By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 14: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, on Friday, said teamwork and system refinement are crucial for converting visions into implementable actions.
He also sought a farmers-first approach while speaking at the valedictory function of the induction training programme for the newly recruited MAS-III officers’ batch of 2025 at the Integrated Agriculture Training Centre (IATC), Upper Shillong.
Agriculture Minister Timothy D. Shira, Chief Secretary Shakil P. Ahammed, and senior officials from the department and other allied departments were present at the event.
Congratulating the newly recruited officers, Sangma lauded the IATC for ensuring a holistic training and orientation programme for the new officers to have them better prepared for the role as agricultural officers.
“Many departments, officers, or organisations have a picture of what needs to be done, but we are often not able to convert the thought process into actions, resulting in a disconnect between the thought and what actually happens at the grassroots,” he said.
Sangma said that it is crucial for the government, officials in the directorates, and officers at the grassroots to work collectively as a team to streamline the system to achieve the goals.
“Departments and organisations that can do this by continuously refining the system are the ones that can successfully get things done and convert visions into implementable actions,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that it is important for every recruit to understand the macro functioning of government to grasp his or her role in the system to effectively act as the link between the government and the farmers.
He urged the officers to keep the farmer at the focal point.
“Always remember your purpose and why you are here for – to make a difference in the lives of farmers, and this should be your driving force,” he said and reminded the gathering, especially the recruits, that the government’s approach is now stakeholders first and not completely driven by schemes.
Highlighting the government’s missions in agricultural and allied sectors, Sangma said such programmes help create a purpose and system to achieve a goal in a time-bound manner, defining the responsibility of each individual at different levels of governance.
He further urged the officers not to be discouraged when confronted by challenges but to serve with passion, purpose and a goal to make a positive difference in the lives of the farmers of the state.
Shira, in his speech, said that 70% of the state’s population resides in rural areas and most of them are farmers. “The condition of the farmers in our state is not very good. So, uplifting the economic conditions of the farmers will depend on you,” he said.
He pointed out that, as newly recruited field officers, they will need to interact with the farmers often. He urged them to engage with the farmers with patience, empathy and sensitivity.
The Department of Agriculture had organised a three-module induction programme for the newly recruited officers of the Meghalaya Agriculture Services, Grade III. The programme aimed to orient and equip the officers with the essential technical knowledge, administrative competence, and managerial capabilities required to effectively implement agricultural schemes and contribute to the state’s vision for sustainable agricultural growth.
Classroom sessions, interactive discussions, field visits, and exposure to national-level agricultural institutions were components of the training, providing the recruits with theoretical insights and practical experiences. The officers were also familiarised with the organisational structures, functions and responsibilities of the department, provided comprehensive knowledge of state and national agricultural policies and interventions, and developed a practical understanding through field exposure and interaction with the farmers and implementing agencies, and to foster leadership qualities, teamwork, and professional ethics.
