Shillong: Agriculture Minister Timothy D. Shira handed out more than one lakh large cardamom saplings to farmers in Mawkynrew Block this Thursday. He pushed growers to switch to organic methods and start planting high-value crops to boost their bank accounts. The government wants more sustainable income through programs like the CM Farm+ scheme. Organic goods grab better prices on the global market.
Manteidor Lyngdoh, the local MLA, said nearly 90 per cent of his people live off the land. Many cultivators are losing money on other crops right now. These saplings offer a fresh start. Lyngdoh noted that large cardamom thrives in the Riwar region and sells for 800 to 1,000 rupees per kilogram. He urged the growers to tend to these plants and seek out other profitable options. "The distribution of saplings provides a necessary alternative at a time when cultivators are facing losses due to a decline in the prices of other agricultural produce," Lyngdoh said.
State officials including Agriculture Secretary R. Nainamalai, Horticulture Director B. Mylliemngap, and District Horticulture Officer Sumar Kharlukhi joined local farmer groups at the event.
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