The Meghalaya Livestock Enterprises Advancement Society (M-LEADS) distributed cheques to selected Cooperatives Societies and integrated village cooperative societies (IVCS) from around the state at a function here today.
Rs 15.11 crore was distributed to 85 cooperative societies. Around Rs 8.23 crore went to societies in Garo Hills, while Rs 6.82 crore was awarded to societies in Khasi-Jaiñtia Hills.
Addressing the gathering via video conferencing, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma lauded the efforts of all stakeholders in making the Meghalaya Piggery Mission a reality. He added that this project is a key one for the government, which has been working on it for the last 18 months.
Meghalaya’s appetite for pork is a big one and the state has to import significant amounts of meat from other states to meet demand. Annual consumption in the state is around 15,000 tonnes but more than half of this (8,750 tonnes) has to be imported.
Thus the piggery mission was launched to try and boost the state’s level of pork production, improve the livelihoods of rural people, enhance food security and strengthen cooperative culture.
During his address, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong stated that this is a historic moment for the cooperative sector and hoped that the financial assistance distributed today will serve as working capital for the beneficiaries.
Cheques were handed to beneficiaries from all 11 districts in Meghalaya.
