By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 26: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday revealed that livestock farming is not classified as an industry in Meghalaya.
In reply to a query by UDP legislator from Mawkyrwat, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, the CM said that food processing is an industry.
On the query about subsidies provided to livestock farming sector, Sangma said the ‘Progress’ programme was started last year as part of which the state government has been distributing piglets and chicks to different farmers.
He added that under CM-Elevate programme, a very large component of subsidy is given especially for livestock farming.
“We have received over 30,000 applications for CM-Elevate in a span of 2 months. Out of this, 20,000 (applications) are for livestock farming,” he said, while adding that under the CM-Elevate, 50% subsidy is being extended by the government,” he added.
To another query on why the same benefits provided under industrial policy are not extended to livestock farmers, the CM said, “Farming is farming and industry is industry, as per definition, and therefore, it cannot be mixed”.
He, however, asserted that the government is providing adequate support to the farmers in the state.
Over 100 pick-up trucks have been provided for transportation of agricultural produces.
“We want to give another 500 vehicles in the next 5 years,” he said.
The CM also informed that the government is providing free power through promotion of renewal energy system in as many as 166 food processing plants across the state.
