MoS visits West Garo Hills

SHILLONG, JUL 1: Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Rameswar Teli graced the function held at Christian Girls Higher Secondary School, Tura, today in the presence of Chief Executive Member, Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), Benedic R Marak, Chairman, GHADC, Rakesh Sangma, along with distinguished dignitaries, officials of GHADC and entrepreneurs of the district. The function was organized by GHADC, Tura.

Addressing the gathering, Rameswar Teli highlighted various schemes available in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India and informed that different options are being provided to farmers and entrepreneurs with special emphasis for the people of North East region. Mentioning about the various horticultural products cultivated abundantly in the region such as pineapple, cashewnut, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, etc, and the products being organic in nature, he said that food processing industries could be set up in the region for which interested persons can avail and apply for these schemes from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India. Further, the Minister also informed that the Ministry provides 50 percent transportation cost to farmers for exporting their products to other states like Mumbai, Delhi, etc.

Stating that the State has immense potential for organic farming, he said that there is huge potential for food industries in the region and informed that the Ministry is focusing on organic farming and products and thereby provide career options in a sustainable manner. He also informed that under the PMKSY scheme, he had sanctioned a Mega Food Park for Ri Bhoi District in the State of Meghalaya recently.

Explaining in detail the procedures and guidelines for applying for various schemes, he assured his full support and cooperation to ensure these schemes meant for the people of the region and thereby upscale the productivity and economy of the people of the area.

Expressing his gratitude to the Minister, CEM, GHADC, Benedic R Marak said that this is the first time the Union Minister had visited the district and appraised the minister of the quality of products available in the region and the initiatives taken by the District Council for promotion of food industries in the district.

Executive Member (GHADC), incharge Agriculture, Promod Koch, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Ram Singh, Virender Mittal, IAS, PS to Minister, Principal Secretary, GHADC, Tura H A Sangma, Joint Secretary to the EC, GHADC, S R R Marak, Agriculture officer, GHADC, Rohan Ch Momin were among others who spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, during the programme, the CEM, GHADC Benedic Marak presented a Memorandum to the Minister of State Rameswar Teli. The Minister also interacted with the entrepreneurs and visited the stalls put up at the venue displaying organic products from across the district including pure honey from Nokrek, scented candles, locally made wine from fruits available in the region, banana, jackfruit chips, etc.

By Our Reporter