SHILLONG, Nov 17: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government is working to bring a turnaround in the lives of the farmers through different interventions and programmes.
He claimed the previous government had no such programmes for the welfare of the farmers.
“Our government has remained committed to the welfare of the farming community. Through FOCUS and other schemes, we are trying to provide maximum support to them,” Conrad said, addressing a gathering of beneficiaries of FOCUS+, PROGRESS, YESS Meghalaya and self-help groups at Rangatari in South West Garo Hills.
“Our farmers’ welfare programme has benefited 4.5 lakh people. There were no such programmes for the welfare of farmers in the previous government,” he claimed.
Stating that FOCUS and FOCUS+ are the biggest farmers’ welfare programmes in the whole of the
Northeast, Conrad said, “Cash benefit of Rs 5,000 to each individual in every household for the next ten years is our target and we are committed to ensure this.”
On misinformation allegedly being spread by elements that FOCUS funds are loans, the chief minister said, “FOCUS funds are not loans but financial support to the farmers of the state”.
He told the gathering that Rs 450 crore has been earmarked for the implementation of FOCUS programme in the state. He said nearly Rs 150 crore has been disbursed till date under FOCUS and FOCUS+ programmes across the state.
“The success of the programme will depend on you,” he said and advised the beneficiaries to use the money judiciously.
Terming FOCUS a “unique programme” directly benefiting the farmers, Sangma asked vested interests not to politicise the programme.
“This will bring a transformation and revolution in the lives of the people. This programme is to bring welfare and benefits to our people,” he added.
During the programme, 793 individual producers of Rangatari and South West Garo Hills were provided with Rs 7.93 lakh under FOCUS+.
Similarly, 400 pig farmers received piglets and 70 poultry farmers received kuroiler poultry birds under PROGRESS.
