Meghalaya: FOCUS scheme boosts rural transformation; rolls out Rs 8 crore for Garo Hills, Rs 19 crore statewide

ANI June 23, 2025 277 views

The Meghalaya government has rolled out Rs 19 crore under its FOCUS scheme to strengthen rural livelihoods. Garo Hills alone received Rs 8 crore, benefiting over 4,600 Producer Groups. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasized the scheme’s long-term vision for farmer empowerment. The initiative has already supported 2.1 lakh households with Rs 120 crore since its launch.

"These aren’t just grants, they’re investments in the potential of our farmers and the promise of our rural economy." – CM Conrad K Sangma
Shillong, June 23: In a decisive push to empower grassroots communities and strengthen rural livelihoods, the Government of Meghalaya has initiated the disbursement of nearly Rs 19 crore in financial grants to Producer Groups (PGs) under its flagship FOCUS (Farmers' Collectivisation for Upscaling Production and Marketing Systems) program across the state.

Key Points

1

Rs 8 crore allocated to 4,600 Producer Groups in Garo Hills

2

Scheme supports piggery, poultry, and horticulture sectors

3

Over 60% beneficiaries are women farmers

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Rs 120 crore disbursed statewide since launch

A significant Rs 8 crore has been disbursed to over 4,600 PGs in Garo Hills alone, marking a major milestone in the state's mission to make rural economies more self-reliant.

The announcement was made during the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Additional Secretariat Complex in Tura, a historic move towards decentralising governance, where Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma led the disbursal ceremony at the Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma Athletic Stadium.

Over the years, the FOCUS initiative has emerged as a transformative platform, touching the lives of more than 2.1 lakh rural households across Meghalaya and channelling nearly Rs 120 crore in direct benefit transfers.

The scheme promotes the collectivisation of farmers into producer groups. It provides strategic financial support of Rs 5,000 per member for productivity-linked initiatives, particularly in sectors like piggery, poultry, and horticulture.

Since its launch, the FOCUS scheme has made significant strides across Garo Hills and Khasi, Jaintia Hills, ensuring inclusive growth throughout Meghalaya. Together, these regions have seen nearly Rs 120 crore disbursed to more than 22,000 Producer Groups, positively impacting around 2.1 lakh rural households.

In Garo Hills, close to 12,000 PGs and 1 lakh beneficiaries have been supported, while Khasi and Jaintia Hills have similarly witnessed grants reaching over 10,000 PGs and more than 1.09 lakh families.

These year-wise efforts bring the cumulative total to Rs 120 crore, with over 22,500 Producer Groups supported across the state so far.

The FY 2025-26 tranche adds nearly Rs 19 crore to this growing outreach, reinforcing the government's commitment to a resilient rural economy.

While handing over the cheques at the event in Tura, the Meghalaya Chief Minister emphasised, "These aren't just grants, they're investments in the potential of our farmers and the promise of our rural economy. FOCUS is not a one-time scheme; it's a long-term vision to empower communities, especially women, with over 60 per cent of beneficiaries being women farmers."

In addition to FOCUS, the day witnessed the disbursal of Rs 10 crore to Nokrek Midan Cluster Level Federation (CLF) under Rongram Block through the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS), benefitting over 1.9 lakh women and more than 19,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Garo Hills- a strong step towards enhancing women-led development.

Producer Groups in Garo Hills are engaged in diverse activities such as piggery, banana and cashew cultivation, poultry, and mustard farming. These activities enhance food security and create sustainable income streams and job opportunities at the village level.

The event also included grants under the Climate Adaptive Community-Based Water Harvesting Project (ADB), highlighting the government's multi-pronged approach to climate resilience, livelihoods, and decentralised development.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is such a positive initiative! 👏 Rural empowerment through collectivization is exactly what Northeast states need. Hope other states learn from Meghalaya's FOCUS model. The women-centric approach is particularly commendable.
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Rahul S.
Good to see development funds reaching grassroots level. But I hope there's proper monitoring to ensure money is used effectively. We've seen many schemes fail due to corruption at implementation stage.
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Ananya M.
As someone from Assam, I'm impressed! ₹120 crore reaching actual farmers is no small feat. The focus on climate resilience along with livelihoods shows foresight. More power to our Northeastern sisters and brothers! 💪
S
Sanjay P.
The numbers look impressive but I wonder - are these Producer Groups getting proper training along with funds? Money alone won't solve problems if farmers don't know modern techniques. Hope they're getting capacity building too.
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Meena R.
Wonderful to see women leading this change! 60% women beneficiaries is remarkable. My didi in Tura says their SHG has transformed lives through banana cultivation. More such schemes needed across India! 🌱
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Vikram J.
The combination of livelihood support + climate projects is smart thinking. Hope they maintain transparency in fund utilization. Northeast has huge potential in organic farming - this could be game changing if implemented well.

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