Is Farmers' Welfare the Government's Top Priority in Meghalaya?

Shillong, June 23 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, stated on Monday that the welfare of farmers remains a top priority for the state government, which is dedicated to enhancing their income.

Under its flagship program, FOCUS (Farmers’ Collectivisation for Upscaling Production and Marketing Systems), the government has begun distributing nearly Rs 19 crore in financial support to Producer Groups (PGs) throughout the state.

A significant portion, amounting to Rs 8 crore, has been allocated to over 4,600 PGs in Garo Hills alone, marking a key step towards making rural economies more self-sufficient.

During a cheque distribution event in Tura, Sangma stated: "These funds are not mere grants; they are investments in the potential of our farmers and the future of our rural economy. FOCUS is designed as a long-term vision that empowers communities, with more than 60 percent of the beneficiaries being women farmers."

The FOCUS initiative has become a vital platform, positively impacting over 2.1 lakh rural households across Meghalaya and facilitating nearly Rs 120 crore in direct benefit transfers. The scheme encourages the formation of producer groups and provides strategic financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for productivity-linked projects, particularly in piggery, poultry, and horticulture sectors.

Since its inception, the FOCUS program has made remarkable advancements in both Garo Hills and Khasi–Jaintia Hills, ensuring inclusive growth across Meghalaya.

Both regions have received close to Rs 120 crore disbursed to more than 22,000 PGs, benefiting around 2.1 lakh rural households.

In Garo Hills, nearly 12,000 PGs and 1 lakh beneficiaries have received support, while the Khasi and Jaintia Hills have also seen substantial grants distributed to over 10,000 PGs and more than 1.09 lakh families.

This fair distribution underscores the government's dedication to improving rural livelihoods on a statewide scale, promoting collective action, enabling entrepreneurship, and strengthening the economic foundation of farming communities in Meghalaya.

These annual efforts have culminated in a total of Rs 120 crore, with support extended to over 22,500 PGs throughout the state to date.

The FY 2025–26 allocation adds nearly Rs 19 crore to this expanding outreach, further solidifying the government's commitment to a robust rural economy.

In addition to the FOCUS program, the day also featured the allocation of Rs 10 crore to the Nokrek Midan Cluster Level Federation (CLF) under the Rongram Block via the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS), benefiting over 1.9 lakh women and more than 19,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Garo Hills, marking a significant move towards fostering women-led development.

Producer Groups in Garo Hills are engaged in various activities, including piggery, banana and cashew cultivation, poultry, and mustard farming.

These initiatives not only bolster food security but also create sustainable income streams and job opportunities at the village level.