Shillong, Oct 18: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday announced that the government would launch initiatives to raise awareness about the “Meghalayan Age” era.

The chief minister made this announcement during an interactive programme with beneficiaries of CM-Elevate and FOCUS, which was held in Shillong and virtually connected with different districts and blocks across the state.

The initiative was suggested by a social entrepreneur from Mawmluh village in East Khasi Hills, who highlighted that the “Meghalayan Age” is being globally discussed by geologists. He suggested that it would be appropriate for the people of Meghalaya to learn about it.

The past 4,200 years have been officially classified as the Meghalayan Age, marking a distinct period in Earth’s history. Researchers attribute the start of this era to a massive drought that devastated ancient civilizations.

The chief minister proposed a range of initiatives to raise awareness, including the production of a documentary film that would explain the scientific foundations of key geological facts. This film would serve as an engaging educational tool to inform the public about the geological significance of the Meghalayan Age.

During the programme, farmers also raised concerns about market linkage, the propagation of FOCUS and FOCUS+ financial aid, and the nature of loans.

One beneficiary sought clarification from the chief minister regarding the financial support sanctioned for farmers’ organizations under FOCUS and FOCUS+. The chief minister explained that the funds given to these groups are grants and subsidies, not loans.

He further mentioned that there are schemes like CM-Elevate that have a loan component, which are linked through various banks. The CM-Elevate scheme provides grants of up to 70 percent of the total project cost.

Addressing the challenge of market linkage, the chief minister acknowledged that while the government has been supporting farmers, challenges remain. “As a government, we are bringing farmers together and have initiated interventions at all levels, but there are challenges we are working to overcome,” he stated.

To assist farmers and boost agriculture and allied activities, the government has introduced several interventions, including the establishment of processing units for value-added products and the proposed setup of over 100 farmers’ markets.

“We are trying to ensure that we support farmers and entrepreneurs at various levels. In terms of market linkage, we are providing transportation through 1917 agri vehicles, setting up processing units, and connecting farmers to markets,” he added.

Regarding a suggestion for a special ‘agriculture electricity tariff’ for industries based on agriculture, the chief minister said that while the government is providing assistance through multiple schemes, the suggestion would be considered.

During the programme, cheques were distributed to the beneficiaries of the FOCUS scheme and CM-Elevate.

The chief minister, accompanied by Agriculture Minister Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh and Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Minister A.L. Hek, also flagged off tourism vehicles sanctioned under CM-Elevate.

Also Read: Meghalaya confronts upsurge in drug menace as trafficking routes shift from Manipur

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