Resubelpara, July 14: Meghalaya took another step towards transforming agriculture into a high-income livelihood on Tuesday as the government distributed quality planting materials to thousands of farmers in North Garo Hills under the CM Farm+ scheme, encouraging the cultivation of high-value commercial crops.
The distribution programme, organised by the Office of the District Horticulture Officer at Mendipathar, is aimed at helping farmers diversify beyond traditional crops by promoting commercially viable plantations such as black pepper, dragon fruit, vanilla and passion fruit.
Addressing the programme, Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, Fisheries and Tourism Minister T.D. Shira urged farmers to adopt scientific farming practices, use quality planting materials and remain patient while cultivating perennial crops that require time to mature.
“Quality planting materials, proper spacing, organic manure and scientific farming are the keys to improving productivity and income,” the minister said, while encouraging farmers to participate in government training programmes to strengthen their agricultural skills.
Highlighting the government’s focus on rural livelihoods, Shira said initiatives such as CM Farm+, FOCUS, FOCUS+ and CM-ELEVATE are creating new opportunities for farmers and rural entrepreneurs across Meghalaya.
Kharkutta MLA and MNREDA Chairman Rupert Momin pointed to the recent dispatch of a 10-metric-ton consignment of premium pineapples from North Garo Hills to Delhi as evidence of the district’s growing agricultural potential. He urged farmers to expand high-value cultivation while avoiding excessive use of chemical inputs to protect soil health.
Deputy Commissioner M.S.N. Marak described farmers as the backbone of the economy and encouraged beneficiaries to carefully nurture their plantations to improve long-term productivity and income.
District Horticulture Officer M.L.G. Momin said the department has identified more than 1,000 hectares for expansion of high-value crops in North Garo Hills over the next three years. She added that 4,294 farmers have already received quality planting materials and farm inputs under the CM Farm+ initiative.
The programme concluded with the distribution of saplings and planting materials to beneficiaries, reinforcing the government’s push to make high-value horticulture a key driver of rural prosperity in Meghalaya.
Also read: Meghalaya showcases governance success stories on national stage
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
