Shillong, Dec 13: Meghalaya Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Shri Banteidor Lyngdoh inaugurated the ‘Bio-fertilizer Production Unit’ at a function held today at the State Biological Control Laboratory, Upper Shillong.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Lyngdoh congratulated the officers and staff of the agriculture department for their efforts in making this dream a reality for the farmers of the state. He also stated that it is a milestone for the state of Meghalaya and the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and it is also a step ahead in making Meghalaya an organic state.
Stating that as of now it is a big challenge to meet the demands of the farmers of the state, the Bio-fertilizer production unit is the beginning of a small step to bridge the gap between supply and demand. He also encouraged the qualified youth and entrepreneurs to avail the opportunity and work hand in hand with the government in expanding such units across the state.
Meghalaya Farmers’ Empowerment Commission Chairman Shri K N Kumar, informed that the Bio-fertilizer production unit is the first of its kind unit to be set up in the entire North-Eastern Region by a public sector. In Meghalaya the requirement of fertilizers per year is 22,000 metric tons whereas the current production in the state is a mere 150 metric tons per year, he stated.
He expressed hope that in the coming years and with the involvement of private sectors (entrepreneurs), more production units can be set up to boost the production in order to meet the ever increasing demand in the state.
Others who spoke include Shri CVD Diengdoh, Secretary Planning Department, Shri SC Sadhu, Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Smti R Majaw, Director of Agriculture and Dr. D Thakuria, Professor, CAU, Umiam, among others.
