Banteidor Lyngdoh Holds Key Meet Focusing on FAW Threat To Farmers

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh held a review meeting with officials of the Agriculture Department on various issues concerning the plight of farmers in the State, especially the danger posed by the Fall Armyworm

A video conference was also held with Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar at the conference hall of the Agriculture office in Shillong on Thursday.

“We have discussed with officials of the department to find a solution to the problems encountered by the farmers as this worm has destroyed most of their crops and hence we have come up with a new bio- pesticide to exterminate the Armyworm,” Lyngdoh told media persons.

He also informed that the most affected districts includes East Garo Hills, East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills.

“The department has already sent its officials to these affected areas,” he said.

He also informed that as per latest reporters from the Department of Agriculture, the situation is at present under control in the affected areas.

The minister also informed that the department also has an objective to uplift the agriculture sector in Meghalaya.

He informed that the video conference with the Union Minister concerned agendas like the PM Kisan, Farmers Pension Scheme and Kisan Credit Card (KCC).

He pointed out that the KCC has witnessed success in the State and further urged the farmers to approach the banks to seek loans through the KCC.

Lyngdoh informed that the Central Government has set a target of 55,099 farmers utilizing the KCC in the State and so far 41,499 farmers are using the KCC facility.

On Meghalaya having an agricultural policy, the minister said that the State does not have any policy; however, the government at present is committed and the policy is under process.

“Since the new government has taken over power in the State, we have taken a serious note on this issue and we will soon be coming out with agricultural policy,” he said.

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