Raphael Warjri

On Friday, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma flagged off a consignment of 1,700 metric tons of broomgrass from Khlieh Umsten in Ri Bhoi district. The shipment, part of the government’s farmer support initiatives, will be transported to the Central Warehousing Corporation in Guwahati, where it is set to be stored and auctioned to the highest bidders.

The initiative falls under the CM-ASSURE program, a government scheme designed to provide assistance to farmers facing fluctuating market prices. The scheme targets non-perishable commodities with extended shelf lives, offering farmers a stable outlet for their produce.

During the event, the Chief Minister also distributed pick-up vehicles to beneficiaries under the CM-Elevate program, aimed at empowering rural communities by improving livelihoods through targeted initiatives.

Sangma took the opportunity to outline the government's ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural development and support farmers. He acknowledged that increasing production volumes was a significant challenge, but emphasized that collaborative efforts between the government, communities, and entrepreneurs would help address this issue. He added that the government is committed to creating an ecosystem that fosters agricultural growth and the success of value-added products.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to empowering farmers through schemes like CM-ASSURE and CM-Elevate, which aim to boost incomes, promote organic farming, and improve the agricultural value chain for the benefit of rural communities.

These programs, Sangma noted, are part of the broader strategy to transform Meghalaya's rural economy and promote sustainable agricultural practices.