Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 509/14

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA SIGNED MOU WITH IFAD

Shillong, December 9, 2014: The Government of India signed an agreement with International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) today for a 50 million dollar loan for the Meghalaya: Livelihood and Access to Market Project (MEGHA: LAMP) in Meghalaya that is aimed at improving family income and food security besides uplifting the quality of life in rural Meghalaya through adaptability of expanded and sustainable livelihood opportunities suitable to the hilly environment. The overall approach and strategy of the project is in alignment with the State’s flagship programme, the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion Programme (IBDLP).

The project has four components namely natural resources and food security, livelihood support, knowledge services and project management. It will cover the entire State through the Enterprise Facilitation Centres (EFCs) in all 39 blocks, supporting around 47,400 enterprises. A total of 54 clusters for development of marketable products will be established in 18 blocks with about 75 villages in each block, making a total of 1350 villages with a total outreach of about 1.47 lakh households. The project will also ensure the participation of women and poorer households.

The project is to be implemented over 8 years. The loan of 50 million dollar from IFAD is part of the total project cost of 174 million dollar. The remaining amount of 124 million dollar will be supported by the Central Government, Government of Meghalaya, banks and participating partners.

The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr Mukul Sangma expressed happiness over signing of this agreement and stated that this is part of our overall strategy to mop up additional resources to upscale our interventions under IBDLP so as to pave the way for better livelihood opportunities for people of Meghalaya particularly for women and youth, better market access for products of the State, inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Mr. Tarun Bajaj, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, signed the agreement on behalf of Government of India, and Mr. Nigel Brett, Country Programme Manager, IFAD signed the agreement on behalf of IFAD. The project agreement was signed by Shri. R.M. Mishra, Principal Secretary, Planning Department, on behalf of Government of Meghalaya.