From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH: With an aim to promote tea cultivation in Ri-Bhoi District that could benefit all the tea growers of the district, the Ri-Bhoi Tea Growers Association on Wednesday conducted one day interactive session held at Tea Plantation Centre of Lumnongrim Dewlieh village.
The session conducted by the RBTGA was also attended by the members of Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers Associations (CISGA).
President, CISTA Bijoygopal Chakraborty highlighted the initiatives taken by them with the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India and Tea Board of India (TBI). He said that the government has now created the Directorate of Small Tea Growers with its headquarters at Dibrugarh, Axom giving more thrust on the plight of difficulties and importance of the role played by the small tea growers in the Tea Industry of the country. He has also urged the small tea growers of the state to be part of the organization at the national level. He also highlighted the benefit by registering under the CISTA where the tea growers could get many facilities like subsidy for their unit cost not only from the CISTA but also from the Tea Board of India and the central government.
Assistant Director, TBI DM Kakati highlighted the simplified registration norms for the farmers of the state being in the non-traditional area which has become a relief to the farmers. He urged the farmers to form into registered SHGs for availing facilities which were spelt out since the 10th 5 Year Plan period and to register themselves with TBI.
He also stated that the motivational incentives by means of awards are also underway for the 3 best small tea growers and one best Bought Leaf Factory of the state of Meghalaya. He also informed that improvement of facilities for the small tea growers are forthcoming in the 12th 5 Year Plan of the Government of India.
ML Sumiam, HDO (Tea), Meghalaya further highlighted the initiatives of the government in this direction as he is also a member of the TBI.
He said the state government is under process to promote tea cultivation in the state that could benefit the tea growers and added tea plantation in the state will not only profit the tea growers but also create employment.
Among others who actively participated in the interaction are KW Chyne, Secretary, RTGA; S Dohling, President, RTGA and the meeting was chaired by Thomas R Mallai, Administrative Officer of Bosco Reachout and Ombudsman of Ribhoi District under MNREGA.
