On July 28, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma launched FOCUS+, an extension of his flagship initiative FOCUS. The scheme is intended to benefit all households in Meghalaya. FOCUS+ in its new format will give families the opportunity to participate in additional activities and contribute to the development of the agriculture value chain. A financial assistance of Rs 5,000/- per household will be provided under this scheme and will be deposited directly into the beneficiary’s bank account.
Scheme benefit large section of rural population
The scheme, which was launched at an event in Resubelpara, North Garo Hills, is expected to benefit large sections of Meghalaya’s rural population and will seek to transform the lives of the people of the state. The Meghalaya government appears to be on track to achieve its vision of becoming one of the top ten states in ten years.
According to the government, the state is already making rapid progress in a variety of areas, including receiving a top rating in NITI Aayog’s Innovation Index and ranking among the best in startup ecosystem, global awards, and recognition.
Speaking at the event, Conrad Sangma said, “Over the past four and half years Meghalaya is making constant progress on various fronts, one of our key priority areas is our farmers. Our farmers’ support initiative FOCUS has provided much needed impetus for upscaling of farming activities, results of which are for everyone to see. Initiatives like mission mode projects in Lakadong, Piggery, Milk, Spice, Ginger, Aroma and others are providing necessary means to build a support system for our farmers with interventions from farm to market.”
About the scheme FOCUS
“FOCUS is very close to my heart, because it helped a large section of our farming community! And FOCUS+ will provide much needed aid to ensure every family in rural Meghalaya is empowered to realize their true potential. The scheme will provide Rs.5,000 cash benefits to households across the State. This is part of our vision to bring all our farmers under collectivization theme and help them through various interventions, in turn doubling their income,” Sangma said.
Sangma told that the main goal is to concentrate on agriculture. More people will be able to enter the farming industry because the government is willing to assist them financially. “Agriculture and farming have a lot of potential in Meghalaya. I hope that this scheme will benefit the people,” Sangma added.
FOCUS was first introduced in March 2021 and is said to have benefited 2.45 lakh farmers to date. It was established to stimulate agricultural economic activity by forming Producer Groups for farm and non-farm products.
