FOCUS on growth: Meghalaya Govt rolls out Rs 7.93 Cr for farmers, launches key projects
In a sustained drive to accelerate grassroots development and inclusive growth in Garo Hills, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, along with Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Speaker Thomas A. Sangma and Cabinet Ministers, rolled out a series of major initiatives from June 17 to 19, focusing on rural livelihoods, youth empowerment, education, and regional infrastructure.
On June 19, the Chief Minister announced the disbursement of Rs 7.93 crore under the state’s flagship FOCUS (Farmers’ Collectivisation for Upscaling Production and Marketing Systems) scheme, benefitting 4,610 Producer Groups (PGs) in Garo Hills. Speaking at the event, he said FOCUS—backed by market linkages and technical support—has emerged as a national model in collective farming and rural economic upliftment.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to people-centric development, Sangma said FOCUS and CM ELEVATE will continue to anchor Meghalaya’s inclusive growth strategy. Beneficiaries from both schemes, along with SHGs, shared their experiences on how these programmes have improved their income and livelihoods.
The event also highlighted initiatives under the Chief Minister’s Digital Learning Aid Scheme, with 10 schools receiving M-Tabs, and five educational institutions being equipped with Sanitary Pad Vending Machines—a step aimed at improving menstrual hygiene access among young girls.
Additionally, the Chief Minister launched Awang Chips, a jackfruit-based snack brand developed through the Rongara PRIME Hub, as well as the Meghalaya Economic Inclusive Program (MEIP) and the CM Fellowship—initiatives geared toward boosting rural entrepreneurship and innovation.
The series of announcements follow a string of impactful events in the preceding days:
- On June 17, the Chief Minister launched the Chitmang Chaiwat Nature-Based Glamping Project in South Garo Hills, backed by Rs 93 lakh under an eco-tourism initiative.
- On June 18, he laid the foundation for a Synthetic Athletic Track in Baghmara, aimed at nurturing sports talent in the region.
- Also on June 18, he inaugurated the Double Lane Steel Truss Bridge over the Bakla River, and laid the foundation of the Capt. Williamson Memorial Higher Secondary School in South West Garo Hills at a cost of Rs 7 crore.
- A total of 125 Community Centres were also virtually inaugurated across the region under the MegLife Project, strengthening community infrastructure at the grassroots.
Together, these projects reaffirm the Meghalaya government’s focus on strengthening rural infrastructure, empowering youth and farmers, and promoting inclusive and regionally balanced development in Garo Hills.
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