Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 58/20

STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION ON CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMMES UNDER MILK MISSION HELD

The Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri. P Tynsong today inaugurated a one day Stakeholder Consultation on Capacity Building Programmes under Milk Mission at the State Convention Centre, Shillong. The programme was jointly organised by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Government of Meghalaya, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), New Delhi and Laxmanroa Inamdar National Academy for Cooperative Research and Development (LINAC). The major focus of the 6 pronged training consultation is to focus on training dairy farmers at the grassroots level on dairy animals health, management and basic milk processing in dairy cooperative societies, management, business development and book keeping in dairy cooperative societies, health care management and nutrition and producing of milch animals. The programme also aims to improve the capacity of officers and professionals in the Department and train master trainers.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. P Tynsong informed that the Government of Meghalaya has been commissioned by the Niti Aayog and the Ministry of Veterinary, Government of India to establish a Cattle Feed Mill in the State with an initial capacity of 150 tonnes per day. The process of completing the DPR is on, he added. The Feed Mill which will be the first in the North East will also be the only supplier to all the North Eastern States. Shri. Tynsong also informed that the Government is going to set up the first Cattle Ranch near Mawmerang, South West Khasi Hills. Stating that the aim of the Government is to empower individuals through cooperative societies, he urged upon the Cooperative Department to educate people in the village level on the benefits of cooperative societies. He also urged all officers present to step up commitment so as to ensure that the schemes and programmes of the Government achieve their desired objectives.

Shri. K. N. Kumar, Chairman, Meghalaya State Farmer’s Commission informed that the Milk Mission was launched in 2019 following a loan taken by the State Government from the NCDC to the tune of 2.20 Cr with a subsidy component of 53 Cr. To deliver a Mission of this magnitude, besides the Government, the role and involvement of cooperatives is of paramount importance, he stated. Stressing that the dairy sector is available for cooperation, he lamented the fact that cooperative societies in the State have not succeeded owing to the corruption that exists in the cooperative society system and said that there is a need to break the cycle of corruption. Shri. Kumar further added that in the last 48 years of the formation of the State only 38 dairy cooperatives were created, however with the launch of the Milk Mission, 68 new cooperative societies have been created in the past year alone. While this is an encouraging trend, there is also a need to upgrade the skill formation of the dairy farmers such that they can bring about scientific management of dairying.

Others who spoke were Dr. Shakil P Ahammed, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, AH & Veterinary Department and Shri. Sundeep Kumar Nayak, MD, NCDC.

Press Release No. 60/20

CHIEF MINISTER INAUGURATES THE 3RD FISH FESTIVAL AT TURA

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the 3rd Fish Festival for Garo Hills region today at Chandmary Playground, Tura. The festival was organized by the Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Superintendent of Fisheries, West Garo Hills, Tura and supported by the department of Agriculture, Veterinary, Sericulture, IBDLP, District Commerce and Industries Centre, Tura.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister, Shri Conrad Sangma congratulated the fish farmers for utilizing the opportunity provided by the government and also for their progress in the implementation of Aquaculture Mission in the region. Stating that the State is purchasing fish from other states, he urged the farmers to make extra effort in order to bridge the gap between demand and supply of fish in the area. Further, informing that the government is promoting entrepreneurship in the region, he urged them to take advantage of the opportunities provided adding that Garo Hills region is poised with rivers and landscape suitable for rearing of fish and along with the bold and aggressive target to be self sufficient in fish production, the state aims to make it as a big industry in future and also export to other parts of the state and country as well. Moreover, he informed that since the government is ensuring to double farmers’ income and hence, various business opportunities in different sectors are being provided to improve the livelihood opportunities of the farmers of the region. Different techniques and technical knowledge should also be given to the farmers, he said. Further, he informed the farmers to apply for PM-KISAN scheme in which the farmers are being given Rs. 6000/- in three installments and that the first installment has already been released.

While delivering the introductory speech, Director of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya, Smti A L Mawlong highlighted the concept, objectives and statistics of the Aquaculture Mission. She also informed that there are more than 21, 000 fish farmers across the state most of which are from Garo Hills region, but still there is a deficit of about 14,000 metric tonnes of fish in the state. Stating that the motto of Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission (MSAM) is “Dependence to Self Sufficiency” and therefore, the department with its ambitious vision is expanding fish ponds in the area which not only increases the production of Fish in the area but also provides livelihood opportunities to the people of the region, she added.

During the function, the Chief Guest also distributed the Awards for the Progressive Fish Farmers of the Garo Hills region in order to acknowledge and recognize the hard work and dedication of the fish farmers and communities in the state. Songmagre Fish Community from East Garo Hills, Enosh Marak of Bjengdoba, North Garo Hills, Dhorom S Sangma from Gasuapara, South Garo Hills and Thombal A Sangma (posthumous) from Selsella, West Garo Hills districts were awarded with Memento, Certificate and cash prize.

Secretary, GHADC, Tura Rikse R Marak, Assistant Director, Department of Fisheries, Shillong, A Jyrwa, Superintendent of Fisheries, R B R Marak, other Officials, farmers of the region were present at the function. Sale of fresh local fish, live fish, smoked fish, fresh local vegetables, dairy products, processed food items, handicraft items was also put up for sale during the festival. Further the Chief Minister also attended the programme organized by Sesame Workshop, India, SBI Foundation and supported by SBI Life Insurance.

Press Release No. 61/20

CHIEF MINISTER INAUGURATES THE CHILDREN FILM FESTIVAL AT TURA

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the Two Day Children Film Festival today at District Auditorium, Tura. The festival was organized by the Children Film Society India (CFSI), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India in collaboration with District Administration, West Garo Hills and Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya.

In his inaugural address, the Chief Minister said that children learn better from the audio-visual contents they see which is the main reason behind conducting such programs but if not handled properly the multi –media which is so open these days could do more harm to a child if the contents are not restricted in proper order and as per the needs of children. He reiterated that the audio-visual medium can also be used to communicate useful and informative ideas and messages to children which are important for the growth of a child and also create a great impact in their lives.

Further, he urged the organizers and CFSI to continue to show these films for children on a regular basis and also pointed out the need to spread it out to rural areas and go places so that the children from rural areas can have access to these entertainment programs. Stating that children are the future of the nation, he advised the children to become responsible citizens with responsibility towards the family, society and the nation as well.

The Administrative Officer, CFSI, Mumbai, Shri Rajesh Gohil in his introductory address informed that in this two day event altogether six filmed would be screened for children of various schools of the district. He further mentioned that the primary objective of the Government of India to conduct such programs is to provide the right to entertainment for children including children living in rural areas also. He also informed that films of Mahatma Gandhi, Swachhta, etc would be screen along with movies for children including Prince and the Crown of Stone, Gattu, Kaphal, Rhino Pappu Ki Pupdandi and Krish, Thrish and Balti Boy.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Shri Ram Singh said that the festival aims to provide a platform for children having interest in cinema and expose young students of the region to cinema so that they develop a keen interest in the aesthetics of film making and animation.

It may be mentioned that CFSI is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India and promotes healthy and wholesome entertainment for children to broaden their prespective and encourage them to reflect on the world around. Additional Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Ramakrishna Chiturii, Officers of various departments, teachers and students were present at the function.