Shillong, March 19: Meghalaya government has launched the Watershed Yatra and Self-Help Group (SHG) Mela to secure the state’s agricultural future while strengthening its resilience against climate change.

The state has launched the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana – Watershed Development Component 2.0 (PMKSY-WDC 2.0) which aims to conserve and restore vital resources soil and water while promoting community-driven watershed management.

Agriculture Minister Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, who inaugurated the program, emphasized the importance of water and soil conservation in ensuring Meghalaya’s agricultural sustainability. She highlighted the state’s vulnerability to water scarcity despite its reputation for heavy rainfall, stressing the need for collective action.

“Water and soil are the lifelines of agriculture, and their preservation is our responsibility. Meghalaya is known for its rainfall, but by February-March, we face acute water shortages. If we do not conserve water, our state will continue to suffer,” Lyngdoh said.

The minister urged all to walk the extra mile to ensure water remains not just a resource for today, but an asset for future generations.

The Meghalaya government has constructed 1,390 water harvesting structures across 3,000 hectares to tackle water scarcity. However, factors such as climate change, deforestation, land degradation, and pollution continue to pose threats. “Seventeen per cent of Meghalaya’s soil is degraded, reducing its water retention capacity and impacting agriculture. We are facing new plant diseases, affecting productivity. This initiative aims to address these urgent challenges,” Dr. Lyngdoh stated.

The Watershed Yatra is a mobile awareness campaign that will travel across Meghalaya, covering all districts. It will educate communities on water conservation, land restoration, and sustainable agricultural practices. Events in each district will be organized by the Deputy Commissioners and Divisional Officers, ensuring widespread engagement.

“This Yatra is a symbol of our commitment to reach every district and educate communities on protecting water resources. We must involve local leaders, civil society, and churches to drive this movement,” Lyngdoh added.

“We have 2,776 micro-watersheds, and we implement projects based on their criticality. Currently, we are executing 32 projects worth ₹175 crore over five years. Since 2021, we have covered 32,000 hectares, with a target of 62,000 hectares,” Commissioner and Secretary Joram Beda said.

The program integrates 1,200 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the state, empowering them through sustainable livelihoods and financial support.

Beda highlighted Meghalaya’s success in implementing the PMKSY-WDC 2.0, noting that the state consistently ranks among the top 10 performers nationwide.

Alongside the Watershed Yatra, the SHG Mela provides a platform for rural entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products, promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment.”Today’s SHG Mela stands as testimony that investment in communities yields positive results. This initiative ensures that farmers build sustainable livelihoods while protecting the environment,” Lyngdoh said.

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