Shillong, April 20: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday rolled out a multi-scheme agricultural support package for farmers in Tura, emphasising that over 70 per cent of households in the state depend on agriculture and that government interventions in the sector directly impact livelihoods.
The initiative was unveiled during an input distribution programme organised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and the Directorate of Horticulture at SMELC, aimed at converging key schemes to enhance productivity, promote sustainability, and strengthen farmer incomes. Addressing the gathering, Sangma reiterated that the government is prioritising targeted interventions, value addition, and skill development to improve farm output and earnings.
He said the focus is not only on supporting individual farmers but also on strengthening self-help groups to scale up their activities. Highlighting key challenges, the Chief Minister noted that timely access to quality seeds remains a major concern and said the government is addressing the issue in mission mode to ensure farmers receive the right inputs at the right time.
Referring to the Ginger Mission, he said the government has invested over Rs 62 crore since 2022, benefiting more than 19,000 farmers, with plans to expand coverage to over 15,000 more. The initiative aims to restore Meghalaya’s position as a leading ginger-producing state. He also stressed the importance of organic farming, announcing support for low-cost vermicomposting units under the Organic Manure Scheme to help farmers become self-reliant in organic inputs and reduce dependence on external sources.
Underscoring value addition, Sangma pointed to the expanding network of food processing units, noting that processing is key to increasing farmers’ income and ensuring access to larger markets. He added that a Rs 20-crore ginger processing unit in Ri Bhoi is nearing completion and will benefit nearly 10,000 farmers. The Chief Minister urged farmers to fully utilise the schemes to improve productivity, enhance incomes, and ensure long-term sustainability.
IANS
