Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today interacted with farmers in Rongjeng, East Garo Hills to create awareness on the farmers collectivisation programme, FOCUS.
He informed farmers that the government has earmarked Rs. 220 crore, which will benefit 4.5 lakh farmers under the programme.
Under the programme, the farmers are mandated to form Producer Groups, which comprises 10-20 members. The Producer Groups (PGs) are given financial assistance based on the strength of the group at the rate of Rs. 5000 per member.
On the misconception in some parts of Rongjeng that the FOCUS funds were loans, the chief minister said, “The funds released under FOCUS are not any loan but assistance from the government. Farmers should not get confused, and avail the assistance”.
He inform the gathering that more than Rs 1000 crore is being implemented in the State through various farmers welfare initiatives – milk mission, piggery mission, poultry mission, ginger mission, goatery etc.
