The state government plans to set up prime hubs in all blocks across the state to foster agri-entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma made the announcement today during the inauguration of a prime hub in Wahiajer village under Thadlaskein block in West Jaiñtia Hills district.
“In every state block, there will be prime hub accompanied by diverse infrastructures catering to the needs of farmers”, he announced. These hubs will serve as a rural technology cum knowledge hubs to provide support for small farmers, producer groups and agri-entrepreneurs, he said, adding that they will improve incomes through capacity building, market accessibility, credit, technical know-how, processing, packaging and funding support.
He said there has been rapid progress of the Wahiajer infrastructure, constructed in just a matter of months. “It costs about Rs 4 crores to make this, and as you can see, it is completely solar power through which the cold storage, lights, and machines are operating. Our target is to see that we can put this throughout the state in as many blocks and constituencies as possible wherever thefarmer collectives or community based organisations are active.”
The Wahiajer prime hub was set up to process turmeric, ginger, and broom grass and to to impart knowledge and introduce technology to farmer collectives, women’s collectives, and aspiring entrepreneurs in the region.
