SHILLONG, March 9: In line with the dairy mission that was launched in Meghalaya, the state government is mooting introduction of several cattle ranches across several districts to house high milk-yielding cattle.
Replying to short duration discussion raised by Congress MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department, Prestone Tynsong, informed that a cattle ranch would come in South West Khasi Hills for 100 high milk-yielding cattle. Similarly, some more ranches are being planned in West Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi, while land is being identified in Garo Hills for the purpose.
Informing that the state government is planning to make dairy mission an interest-free loan initiative, he informed that the department is currently working in tandem with the Finance department.
Tynsong also informed that around 1,500 cooperative societies are functional out of the 2,000 cooperative societies in Meghalaya.
He added that the documentation of the milk mission would be circulated with the MLAs soon.
With regard to the piggery mission that was launched with a budget of over Rs 200 crore, the deputy chief minister said that the move is aimed at making Meghalaya a self-sufficient state when it comes to piggery production.
Later, while conferring about the matter, Lyngdoh suggested that a House committee should be constituted to render suggestions on the two missions.
Earlier, other Congress MLAs, viz. HM Shangpliang, Mohendro Rapsang and George Lyngdoh had also participated in the discussions.