Khliehriat blossoms as farmers showcase Horticulture and Beekeeping expertise

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 19, 2023

The District Level Exhibition Cum Workshop on Horticulture and Honey Bee was organized by the Office of the District Horticulture Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat, on Friday at the premises of Khliehriat West Community Hall. The event was graced by Kyrmen Shylla, Minister in charge of the Excise Department, Home (Passport), Revenue & Disaster Management as the chief guest. Among the dignitaries present were Santa Mary Shylla, MLA of the 5th Sutnga Saipung Assembly Constituency, who attended as the guest of honor, and D Sohtun, Director of Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, who was the Special Guest at the program.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Kyrmen Shylla emphasized that agriculture has become a primary source of livelihood for the people of the district. He urged farmers to increase their agricultural production, which is a crucial factor for raising their income. The Minister also stressed the importance of halting deforestation and promoting afforestation as a significant citizen contribution to environmental preservation. Furthermore, he encouraged farmers in the district to make use of the various schemes offered by the District Horticulture Officer’s office. On beekeeping, the Minister encouraged farmers to explore apiculture (beekeeping) alongside other farming activities to enhance crop production and livelihoods.

Santa Mary Shylla, MLA of the 5th Sutnga Saipung Assembly Constituency, expressed her gratitude to the farmers for participating in the exhibition cum workshop. She highlighted the vital role of agriculture in providing food and essential resources for survival. She stated, “The main reason for the increase in the price of agricultural products is the lack of local production, so it is essential to encourage and create more awareness in different parts of the district about the importance of farming and improving agricultural production to become self-sufficient.” She also urged farmers to continue working diligently and avail themselves of the schemes and assistance provided by the District Horticulture office.

D Sohtun, Director of Horticulture at the Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, stated that the exhibition cum workshop was conducted to provide a platform for farmers to showcase their agricultural produce, foster interaction among farmers from different parts of the district, encourage the exchange of experiences and views, and promote learning from one another in production and marketing. She also highlighted various schemes provided by the Directorate of Horticulture for farmers, such as providing seeds and tree saplings at subsidized rates, subsidies for the construction of polyhouses and packhouses, the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture Scheme (MIDH) for minimal processing units in the district, schemes for area expansion for the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, a Water Harvesting Scheme, and schemes and assistance for beekeeping, along with training for farmers, among others.

Other speakers included District Horticulture Officer DB Dhar, who delivered the welcome address, Executive Engineer of Water Resources, East Jaintia Hills District, K. Lamare, Senior Scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Jaintia Hills, Dr. D. Pasweth, and Assistant Director of Agriculture, East Jaintia Hills District, M. Slong.

After the speeches and exhibition, Minister Kyrmen Shylla, along with Santa Mary Shylla, MLA of the 5th Sutnga Saipung Assembly Constituency, and officials from the Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Department, visited stalls showcasing commercial vegetables, fruits, spices, floriculture, and apiculture products. Stalls were also set up by the office of the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer, 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 Farmer’s Welfare, Directorate of Horticulture, officials from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), and representatives from banks regarding Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans. The day also included the distribution of prizes to the winners of the earlier exhibition held during the day.