SHILLONG, Sep 21: Meghalaya is metamorphosing into a self-reliant state in meat production through various government interventions, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said on Wednesday, as he handed over piglets under PROGRESS scheme to farmers in Kharkutta, North Garo Hills.
According to a statement, the programme was attended by Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira, MLAs Rupert Momin and Pongseng Marak, over 5,000 farmers, et al.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister said that there is a huge opportunity in the state’s piggery sector as 18,000 metric tonnes of pork, annually amounting to Rs 630 crore, is consumed in Meghalaya.
Informing that at least 50 per cent of the total quantity of pork is imported from other states, which amounts to Rs 315 crore, Conrad said the state government, through the PROGRESS scheme and Piggery Mission, will address the shortage of pork in the market and ensure that income is generated for farmers.
Informing that piggery mission is being initiated through cooperative societies and people should take advantage of the programme, Conrad said the goal is to minimise the import of pork and increase the supply of the same.
“State is moving towards a direction to make itself self-reliant in meat production through various mission mode programmes such as goatry, piggery, fish, etc.,” the chief minister said.
With regard to youth initiatives, the chief minister assured that at least 2,000 registered youth organisations in Meghalaya will benefit from the YESS programme.
He said that under the programme, the government has envisioned supporting 5,000 groups so that different activities relating to promotion of culture, sports, arts, environment and other activities could be taken up.
“The objective of YESS initiative is to give up to Rs 1 lakh to each group to utilise the funds for different youth activities,” Conrad said.
During the event, the chief minister also distributed FOCUS+ cards among the farming fraternity, while assuring government’s continued support to the farmers.
He also informed that an annual budget of Rs 250 crore will be earmarked for the programme.
“This is the second year of the programme, and the government has witnessed the success of this programme and has decided to continue with this programme for transformation of the farming sector and welfare of the farmers,” he said.
During the day-long visit to North Garo Hills, the chief minister also laid the foundation for two bridges at Chikal Pekro and at Kentra village, both over Manda river that connects North Garo Hills to East Garo Hills route.
He also inspected the ongoing construction of the Rongjeng-Mangsang-Adokgre road and the ongoing construction of the Chenanggre Stadium at Adokgre.
