Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, today distributed cheques to 32 producer groups under the FOCUS programme benefitting 424 farmers at a function held at Salmanpara multi-facility centre in South West Garo Hills district.
Speaking to the gathering the chief minister highlighted the salient features and objectives of FOCUS and informed that the financial support that is being given as assistance and not a loan.
“Similarly there are number of programs which we have initiated under a mission mode for which the government has allocated 700 crores to create livelihood opportunities for our women, farmers and youth,” he said.
He also said that the people can also seek assistance for their farming activities through the Integrated Village Cooperative Societies. While urging the people to use the financial assistance for the welfare of the group to increase production, increase the income and to improve farming activities he also asked the people to take interest in the different livelihood schemes and programs of the government.
He later interacted with the farmers and producer groups and addressed their queries.
Under the Zikzak Block, South West Garo Hills, cheques worth Rs 27.80 lakhs were distributed to 42 producer groups.
During his day long visit to South west Garo Hills, the Chief Minister also inspected various ongoing developmental projects in the district.
He inspected the Bandalkona Combined Water Supply Scheme under Jal Jeevan Mission under the Betaking Block. The Water Supply Scheme has provided 100 per cent Fixed Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to Bandalkona and works are ongoing to achieve 100 per cent FHTC for another three villages under it covering a total of 302 households by April 2022.
The Chief Minister also inspected the Garobadha-Ampati-Samati road. The road is in an advanced stage of completion.
