District Level Farmer’s Collectivization Expo held in South West Garo Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 11, 2023

In a collaborative effort between the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) and the District Administration of South West Garo Hills, the District Level Farmer’s Collectivization Expo and Facilitation on Social Security Schemes was successfully organized at the Madhupara Government LP School playground at Garobadha on Thursday.

The event witnessed the presence of the Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills, officials from various line departments, and representatives from banks. It served as a vital platform for stakeholders in the agricultural sector, providing an opportunity for buyers and sellers to engage. Various line departments established informative stalls to enlighten attendees about a range of government schemes. 

The significance of Aadhar seeding was highlighted by Deputy Commissioner RP Marak, who emphasized the importance of secure and verified identification for availing benefits seamlessly.

In his address, DC RP Marak called upon the public to repose faith in trained medical professionals for their healthcare needs, urging them to shun unqualified practitioners. He further encouraged attendees to capitalize on the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the myriad of government initiatives, enabling them to make informed decisions aligned with their preferences.

Highlighting the financial aspect, C Musahary, Lead District Manager (LDM) of State Bank of India (SBI), Tura, provided valuable insights into the various schemes accessible through banking channels. This elucidation aimed to empower farmers with the knowledge required to leverage financial resources effectively.

The expo aimed to achieve several objectives, including raising awareness among societies and farmers about government schemes, familiarizing them with bank services, promoting interconnectivity among societies for marketing purposes, facilitating links between societies and buyers, and promoting enterprises through product showcases.

MBMA’s initiative has led to the formation of Farmers’ Collectivization Groups, such as Integrated Village Cooperative Societies (IVCS), Producer Groups, and Farmers Producer Organizations (FPO), which have been actively contributing through projects like Megha-LAMP (Meghalaya Livelihoods & Access to Markets Project), FOCUS (Farmers’ Collectivization for Upscaling Marketing System), and PRIME. These efforts have resulted in the growth of numerous value chains, with some societies even expanding their trading beyond local markets, setting a precedent for others to follow.

Megha-LAMP and FOCUS have paved the way for improved market access, bringing traders and buyers (both local and non-local) into the fold. The involvement of IVCS as both buyers and sellers, along with the role of banks, has transformed the marketing landscape. This synergistic collaboration culminated in the Multi Stakeholders Platform (MSP), where entities could exchange product information, contact details, and services, creating a dynamic hub for cooperation.

With 18 IVCS already registered under Megha-LAMP in South West Garo Hills, and more slated for Phase III registration, the initiative continues to strengthen agricultural networks. The District Administration, alongside cooperative departments, remains a driving force behind the success of these societies, reinforcing their significance in the agricultural ecosystem.

The District Level Farmer’s Collectivization Expo and Facilitation on Social Security Schemes underscores the commitment of MBMA, District Administration, and various stakeholders to empower farmers, enhance agricultural practices, and foster sustainable growth.