On the 3rd of March, 2021, following the PRIME (Promotion and Incubation of Market-driven Enterprises) Entrepreneurship Awards 2021 in Shillong, the Inclusive Supply Chain & Enterprise Development (ISC&ED) team of Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) organized a programme at Tura Law College, West Garo Hills to launch the Chief Minister’s Mobilization Support for Producers fund.

OPENING REMARKS

Dr. Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Planning Department, Government of Meghalaya, and CEO MBMA

On 25th February 2021, the CSIR-Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Technology Window established jointly by CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow and the Institute of Natural Resources (INR), Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), was formally inaugurated at Spring Valley Farm in Langkyrding, Shillong by Dr. P. Shakil Ahammed, IAS, Principal Secretary, GoM, Agriculture & Horticulture Department in the presence of Dr. Praboth Kumar Trivedi, Director, CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow and Dr. G.N. Sastry, Director, CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat.

Megh-Aroma Mission was launched by Sh. Conrad K. Sangma, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, on the 27th of May, 2019 at Byrwa, Ri Bhoi District to leverage on Meghalaya being a biodiversity hotspot and to rehabilitate the vast wastelands of the State (which currently stands at over 17% of its total geographical area) through the introduction of medicinal and aromatic plants. The Mission has thus far shown very good dividends, and the quality of materials has provided evidence of being rich in value and content.

It was informed that on 18 January 2021, a meeting was held between Sh. Conrad K. Sangma and the Director of CSIR–NEIST, Jorhat to discuss opportunities which the latter can provide for the people of the State in this field. As per the Mission Document, the aim is to cover 1000 hectares in the next 3 years. 250 hectares is being proposed to be covered by the end of this financial year.

Dr. Praboth Kumar Trevedi stated that he is happy to be part of the inauguration of the CSIR Technology Window in Shillong. He informed that CSIR has 38 laboratories that work in different livelihood improvement programs for the farmers and added that the Window can help the region with the creation of new job opportunities. CSIR will be accessible for its extensive technology support so that the end goal of improving the livelihoods of farmers is realized, and their incomes are enhanced. Dr. G.N.