Our Special Correspondent
Rongjeng
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma is on a mission to popularise farmers collectivisation programme FOCUS. He has been touring different parts of the state to interact with farmers at the grassroots to create awareness on the programme, which is one of the biggest farmers’ welfare programmes in the North East.
Speaking at an interaction programme with the farmers in Rongjeng, East Garo Hills on Monday, the chief minister said that under the FOCUS programme government has earmarked Rs. 220 crores, which will benefit 4.5 lakh farmers in the state.
He said that the innovative programme was conceptualised by the state government to ensure that the farmers affected during Covid-19 pandemic could avail themselves the financial assistance to restart their farming activities.
Under the programme, the farmers are mandated to form Producer Groups, which comprises 10-20 members. The Producer Groups (PGs) are given financial assistance based on the strength of the group at the rate of Rs. 5000 per member.
On a misconception in some parts of Rongjeng that the FOCUS funds were loans, the Chief Minister said, “The funds released under FOCUS are not any loan but assistance from the Government. Farmers should not get confused, and avail the assistance that is being extended by the Government”.
He also took the opportunity to inform the gathering that more than 1000 cr is being implemented in the State through various farmers welfare initiatives – milk mission, piggery mission, poultry mission, ginger mission, goatery etc.
He said that the FOCUS programme which was launched a year ago has benefitted farmers across the State. He said that the farmers have been availing the funds to restart their farming activities.