Shillong: Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Timothy D. Shira has called on farmers across Meghalaya to leverage government support programs and direct marketing channels. By bypassing middlemen, farmers can significantly boost their income and enhance productivity, he noted during an event at the ICAR Research Complex in Umiam.
Shira emphasized that while farmers serve as the backbone of food security, many marginal cultivators continue to navigate significant obstacles. He urged them to connect their perishable produce directly to processing units and maintain close ties with state and central agencies to fortify the local agricultural sector.
The event was hosted by the ICAR-NEH Region alongside KVK Ri-Bhoi and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It drew 172 participants, including government officials who discussed the importance of expanding the reach of farmer-centric initiatives. Agriculture Secretary R. Nainamalai highlighted that rural development hinges on ensuring these programs reach the grassroots level.
Department Director S. Rani reiterated that the government remains committed to improving livelihoods through increased technical support and guidance for cultivators. ICAR-NEH Region Director G. Kadirvel shared that approximately 9.4 lakh farmers are slated to benefit from the PM-KISAN scheme. He urged for deeper awareness regarding key programs such as PMFBY, PM-KUSUM, and the Per Drop More Crop initiative, stating, "Meghalaya’s farmers have an important role in the state’s development."
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