Thirty producer groups falling under Mylliem C&RD Block received cheques under FOCUS (Farmers’ Collectivization for Upscaling Production and Marketing Systems) scheme today at a programme held at MAMTEI, Upper Shillong.
A total of Rs 23.50 lakh was distributed on the occasion in support of different farming activities.
The cheques were distributed by Lambor Malngiang, Advisor to the Chief Minister and MLA, MDC Nongkrem in the presence of P. T. Passah, BDO Mylliem C&RD Block.
Speaking on the occasion Malngiang lauded the hard work of famers and said that there is a need to create awareness for farmers about the various schemes and initiatives available so that they can improve and upscale their farming activities.
He urged them not to be afraid to avail loans or credit and stressed on the need to strengthen farming groups across the state and pointed out the importance of food processing and value addition to crops so as to generate more income and also create employment opportunities for the youth of the State.
He also informed that a plan for building a cold storage for the benefit of farmers of Nongkrem is being mooted.
Launched in 2021, FOCUS is a flagship initiative of the state government which aims to upscale farming activities in the State by providing farmers, registered as producers groups, better market access, funding, value chain addition, machinery support, market linkages etc. Under the scheme Rs. 5000 is provided to each farmer registered as a producers group.
An interactive session between the farmers and the officers was also held as part of the programme.
