Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today distributed cheques to 197 producer groups in Dalu under West Garo Hills and Dimapara in South Garo Hills under the State Government’s flagship farmers welfare programme – FOCUS.
In Dalu, 50 producer groups were given cheques worth Rs 42.10 lakh. He also disbursed Rs 36 lakh to SHGs at the mela in the form of Community Investment Fund & Start Up Fund to women-led SHGs and village organisations.
At Dimapara, financial assistance of Rs 82.10 lakhs was given to the producer groups in Gasuapara Block, benefitting 147 farmer collectives through the program.
The chief minister said that the flagship programme is one of the biggest welfare programs in the Northeast where 4.50 lakh families amounting to Rs 200 crores have been provided financial assistance post COVID.
He urged the gathering to form SHGs and producer groups to benefit from this scheme and various other missions, flagship programs and welfare schemes of the State government.
During his visit to Dalu, Chief Minister also inaugurated the Krimkro PRIME Hub, Slaughter Unit & Meat Processing Unit.
Informing that the government has collaborated with social organisation Bakdil to help entrepreneurs, particularly the youth to gain knowledge, skills and expertise to start and expand their ventures he said through Prime Hubs the farmers, entrepreneurs, SHGs and the youth are imparted training, skill and knowledge in storing, packaging and marketing the products.
“The government is contemplating on setting up at least fifty Prime Hubs across the State and these Prime Hubs also serve as Integrated Collection Centres for the farmers,” he informed.
Later the Chief Minister also visited the Dalu PHC and interacted with the expectant mothers.
In his brief address, the Chief Minister said that the government is renovating, refurbishing and upgrading various health centers through funds from the World Bank and through the State’s own budgetary allocation.
During his visit to Dalu, he also inspected the ongoing work of the Tura – Dalu road, which is funded by JICA with officials of NHIDCL.
