The Iatreilang Foundation Multipurpose Cooperative Society celebrated its third foundation day with a community-focused program attended by dignitaries, farmers, stakeholders, and village elders at Nongrum Mawphlang.
Over 200 farmers from Mawphlang block and members of the society attended the celebration held on June 24, which featured felicitation of stakeholders and contributors for their unwavering support towards the society’s initiatives, input distribution of vegetable seeds and Amur carp fingerlings to selected farmers of the block in collaboration with the Iatreilang Farmer Producer Organisation.
A video documentary was also screened that showcased the society’s diverse initiatives including Rainbow Trout farming and seed production (the first and only such facility in the state), a pig breeding farm, vermicomposting unit, women-led winery, eco-tourism ventures such as camping, farm stays, and adventure activities.
President Macduff H. Blah encouraged the youth to venture beyond conventional government employment and embrace entrepreneurship and cooperative-driven livelihood opportunities.
Secretary Khrawborlang Lyngdoh presented a detailed report on the society’s wide-ranging achievements since its inception. He highlighted the successful establishment of the state’s only Rainbow Trout Farming and Seed Production Unit, an initiative that has opened new avenues in fisheries for local farmers.
He further outlined other ventures such as a pig breeding farm, organic vermicompost production, a women-led winery unit, and eco-tourism projects including farm stays and adventure activities. Khrawborlang stressed the importance of integrated farming systems in ensuring year-round income for farmers and announced upcoming plans to expand their aquaculture, livestock, and agro-processing initiatives, aiming to create greater livelihood opportunities for rural youth and women’s self-help groups.
Technical Expert Banlam J. Marbaniang spoke about the society’s vision to extend its services beyond village boundaries by establishing the Iatreilang Farmer Producer Organization, registered under the Ministry of Fisheries’ Promotion of 10,000 FFPOs program in February 2024.
He noted the FFPO’s rapid growth, having already enrolled 477 members statewide, and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers across Meghalaya.
Tambor Lyngdoh, Advisor, emphasized the importance of mutual trust between leaders, government officials, and the community. He encouraged villagers to ask questions, seek clarifications, and work as a united team. He also challenged the society to expand its employment generation target, aiming to engage hundreds more youth in meaningful livelihood activities.
Auspicious Lyngdoh, Rangbah Shnong Nongrum Mawphlang commended the society’s leaders for their responsiveness to community feedback and transparent governance. He noted that the organization’s progress was driven by its clear communication, decisive leadership, and community-centered vision.
Sub-Registrar Cooperative Societies E. Marbaniang expressed admiration for the society’s significant achievements in just three years, crediting their success to teamwork, credibility, and consistent dedication to serving farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
L. Blah, Myntri Hima Mawphlang encouraged the society to view the foundation day as a stepping stone towards achieving greater milestones. He acknowledged the untold struggles behind every accomplishment and urged the members to stay resilient and continue moving forward.
The event concluded with the distribution of agricultural and aquaculture inputs to selected farmers, reaffirming the society’s commitment to uplifting rural livelihoods and strengthening the farming community.
Officers from the Department of Cooperation, Fisheries, and branch managers of MCAB Mawngap and SBI attended the event.
