'Avail government schemes for farmers'

A Reporter

SHILLONG, May 3: With the objective of creating awareness among farmers regarding the strategy to be adopted for doubling farmers’ income by 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is celebrating nationwide outreach programme Kisan Kalyan Karyashala under Gram Swaraj Abhiyan on Thursday in all the blocks across the country.

Co-chairman of Meghalaya State Planning Board and MLA Raksamgre Consituency Benedic R Marak graced the inaugural function of Kisan Kalyan Karyashalas as chief guest held at SMELC conference hall, Dakopgre Tura on May 2.

The programme was organized by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture for the farmers of Dalu and Gambegre Community and Rural Development Blocks.

While addressing the gathering, Benedic Marak said the people of the region depend mainly on agriculture for their living and therefore urged all the farmers to avail various schemes and facilities provided by the government.

Referring to the practices of one time paddy cultivation in a year by the people, he suggested to introduce two time cultivation of paddy in a year in order to boost income generation and improve the condition of living of the people in the region.

Further, he also advised them to make judicious use of the land available and make farming a lucrative business by adopting integrated farming, scientific measures and use of modern technology with the help and assistance from the department concerned.

Delivering the keynote address, Joint Director of Department of Agriculture of West Garo Hills Tura L Laloo highlighted on the seven- point strategy advocated by the Prime Minister for achieving the target of doubling of farmers’ income by 2022.

He said that the strategy includes special focus on irrigation with the aim of “Per Drop More Crop”, provision of quality seeds and nutrients based on soil health of each field, large investment in warehousing and cold chains to prevent post-harvest crop losses, promotion of value addition through Food Processing, creation of National Farm Market, removing distortions and e-platform across 585 Stations, introduction of New Crop Insurance scheme to mitigate risks at affordable cost and promotion of ancillary activities like poultry, beekeeping and fisheries.