Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today launched the CM FARM+ initiative to promote high-value crops and double farmers’ income.
Under the flagship programme, the farmers of the state will receive support, aid for high value crop farming and training on best farming practices and knowledge transfer on agricultural production. Its focus is to support the farming community with quality planting materials, farm inputs, and financial assistance to expand cultivation areas and boost productivity.
The Chief Minister at the launch programme held at the Parish Hall, Nongpoh said that with over 70 per cent of Meghalaya’s population relies on agriculture, supporting this sector is critical to improving the overall well-being of the people.
He said the CM Farm + aims to address issues related to seed quality and availability, ensuring that farmers receive timely and high-quality seeds. “This initiative is designed not only for short-term production but also for long-term benefits, enabling farmers to reap rewards for years to come. We plan to cultivate approximately 10,000 hectares of land under this program, with an investment of about Rs 300 crore,” he said.
The program will cover crops such as black pepper, cinnamon, cashew, pineapple, coffee, and cocoa. “We will implement this program on a village-by-village basis, ensuring comprehensive involvement and collective benefit,” he added.
The Chief Minister said that the government is committed to integrate new crops into existing farms to enhance productivity and profitability citing the example of pepper cultivation.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem, Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Barwanwal, officers from the line department and farmers from Ri Bhoi District among others were present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister also distributed saplings of large cardamoms to the farmers at the programme.
