By Our Reporter
NONGPOH, May 9: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday appealed to the youths to take bold steps towards entrepreneurship, especially in agriculture, as he flagged off a consignment of 1,700 metric tons of broomgrass at Khlieh Umstem under Umroi constituency in Ri-Bhoi district.
The programme, supported under the CM-Assure scheme, marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to strengthen its agricultural economy.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the rural economy.
On the occasion, cheques were distributed to five farmers and agriculture response vehicles were handed over to improve farm logistics.
“This government has done many things to support and help our farmers. I am not saying that we have changed everything, but a huge difference has been made,” Sangma said, pointing to schemes like the Turmeric and Ginger Missions, CM-Assure and CM-Elevate as part of a broader mission to make agriculture more profitable and resilient.
On the occasion, he also announced the upcoming inauguration of a Rs 23 crore ginger processing unit in Ri-Bhoi that will process 4,000 metric tons annually and benefit farmers across the region. He noted that such units are being handed over to farmer cooperatives rather than being managed by the government.
Addressing challenges in storage and transport, Sangma informed the gathering about the CM-Elevate programme, which offers subsidies for agri-transport vehicles and storage units on a 75:25 cost-sharing basis. “Hundreds of such vehicles are already on the road,” he said, with a goal of reaching 1,000.
He also proposed a partnership with local MLA Charles Marngar for co-funding storage facilities, urging leaders to work collectively for the broader farming community. “Let us build it together, not just for one group or society, but for all,” he said.
Sangma further encouraged the development of local broomgrass-based industries, stating, “Why not start producing the finished product right here? I am ready to fund the machinery and training if our farmers are willing.”
Calling on the youth to drive this agricultural transformation, he said, “We’ve laid the structure—with seeds, capital, processing and logistics. But the real transformation will only come with scale. Some of you will have to take that initiative, take that risk. The government will support you, but you must begin the journey.”
The programme was also attended by Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar, Agriculture Secretary Sibhi Chakravarthy Sadhu, Horticulture Director B. Umlong and Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal.