Sangma mobilizes masses on Horticulture Mission

SHILLONG, Aug 26: Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma exhorted the people, particularly the farmers to take up mission-mode plantation of high value crops for income generation and protection of environment, besides creating a livelihood opportunities for their future generations.

Sanga stated this during a social mobilization programme on Horticulture Mission at Resubelpara on Saturday. The mobilization programme was organized by Horticulture department in collaboration with DRDA, North Garo Hills.

Highlighting the different components under Horticulture Mission, including Agar and Bamboo plantations and Mission Organic, the Chief Minister said that substantial areas in the State were being covered under the Mission. 

While formulating this mission the government was looking at what kind of plantations would bring in more returns for farmers, create livelihood opportunities for future generations and open up business opportunities based on agro products, he added.

The Chief Minister also said that although sanction of funds had been stopped for material component under MGNREGS, the State government since last year has been releasing huge amount of money as material component for creation of durable assets in the villages including plantation of high-value crops like agar, bamboo, black pepper, coconuts, etc. Regarding restrictions on cutting and selling of agar due to its endangered status, he said: “The State government in order to legalize agar plantation has come up with a policy whereby farmers who have started agar plantation would have to register with the department and make a declaration as to how many number of sapling had been planted by them.

Stressing on the importance of road connectivity so that farmers can have easy access to market their products, the Chief Minister said that the government was focusing on creating last mile connectivity through Megha-LAMP project and informed that 6 km stretch of road connecting Dekachang to Anogre has been sanctioned under Special Plan Fund, while tender has been floated for another 6 km road from Rompara to Daram.