TURA:
Meghalaya chief minister, Conrad K Sangma, attended a Farmers Collectivisation for Upscaling Production and Marketing System (FOCUS) programme at Chokpot on February 11, and distributed Rs 1.2 crores to various producers’ groups besides handing over a community mobilisation fund of Rs 1.3 crores.
“The FOCUS programme is targeted at the overall improvement of farming activities, farmers’ sustainable income, marketing linkages and to ensure the promotion and marketing of agriculture and horticulture products, for optimum benefits,” said Sangma, addressing the gathering.
He also stressed how the National People’s Party (NPP)–led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) launched the innovative inclusive farmers’ welfare programme for the benefit of over 4.5 lakh farmers in the state, taking into consideration, the economic hardship they are facing because of the ongoing pandemic.
Through this programme, the farmers are grouped together as farmers’ collective–producers’ groups, with the financial assistance of Rs 5000 to every member of the group.
Adding that the funds can be used as seed money for up-scaling farming activities, Sangma stated that an estimated Rs 200 crores have been earmarked for the FOCUS programme. He also reiterated that the government has introduced various funding options to encourage entrepreneurial activities, where interest-free loans are provided to the people.
He urged the public to take advantage of the welfare initiatives launched by the government and motivated them to form self-help groups (SHGs) and cooperative societies to avail the benefits of the schemes.
In addition, he announced that over Rs 100 crores has been sanctioned for various infrastructure development projects in Chokpot, South Garo Hills that includes the Chokpot Water Supply, guest house, new Civil Sub Division building and a road from 12 Mile to Chokpot.
Notably, the chief minister has visited several districts and blocks in the state and allocated funds, amounting to over Rs 50 crores to producers’ groups, self-help groups (SHGs) and cooperative societies.