Shillong, Oct 14: The State Biological Control Laboratory (SBCL), under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and the Directorate of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya, have been conferred the prestigious SKOCH Silver Award in the fields of Agriculture and Culture, respectively. The awards were presented at Silver Oak Hall, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, in recognition of the departments’ initiatives and contributions to sustainable development, cultural preservation and public service delivery.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare received the award for its project, “Bioinputs Production Unit for Sustainable Agriculture: SBCL Meghalaya Initiative.” The initiative promotes sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural practices through the production and dissemination of biofertilisers, biopesticides and biological control agents. It supports farmers in adopting eco-friendly crop protection and nutrient management practices, while contributing to Meghalaya’s broader efforts towards sustainable and organic agriculture.
The project was presented during the award evaluation by Dr. Pynhunlin Nola K. Dohling, Scientific Officer (Rice), State Biological Control Laboratory, Upper Shillong, who highlighted the laboratory’s innovations, achievements and contributions to sustainable agriculture in the state.
The Directorate of Arts and Culture received the SKOCH Silver Award for its project, “LARITI Performing Centre, Mawkasiang.” The award recognises the centre’s contribution to strengthening cultural infrastructure and providing a platform for performing arts, cultural events and artistic expression. The centre plays an important role in showcasing Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage, nurturing artistic talent and promoting cultural engagement.
The project was presented during the award evaluation by Smt. Camelia Doreen Lyngwa, MCS, Special Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and Director of Arts and Culture. These recognitions reflect the Government of Meghalaya’s continued commitment to innovation, sustainable development, cultural preservation, institutional strengthening and effective public service delivery.
The achievements also acknowledge the collective efforts of the officers, technical personnel and staff whose dedication and sustained work have contributed to the successful implementation of the initiatives. The awards are expected to further encourage both departments to build on their achievements and continue implementing initiatives that contribute to the sustainable, inclusive and holistic development of Meghalaya.
