JOWAI, Jan 16: Farmers and entrepreneurs from across West Jaintia Hills district showcased their products during a Horti Fair-cum-Exhibition organised by the Office of the District Horticulture, West Jaintia Hills.
Organised under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) 2024-25 at the Marian Hill Higher Secondary School playground, Moosalyngkat, Jowai, the event brought together cultivators and entrepreneurs from all parts of the district, providing them with a platform to display horticultural produce and value-added products, while also facilitating interaction with departmental officials.
The programme was attended by West Jaintia Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner, DV Lyngdoh, and Joint Director of Horticulture (PA&A), Shillong, Luciana Lakiang, as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
Addressing the gathering, Lyngdoh appreciated the efforts of the Horticulture department in creating a common platform for farmers from all four blocks of the district. She underlined the importance of knowledge sharing, interaction with departmental officials and awareness of government schemes, and encouraged farmers to adopt modern technologies and diversify their activities to enhance income and productivity.
Lakiang, on the other hand, informed farmers about various schemes under the Horticulture and Agriculture departments, stressing the importance of natural and organic farming, as well as the cultivation of high-value crops.
Meanwhile, Assistant Director of Horticulture R. Lamare explained that the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at the holistic development of the horticulture sector by improving productivity, thereby ensuring the availability of quality planting material, strengthening post-harvest management, promoting value addition and increasing farmers’ income.
During the event, the dignitaries also visited the exhibition stalls, and distributed prizes to winners.
