Raphael Warjri

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday laid the foundation for Construction of Apiculture Multi Facility Centre at Mellim in South West Garo Hills in presence of Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma and MLA Sanjay A Sangma.

The sanction of Rs. 1.52 Cr for the establishment of the project was handed over to the Mellim Area Beekeepers Society, and the first instalment for the project amounting to Rs. 67 lakh was released. The project includes construction of building, approach road, boundary wall and equipment for processing and storage of honey.

There are close to 200 farmers, engaged in the production of honey in Mellim area. The decision to set up the centre was taken based on the feedback and suggestion given by the Beekeepers Society during CM’s visit to the area on July 6.

“It is our endeavour as a government to respond to the aspirations of the people and create avenues and opportunities for sustainable enterprises to grow. I am confident that this facility at Mellim will further promote honey production and will ensure processing of quality organic honey”, the Chief Minister said.

He also told that government has identified Apiculture, Floriculture and Mushroom cultivation as key programme under CM’s Office to push the programmes on a mission mode. “On a cluster approach, we will take up projects on the three missions in Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills, which will be personally monitored by me,” he added.

He said that the project will further empower beekeepers in Mellim, and will also function as a training centre.

He also said that going forward government will promote by-products of honey like wax and mead for production of wine from honey, which has great value in international market. 
 
On promoting agriculture and horticulture produces, he said that government has been setting up processing unit in different parts of the State to add value to different products. “In remote Rongara in South Garo Hills, the government has setup a jackfruit processing unit, which is producing chips and other value added products, which has not only created a brand for quality jackfruit chips but has elevated lives of many people living in the area,” he said.
 
He informed that the government is working to transform rural economy and is focusing on farming and allied sector, which can create a turn around. “As a government, we have been promoting SHGs, producers groups, with a concerted approach to build a rural economy. In the next few years, our farmers should be able to contribute significantly in the growth story of Meghalaya,” he added.
 
Talking about focus approach to promote development in remote rural areas, he said that rural infrastructure is a priority for the government, and investments are being made for different sectors to elevate the lives of the people.
 
On a humorous note, he said that ‘Awang Chips’ meaning Uncle Chip of Rongara and Nokma (village chief) Ice Cream of Tikrikilla, has set an example for the region that our produces can make a brand, which in turn is benefitting the people.
 
“As a government, we are keeping the people first in our approach, which is clearly reflected in the programmes that we are implementing. There is a long way to go for us as a state to grow, but the seed of development is being laid for the silent revolution. We urge the people to unite and commit and take advantage of the programme for scripting the growth story of our state,” he said.
 
Informing about Mushroom and floriculture mission, he said that people should avail advantage of the schemes and engage themselves in mushroom cultivation and floriculture, which is high in demand not just in the region, but globally.
 
“There is market for flowers in our country. Cities like Delhi and Mumbai are importing flowers from Thailand and Singapore. We have overcome the logistic challenge, as direct flight from Guwahati to different cities are now available. The government is promoting and supporting farming, and people should come out and collaborate with the government and take advantage of our mission mode programme.”