To support farmers in the horticulture sector, CM Farm+ Inputs Distribution programme was held at Multi Facility Hall, Bakrapara, Resubelpara in North Garo Hills on Tuesday.
The programme organised by the District Horticulture Officer focused on enhancing agricultural productivity, improving crop yields and doubling farmers’ income through efficient inputs distribution.
Ensuring beneficiaries have the basic resources for successful farming, essential inputs such as High Yielding Variety (HYV) crops, saplings and other agricultural resources were distributed.
Deputy Speaker and Resubelpara MLA, Timothy D Shira said CM Farm+ programme was the initiative supported by the Chief Minister to enhance agricultural productivity and farmers’ income throughout the state.
Shira stressed on scientific farming on horticulture crops for improved crop yields, quality and sustainability. He added through this programme beneficiaries would receive farming inputs, training on scientific methods of plantations, technical assistance and other forms of support to help rural farmers improve their farming practices thereby upscaling their livelihoods.
He further urged upon the beneficiaries to make the most of the input distribution programme by following plantation guidelines which according to him would create employment opportunities for farmers and support rural communities.
North Garo Hills’ Additional Deputy Commissioner YW Momin in her speech, briefed the beneficiaries who received HYV crops saplings to maintain quality plantation of the crops and reduce losses.
She added the government besides providing market linkages would also assist financially through subsidies or grants to those beneficiaries who maintained survival rate of the plants.
Salma G Momin, ADH, Horticulture Department highlighted the objective of the programme informed that the state government has earmarked Rs 300 crores for state-wide plantations of High Value Crops covering ten thousand hectares of land under CM Farm+.
The project selected High Value Crops such as vanilla, avocado, black pepper, cocoa, cinnamon, cardamom etc, for their intercropping factors which means these crops can survive on existing farmland, shaded environment thus preserving forests and minimizing environmental impacts.
She cited the programme as one of the best sustainable agricultural practices as plantations of these high value crops balances agricultural production while significantly enhancing farmers’ income.
Vanilla, black pepper saplings and other high value crops were distributed to selected beneficiaries during the programme.
