Shillong, Aug 26: Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma has distributed saplings under the social mobilization programme on Horticulture Mission at Resubelpara on Saturday.

In his address, the Chief Minister exhorted the people, particularly the farmers to take up mission-mode plantation of high value crops not only for income generation but also for protection of their environment and to create livelihood opportunities for future generations.

The social mobilization programme at Resubelpara, organized by the Horticulture department in collaboration with DRDA, North Garo Hills, was attended by former Chief Minister and State Planning Board Chairman, Salseng C. Marak, Parliamentary Secretaries Brigady Marak, Cherak W. Momin and Marthon J. Sangma, district officials, Nokmas and farmers.

Highlighting the different components under Horticulture Mission, including Agar & Bamboo plantations and Mission Organic, the Chief Minister said that substantial areas in the State were being covered under the Mission.

“While formulating this mission, the government was looking at the kind of plantations that would bring them more returns, create livelihood opportunities for future generations and open up business opportunities based on their agro products,” he said.
Stressing on the importance of road connectivity so that farmers can have easy access to market their products, the Chief Minister said that the government was focusing on creating last mile connectivity through Megha-LAMP project.
He informed that 6 km stretch of road connecting Dekachang to Anogre was sanctioned under Special Plan Fund, and tender has been floated for another 6 km road from Rompara to Daram.

Besides, agar, bamboo, black pepper, coconut and titachap sapling, the Chief Minister also gave away all-season drumsticks saplings, which according to him is the best source of micro-nutrients.