Tura, Feb 11: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday reiterated NPP-led MDA government’s commitment towards the welfare of the farmers of the state through FOCUS – the innovative inclusive farmers welfare programme, under which over 4.5 lakh farmers stand to benefit. An estimated Rs. 200 crore has been earmarked for this inclusive farmers programme that was conceptualised by the State government taking into consideration the economic hardship that farming community had to face due to Covid-19 pandemic.
The Chief Minister was at Chokpot on Friday to attend the FOCUS programme. He said that through this programme the farmers are grouped together as farmers collective or “Producers Groups” and financial assistance of Rs. 5000 each to every member in the group is provided, which can be used as seed money for upscaling farming activities.
In the last three months, Chief Minister has visited several districts and blocks in the State and funds amounting to over Rs. 50 crore have already been allocated to producers groups.
Funding options for entrepreneurs
Sangma further said that the government has introduced various funding options to encourage entrepreneurial activities, wherein interest free loans are being provided to the people.
He urged the public to take advantage of the welfare initiatives launched by the government and motivated people to form Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Cooperative Societies to avail the benefits of the schemes.
He said that government’s welfare programmes are targeted for overall improvement in farming activities, farmers’ sustainable income, marketing linkages and ensures that Agri and Horti products of the State are promoted and marketed for optimum benefits.
The Chief Minister also distributed cheques amounting to Rs. 1.2 Cr to 170 Producer Groups to upscale their farming and entrepreneurial activities.
Our FOCUS program continues to trailblaze the way to improve farmers’ welfare. Disbursed ₹1.2 Cr to 170 Producer Groups at Chokpot to upscale their farming & entrepreneurial activities. With 4.5 Lakh farmers in #Meghalaya, the program aspires to reach grassroot impact @nstomar pic.twitter.com/MpBh4fi0Dt
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) February 11, 2022
The Chief Minister also attended the SHG Mela at the same venue and extended financial assistance worth Rs. 1.001 crore to 29 Village Organisations and SHGs. He stated that the MDA Government is happy to support the women-led SHG movement that is empowering enterprising women at the grassroot level.
In the SHG Mela at Chokpot, extended financial assistance to SHGs worth ₹1.001 Cr. The Women-led SHG movement in Meghalaya is a success story of empowerment at the grassroot. We are happy to support the ambitions of our enterprising women@girirajsinghbjp @MoRD_GOI pic.twitter.com/BOwdeQKFpb
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) February 11, 2022
Development projects in Chokpot
The Chief Minister also announced that over Rs. 100 crore has been sanctioned for various infrastructure development projects in Chokpot area of South Garo Hills, including Chokpot Water Supply, Guest House, new Civil Sub Division building and a road from 12 mile to Chokpot.
Distributed Clean Cookstoves under the CSR initiative of @GHE_Connect at Chokpot, South Garo Hills. Team GHE is doing a wonderful work in rural Meghalaya. Thank them for their support. pic.twitter.com/gZFBgO6mjB
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) February 11, 2022
Clean Cookstoves under the CSR initiative of the Global Himalayan Expedition were also distributed to beneficiaries at the program.
