Shillong, Apr 30: Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ramnath Thakur today visited Lok Bhavan to discuss crucial agricultural issues with Governor Chandrashekhar H Vijayashankar.
The discussions stressed the importance of ensuring that allocated funds are utilised effectively and reach the intended beneficiaries promptly. Together, they focused on improving the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.
The Governor emphasised leveraging available resources to maximize agricultural productivity and strengthen farmer welfare. This includes a commitment to promote sustainable development practices in the state. Effective communication and coordination between different levels of government and institutions were highlighted as essential components for achieving these goals.
Following the meeting Thakur and Meghalaya Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Timothy D. Shira convened further discussions with the director of the ICAR Research Complex for the North Eastern Hill Region, heads of departments, and representatives from agricultural research and state line departments.
They emphasised that timely and strategic utilization of centrally sponsored schemes can greatly benefit the agricultural sector. Thakur appreciated the tireless efforts of the state government in advancing agricultural initiatives and urged continued collaboration among central and state agencies, as well as research bodies, to address local challenges effectively.
The union minister also introduced five pocketbooks published by the ICAR. These resources focus on green manuring crops, such as cowpea, dhaincha, sesbania, and sunhemp, as well as vermicomposting techniques. This initiative aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices through biological alternatives to chemical fertilizers.
