Budgetary estimate for the agriculture sector will be 15 to 20 per cent higher in the next financial year.
This was announced by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong at the concluding day of the third Farmer’s Parliament today.
“For the year 2023-24, the budget allocation for the agricultural sector has been raised from Rs 900 crore to Rs 1194 crore. Looking ahead to the next financial year, we aspire to further augment this allocation, potentially by 15 per cent to 20 per cent. This strategic investment aims to fortify and uplift the agricultural sector,” he said.
Tynsong emphasised the pivotal role of farmers as the backbone of the state’s economy and the global community and said the resolution submitted by the Hills Farmers’ Union (HFU) president Commander Shangpliang will also be taken into consideration.
The resolution submitted by the HFU is an insight from the farming community which reflects the pressing concerns and aspirations of Meghalaya’s farmers.
The Farmer’s Parliament brought in farmers from across the state in a collaborative effort to address crucial issues related to agriculture. It featured sessions on organic farming, various state missions, and insights from the department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary.
Different presentations highlighted the department’s targets and showcased their achievements. Emphasis was placed on the significance of adopting enhanced cattle rearing methods in Meghalaya.
The Agriculture department presented diverse mission modes, including Apiculture Mission, Lakadong Mission, Ginger Mission, Organic Mission, and others.
A question-and-answer session between the farmers and the officers of the department was also conducted wherein farmers asked a range of questions relating to weight of the agricultural commodities, the role of marketing board, the compensation arising from natural disasters, solution to tackle citrus decline among others.
