Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 129/23

DISTRICT LEVEL HORTICULTURE AND HONEYBEE EXHIBITION CUM WORKSHOP HELD IN EAST JAINTIA HILLS DISTRICT

The District Level Exhibition Cum Workshop on Horticulture and Honey Bee was organised by Office of the District Horticulture Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat today the 18 August, 2023 at the premises of Khliehriat West Community Hall, Khliehriat. The Minister in charge of Excise Department, Home (Passport) and Revenue and Disaster Management etc. Shri. Kyrmen Shylla grace the function as the Chief Guest. Among others present at the programme were Smt. Santa Mary Shylla, MLA of 5 Sutnga Saipung Assembly Constituency, who attended the programme as the Guest of Honour, and Smt. D. Sohtun, Director of Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, who was the Special Guest at the programme.

Addressing as the Chief Guest of the programme, the Minister in charge of Excise Department, Home (Passport) and Revenue and Disaster Management etc. Shri. Kyrmen Shylla said that agriculture has become a main source of livelihood for the people of the district. He urged the farmers to increase the production of agricultural products which is an important factor that can increase their income. The Minister also stressed on the need to stop cutting down trees and to plant more trees which is an important contribution as citizens to protect and preserve the environment. He also encouraged the farmers in the district to make use of the various schemes offered by the District Horticulture Officers office. Speaking on bee keeping, the Minister encouraged the farmers to also explore apiculture(beekeeping) alongside other farming activities to boose crop production for better livelihood.

Smt. Santa Mary Shylla, MLA of 5 Sutnga Saipung Assembly Constituency in her speech expressed her gratitude to the farmers of the district for participating in the exhibition cum workshop. She also stated that agriculture plays a vital role in providing food and other resources necessary for survival. “The main reason for the increase in price of agricultural products is because of the lack of local production so it is very important to encourage and create more awareness in different parts of the district on the importance of farming and improving the agricultural production in order to be self sufficient, she said, while also urging the farmers to continue to work harder and to avail the schemes and assistance provided by the District Horticulture office. Smt. D. Sohtun, Director of Horticulture, Department of Agriculture and Famers Welfare, stated that the exhibition cum workshop is conducted to provide a platform for farmers to showcase their agricultural produce, to bring together farmers from different parts of the district to interact and share their experience, views and to learn from one another be it production or marketing of products. She also highlighted on the various scheme provided by the Directorate of Horticulture for farmers like providing seeds and tree sapling at a subsidize rate, subsidy for construction of polyhouse, packhouse, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture Scheme (MIDH) for minimal processing unit in the district, Scheme for area expansion for cultivation of fruits and vegetables, Water Harvesting Scheme, Schemes and assistance for bee keeping and providing training for farmers among others.

The Minister, Shri. Kyrmen Shylla along with Smt. Santa Mary Shylla, MLA 5 Sutnga Saipung Assembly Constituency and official of the Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Department visited stalls exhibiting commercial vegetables, fruits, spices, floriculture, and apiculture products. Stalls were also set up by the office of the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officers office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jaintia Hills, and Mynkre Farm.

The exhibition was followed by a workshop at the Khliehriat Community Hall, where farmers interacted with officials from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Directorate of Horticulture, officials from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and representatives from Banks regarding Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans. The day also included prizes distribution to the winners of the exhibition held earlier in the day.