Shillong, November 13: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has called upon newly inducted officers of the Meghalaya Agriculture Service (MAS-III) to make farmers the focal point of their work and to serve with a sense of purpose and empathy.
Addressing the valedictory function of the induction training programme for the newly recruited MAS-III officers (Batch of 2025) at the Integrated Agricultural Training Centre (IATC), Upper Shillong, on Thursday, the Chief Minister urged the officers to remain grounded in their mission to improve the lives of farmers.
“Always remember your purpose and why you are here — to make a difference in the lives of farmers, and this should be your driving force,” Sangma said.
He reminded the officers that the state government now adopts a stakeholder-driven approach rather than a purely scheme-based approach, emphasizing collaboration, accountability, and innovation in agricultural governance.
Also present at the programme were Agriculture Minister Timothy D. Shira, Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, and senior officials from the Agriculture Department and allied sectors.
Congratulating the new officers, Sangma lauded the IATC for conducting a holistic and well-structured training programme designed to prepare them for the challenges of their new roles.
Highlighting the importance of bridging the gap between policy and implementation, the Chief Minister observed that while departments and officers often have a clear vision of what needs to be done, the real challenge lies in converting ideas into tangible outcomes at the grassroots level.
“It is crucial for the government, officials in the directorates, and officers in the field to work collectively as a team to streamline the system and achieve our goals,” he said.
“Departments and organisations that continuously refine their systems are the ones that successfully convert visions into implementable actions.”
Sangma also stressed the importance of understanding the macro functioning of the government, saying that officers must see themselves as vital links between the administration and the farming community.
He explained that the government’s various missions in the agricultural and allied sectors are designed to create focus, structure, and accountability, enabling each level of governance to contribute effectively toward achieving time-bound goals.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister encouraged the officers to serve with passion, resilience, and purpose, urging them not to be discouraged by challenges but to remain committed to making a positive difference in the lives of farmers.
In his address, Agriculture Minister Timothy D. Shira reminded the recruits of their vital role in uplifting rural livelihoods.
“Seventy percent of our state’s population lives in rural areas, and most of them are farmers. The condition of our farmers is not good, and their economic upliftment will depend on you,” he said.
He urged the officers to engage with farmers with patience, empathy, and sensitivity, as they will serve as the first point of contact between the government and the farming community.
The Department of Agriculture, Meghalaya, had organised a comprehensive three-module induction programme to equip the new officers with technical knowledge, administrative competence, and leadership skills required for effective service delivery.
The training included classroom sessions, interactive discussions, field visits, and exposure to national agricultural institutions, providing participants with both theoretical insights and practical experience. Officers were also familiarised with the department’s organisational structure, state and national agricultural policies, and best practices to foster teamwork, leadership, and professional ethics.
