various fronts, one of our key priority areas is our farmers. FOCUS has provided much-needed impetus for upscaling of farming activities, results of which are for everyone to see. Initiatives like mission mode projects in Lakadong, Piggery, Milk, Spice, Ginger, Aroma and others are providing necessary means to build a support system for our farmerswith interventions from farm to market.”
Admitting that FOCUS scheme is close to his hear, the CM said that FOCUS+ will provide much-needed aid to ensure every family in rural Meghalaya is empowered to realise their true potential.
“The scheme will provide Rs 5,000 cash benefits to households across the State. This is part of our vision to bring all our farmers under collectivisation theme and help them through various interventions, in turn doubling their income,” Sangma added.
The programme FOCUS, originally launched on March 2021 to boost agri economic activities by collectivisation of producer groups to farm and non-farm produce, has benefitted 2.45 lakh farmers till date, the statement said.
Under FOCUS+, households would be provided with a FOCUS+ card as an identification and cash transfer of Rs 5,000 as family benefit. Individuals would need to get registered under a producer group to avail the benefit.
