Embracing Agricultural Excellence: Farmers’ Day Celebrated in North Garo Hills, Meghalaya

Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad Sangma also inspects the ongoing construction of Bajengdoba-Resubelpara-Mendipathar-Damra Road

Resubelpara, December 18: In a jubilant celebration of agricultural prowess, Farmers’ Day, an event dedicated to honoring the relentless efforts of the agrarian community, was proudly commemorated on the 18th of December 2023 at Resubelpara, North Garo Hills District of Meghalaya. 

Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K Sangma graced the event in the presence of Hon’ble MLA of Williamnagar and the Minister of Housing and PHE Department, Govt of Meghalaya, Shri Marcuise Marak, Shri Timothy D. Shira, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, and MLA, Resubelpara, Shri Jude Rangku T. Sangma, MCS, PD, DDRD and Smt. Verdi Sangma, MCS, Assistant Commissioner, NGH & BDO, Resubelpara, who delivered inspiring addresses emphasizing the pivotal role farmers play in sustaining our community and fostering economic growth.

Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma, while reflecting on the Agricultural Prowess of Meghalaya informed that 100 more processing Plants will be sanctioned in the state. Hon’ble Chief Minister said, “To achieve our goals, we need farmers actively involved in selling processed farm produce for higher returns. The government is fully committed to supporting them through schemes like Focus and Focus+, ensuring financial assistance and proper fund utilization. We’re also providing financial aid to preserve Meghalaya’s biodiversity and assisting communities in maintaining forest cover. Programs like YESS Meghalaya offer vital support to the youth. Tackling substance abuse is a joint effort, and the government has launched initiatives to guide the youth.” Hon’ble Chief Minister urged the youths to Say No To Drugs.

Hon’ble MLA of Williamnagar and the Minister of Housing and PHE Department, Govt of Meghalaya, Marquise Marak said, “Farmers are the backbone of our society. With the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K Sangma, the Government has launched different programs and schemes that are farmer oriented. We have started adopting environment friendly technologies. The government arranges such programs to provide exposure and support for the improvement of our farmers, ultimately elevating our overall standard of living.”

Among different Mission Mode Projects by the Government of Meghalaya, the Lakadong Turmeric Mission, in just five years has seen a 13-fold rise in producers. As part of the Apiculture Mission, the government has assisted more than 4000 beekeepers by creating market-linkage and encouraging sustainable methods. The Meghalaya Piggery Mission has impacted 27,150 people and through partnership with the National Cooperative Development Corporation, New Delhi, 1664 breeding units and 5476 fattening units were established resulting in an investment of more than Rs. 64 crores. 1530 dairy producers have benefited from the establishment of 100 cooperative organizations and 1731 dairy cows under the Meghalaya Milk Mission.

Throughout the day, a series of engaging and educational activities unfolded, showcasing the rich agricultural heritage of the region. Short films showcasing agricultural practices and interventions from Meghalaya, as well as highlighting the impactful initiatives of the PES Scheme, took center stage at the Farmers’ Day event. 

A cheque distribution ceremony on FOCUS Scheme, Working Capital Loans, YESS, and PES was also conducted. It is to be noted that Rs. 7.95 lakhs of financial grant to 14 PGs have been provided through the FOCUS Scheme, Rs. 8.10 lakhs of financial grant to 21 Youth Groups through YESS, Rs. 70 lakhs of loans to Farmer Collectives through Working Capital Loans and Rs. 2.61 crores transferred to 60 beneficiaries through PES.

Unveiling a new era for farmers, the inauguration of 17 processing units became a cornerstone of the Farmers’ Day event, symbolizing a leap forward in empowering our agricultural community with advanced facilities for enhanced productivity, value addition, and sustainable growth.