An exhibition cum workshop on horticulture and honey bee was organised by the office of the East Jaintia Hills District Horticulture Officer at Khliehriat West today.
The event was held to provide a platform for farmers to showcase their agricultural produce, to bring together farmers from different parts of the district to interact and share their experience, views and to learn from one another be it production or marketing of products.
Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla attended the programme along with Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla as guests.
Addressing the gathering, Shylla stressed on the need to stop cutting down of trees and to plant more of them to protect and preserve the environment. He also encouraged the farmers to make use of the various schemes offered by the office.
He urged farmers to explore apiculture alongside other farming activities to boost crop production in order to uplift their livelihood.
Santa Mary Shylla stated that the increase in price of agricultural products is because of the lack of local production. She said it is important to encourage and create more awareness on the importance of farming and to improve agricultural production for self-sufficiency.
Director of Horticulture D. Sohtun highlighted on the various scheme provided by the directorate for farmers from seeds to area expansion for cultivation of fruits and vegetables, water harvesting, bee keeping and training for farmers among others.
At the event stalls were also put up by the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer’s office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jaintia Hills and Mynkre Farm.
The exhibition was followed by a workshop at the Khliehriat Community Hall, where farmers interacted with officials from the department, KVK, banks on the Kisan Credit Card loans. Prizes were also distributed to winners of the exhibition held earlier in the day.
