In a moment of pride for Meghalaya, Aminda Simsanggre and Chambagre villages under West Garo Hills District placed second and third in the “Best Village Panchayat” category (North East Zone) at the 3rd National Water Awards. The formal awards distribution ceremony was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 29 March 2022 where both villages were spotlighted for spearheading the best community-led Natural Resource Management (NRM) practices. The awards were earned on the strength of efficient service delivery by their VECs and the active participation and commitment of the communities to bring about inclusive development.

AMINDA SIMSANGGRE

Background
Aminda Simsanggre is under Gambegre C&RD Block and is home to 95 households that are dependent almost entirely on agri-based activities for livelihood. The village is one of 400 covered by the World Bank-funded Community-Led Landscape Management Project (CLLMP) for the implementation of NRM-related initiatives to alleviate issues related to landscape deterioration, afforestation, drudgery, and water security. A village survey revealed that only 14 households had water connections before CLLMP’s arrival while the rest of the community- Aminda Kongsang Gittim, Aminda Ading, and Bazaar Gittim – has to fetch water from a different source which can take up to one hour per trip. Other challenges include
poor road connectivity and inadequate infrastructure.

Interventions

Interventions include the construction of water conservation structures such as cemented storage tanks and conservation dams at 4 different locations in the village, contour trenches at Rongka Chiring and Nepal Chiga to recharge the springshed area and make them perennial, a 12-bedded community nursery at Aminda Chiring where transplantation of local tree species to the forest reserve areas has already started, and the promotion of the Berkeley method of hot composting at Aminda Chiring to increase production and quality.

Impact

Since the project’s inception in 2018, the village has made remarkable progress in just over three years. A total of 11 activities has been completed. The afforestation measures have benefitted all households in the village. The springshed management interventions have directly benefited 12 households. The soil and water conservation initiatives have benefited 13 households, while the community nursery has benefited all households where 40% of saplings have been sold. Further, the community has declared the forested area a community forest reserve area and has enacted rules and regulations for all the existing water bodies. Earlier on 26 January 2022 during the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day, Smt. Pritish S Sangma, Secretary of the Aminda Simsanggre VNRMC, was felicitated by Smt. Agatha K Sangma, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Tura Constituency for her contributions to the development of his village.

CHAMBAGRE

Background 

Chambagre in Selsella C&RD Block is one of 1350 villages of the IFAD-supported Meghalaya Livelihoods and Access to Markets Project (Megha-LAMP). It has 42 households employed under MGNREGA while most residents are engaged in either agriculture or horticulture. The village also has plenty of areca nuts, black pepper, and cashew plantations while the total area under paddy cultivation is 50 Bighas. Pre-interventions, the village was attempting to cope with severe water shortages for domestic and irrigation uses. The lack of an irrigation system had impacted paddy cultivation, and with domestic water, women and children would spend 2 hours getting to and returning from a clean water source.

Interventions

The community participated actively in the planning process for implementing sustainable approaches of NRM. Community-led interventions included the construction of two water tanks in the upper and lower regions of Chambagre with capacities of 14,000 and 17,000 liters and an irrigation canal that covers a 1-hectare land area. About 5000 forest trees have been planted on 10 hectares of community land to treat the catchment areas while a community nursery has been established. 

Impact

Both tanks are benefiting 42 households in total and 15 households have benefitted directly from the construction of the irrigation canal. The time taken to fetch water has been reduced to only 30 minutes per day. The community is highly aware of spring rejuvenation initiatives and the need to preserve the indigenous plant species for water retention. The initiative to promote afforestation activities within and outside the village vicinity has resulted in the creation of livelihoods for the village’s unemployed youth.

Conclusion 

NRM Committees have been constituted by both projects in their villages to ensure the participation of households, especially women, in the decision-making processes for the planning and implementation of further activities and to advance gender equality.

Gracing the occasion in New Delhi were Minister of Jal Shakti, Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekawat, Minister of State for Jal Shakti & Food Processing Industries, Sh. Prahlad Singh Patel, and Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs, Sh. Bishweswar Tudu. The State team was led by the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills District, Sh. Ram Singh (IAS) who himself was awarded the Water Warrior Award for Best Initiative in Rain Water Harvesting after overseeing the implementation of record-breaking works (more than 2500 numbers) undertaken under MGNREGA, MBMA, and CLLMP.

Singh was joined by Sh. P. Sampath Kumar (IAS) Principal Secretary, Government of Meghalaya and Project Director, CLLMP, Sh. Piyush Dogra, Task Leader and Environmental Specialist, World Bank, Sh. Gunanka D.B (IFS) Additional Project Director, CLLMP, and representatives of both villages who expressed pride and happiness at the recognition of their efforts to promote rural empowerment.

Meghgalaya’s Jingkieng Jri (Living Root Bridge) are trailblazers that not only highlight the symbiotic relationship between Nature and human culture to a global audience, but more so, it focuses on the need to adopt a balanced approach between economy and ecology, something which the state Government has been working tirelessly in the past few years. This was stated by the Chief Minister Conrad. K. Sangma at the National Convention on Community and Science based Conservation Research and Development of Jingkieng Jri held at the state Convention Center, Shillong on Dec 21, 2021.

The National convention witnessed the presence of the Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India, Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan, scientists from across the Nation including community representatives and members of the Living Root Bridge (Jingkieng Jri) Co operative Societies from across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and region. Each of them shared the initiatives being taken by their respective cooperative societies towards not only preserving the Jingkieng Jris but also preserving the biodiversity (Flora and Fauna) in and around each Living Root Bridge in their respective villages.

The Chief Minister also stated that as part of World Bank supported ‘Meghalaya Community-Led Landscape Management Project’, the Government of Meghalaya is currently developing a Conservation, Research and Development plan for UNESCO World Heritage Site Nomination of Jingkieng Jri. Under this, Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Societies are being nurtured within a State level federation to facilitate an equitable development vision for all. Apart from this, a wide array of NRM activities is also being implemented in the State and even through externally aided projects like the World Bank, among others.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister also highlighted the concept of ‘Just Transition’ where he laid emphasis on ensuring a transitional process that is just for all, so that environment conservation is brought about while ensuring livelihoods for the primary force. “As a State Government, we have been extensively working towards Natural Resource Management where we are focusing on creation of livelihood out of the natural resources that we possess, so we use them in a sustained manner and yet create a parallel economy with more inclusive forms of livelihood, while keeping the ecology at the forefront”, he added.

“This National conclave on Jingkieng Jri focuses on just one part of the massive big picture on Natural Resource Management that we are trying to bring about and we feel that the Living Root bridge Conservation project could be a lighthouse project that would bring attention to the need for NRM interventions to preserve the ecosystem while facilitating sustainable livelihoods”, the CM added. He also thanked the community for their support and said that their contribution will go a long way in achieving the long term impact through this Jingkieng Jri Project while also realizing the overall NRM goals.

He said that if the Living Root bridges of Meghalaya receive the UNESCO World Heritage Site tag, it would be more about the larger message that we would be giving to the world that the Living Root Bridge is an ecosystem in itself, supporting many birds, animals, lichen, mushrooms, flowers, trees, serving its simple purpose while allowing the humans to cross over them for their living. The process of making these bridges is an age-old craft, a very much living and alive tradition among the locals in the present age. It is crucial to archive this age-old wisdom of not only making, but more so, conserving the bridges and the related ecosystem.

It may be mentioned that many such living root bridges in the forests are conserved by the communities of Meghalaya in the customary practice of preserving the sacred groves known as ‘Law Kyntang’. These forests also possess a huge resource of medicinal plants and herbs. There lies a dire need for the larger world to go back to its roots and respect nature once again.

Speaking at the event, Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan, the Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India said that the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya which highlights the socio-cultural, social and botanical links among people and Nature is well deserving of the tag of UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the rich micro as well as the macro world associated with the Jingkieng Jri, which will also initiate the need for their preservation and conservation.

In his opening remarks, Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and CEO, MBDA, said that the confluence of both scientists and people from the grassroots together in one platform is a wonderful idea. While the traditional knowledge of living root bridges is ancient, research on their ecosystem has become altogether more important to improve their conservation.

The community representatives of the Jingkieng Jri cooperatives spoke at length at the National conclave and shared their experiences and unique initiatives. They highlighted interesting activities being undertaken by them, which involved not only keeping alive the age old craft of building the living root bridges and preserving them but also their involvement in a wide array activities such as preserving medicinal herbs, keeping traditional games alive, handicraft activities, planting fruit seedlings, protecting the natural habitat in and around the root bridges. The event also witnessed performances from the community members of the Jingkieng Jri Cooperative societies.

Iora Dkhar, Chairperson of the Syrwet u Barim Mariang Jingkieng Jri Cooperative Federation Ltd., spoke on the importance of cooperatives for bringing about collective action among communities to preserve the knowledge and skills that have evolved through generations.

The conclave saw the presence of Scientists from all over the country representing Geological Survey of India (GSI), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Indian Institute of Science (IIS), Forest Research Institute, and Center for Environmental Planning and Technology University. Presentations on the observations made from various site visits were shared by the scientists who included Dr. A.A Mao, Director, Botanical Survey of India, Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director, Zoological Survey of India, Dr. C. Murugan, Scientist, Botanical Survey of India, Dr. Lucy Nongbri, Post Doctoral Research, Renee M Borges Lab, Indian Institute of Science, Prof. Renee Borges, Center for Ecological sciences, Indian Institute of Science, among a group of about 50 scientists and environment specialists.

The National Convention is a follow up of the field visits made by the scientists wherein they came across unique species of orchids, amphibians, and mammals which have not yet been reported from anywhere in the country. The field visits also revealed key findings that indicated urgent need for attention to strengthen conservation measures for these unique living structures. The scientists in a unanimous voice said that the living root bridges are a house of several critically endangered species of flora and fauna and therefore are definitely a reason to be considered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A Workshop to review the policy, legal and institutional framework pertaining to Natural Resource Management in Meghalaya, as part of the state’s effort to scale up CLLMP principles, was organized by the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) under the aegis of the Centre of Excellence for Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Livelihood (CoE) on the 7th of October, 2021 at the State Convention Centre, Shillong.

The Community Led Landscape Management Project (CLLMP) is a project of the state that is supported by World Bank. It seeks to strengthen the capacity of communities in 400 of the most environmentally degraded villages to plan and implement holistic natural resource management. The workshop was attended by Shri Conrad K. Sangma, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Lahkmen Rymbui, Minister Home Affairs and District Council Affairs, and saw the participation of all three Chief Executive Members of the Autonomous District Councils. Others present included the Chief Secretary of Meghalaya, Smt. R.V. Suchiang, senior officials of Forests & Environment Department, Soil and Water Conservation Department, CFOs of all three ADCs, Indian Environment Law Organization (IELO), CoE, and MBMA.

In his address, Shri Sangma emphasized the importance of balancing development and environmental needs and leveraging on the synergy between the agencies of actors to harmonize efforts towards natural resource management. He added that the creation of sustainable livelihoods is central, and parallel systems of livelihood opportunities need to be in place before activities that are detrimental to the environment, such as rat-hole mining, are banned. On Climate Change, Sangma stated that people must prepare to adapt to the inevitable to minimise any impact. Measures can only be taken through careful synchronized efforts of all stakeholders, particularly the community. He proposed that the NEC becomes a regional council for climate change and that policies of all North Eastern States have a common agenda that undertakes concerted efforts towards mitigation and adaptation of climate change.

Lahkmen Rymbui highlighted the complexities of landholding and land administration in the State that make it difficult for any single agency to operate. These include conflicts in law and ownership. The only way forward is to ensure that the institutional capacity of stakeholders is strengthened, and the Government through CLLMP can ensure synergy among authorities for the preservation of natural resources in Meghalaya.

Chief Secretary R.V. Suchiang stated that the issue of legal, institutional and policy framework related to NRM in Meghalaya remains complex and challenging. Since the management of forests is both within the purview of the Forests & Environment Department and the Autonomous District Councils, laws and regulations set out by Central and State Government cannot be solely implemented because the constitution empowers ADCs to enact their laws under the 6th Schedule for forests under their control. Coordination of various departments is required to curtail conflicts, and the important task is to formalise these efforts so that a solid partnership with universal objectives is formed.

Dr. Subhash Ashutosh, Co-Chairman & Director, Centre of Excellence (NRM&SL), referred to the recently published 6th Assessment Report of the IPCC which painted a grim picture for the future of the environment. Despite worldwide initiatives, climate change is being observed faster and the projected 1.5 degree Celsius rise of global warming will have intense impacts particularly for a mountainous and economically fragile State such as Meghalaya, where 80% of the population depends on natural resources for livelihood. Adaptation measures to climate change through sustainable natural resource management are imperative to climate-proof livelihoods and make the ecosystems more resilient.

Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary to Govt of Meghalaya & Project Director, CLLMP stressed putting improved efforts into decision making to protect and secure the present and future generations. He added that Meghalaya has strength in communities that exercise autonomy over their natural resources. Programmatic and legal frameworks should be built to reinforce these existing processes. He announced that together with the C&RD Department, MBMA is creating a new policy to form VNRMCs within the VECs wherein communities will be trained in technological support to natural resource management. The aim is to engage the youth and raise a community conservation corps similar to what the USA did after World War II. About 2000 villages in Meghalaya have 3 people each trained in NRM planning and use of NRM technologies through CLLMP. He is looking forward to a comprehensive proposal to build a legal framework that will generate momentum for protection of the natural resources.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF, Forests and Environment Department, B.K. Lyngwa mentioned that Meghalaya has 76% total geographical area under forest cover making the state rich in biodiversity. Only about 12%, however, is under Government control, which are areas managed scientifically through working schemes. The remaining forest areas under the ownership of communities, private owners, and the Autonomous District Councils should also be managed scientifically since customary practices may not always be sustainable. He congratulated MBMA on their efforts of reaching out to 400 villages in Meghalaya under CLLMP and hoped to achieve managing the remaining forest areas under working schemes through collaboration and convergence with the Forests & Environment Department and the ADCs.

Titosstarwell Chyne, the CEM of KHADC pointed that the challenges due to globalization including mining and quarrying are daunting and that efforts to strengthen the legal and institutional capacity of the ADCs are a welcomed step. Benedict R. Marak, the CEM of GHADC expressed that while there are gaps in the capacity of the ADCs to meet their mandate, the support of the government can help maintain a progressive administration.

The Two Technical Sessions focused on gaps under the current policies and the legal frameworks. Conflicts between State and ADC legislatures were identified, and ways forward for strengthening the institutional capacity of the ADCs were agreed upon.

Numerous focus areas emerged during the Workshop which includes the urgency for the ADCs and the State Forest Department to collectively discuss challenges in the areas of forest and natural resource management, the necessity of a common forum between the ADCs, scientific management of forest areas, challenges associated with landlessness, and the need to understand gaps in the current legislation for strengthening legal frameworks.

Venue: Tree House, Tura
Date: 3Rd & 4th March 2021

INTRODUCTION:

A two-day Megha-LAMP retreat programme was held at Tura, West Garo Hills District. The retreat was conducted with an aim to achieve absolute clarity, at all levels, on the overall project objectives and on the immediate plan of action for the next three months. The retreat also aims at enabling learning’s across districts by delving into the implementation experiences (both success and failures) of each district. So also, the retreat aim to build team spirit and to inspire all staff members.

DAY 1: BRIEF HIGHLIGHT OF THE ACHIEVEMENT AND PROGRESS OF THE DIFFERENT COMPONENTS

SPEECH BY SHRI. HERBERT PARIAT, GENERAL MANAGER, RURAL FINANCE

While speaking about Rural Finance, Shri. Herbert Pariat said that under the component several IVCS were established which has helped many villages in terms of banking services especially in areas where banking services is difficult. He said the component has achieved a lot however there is a need to scale up the achievement, besides there is a need to scale up the disbursement of funds as well as to scale up handholding. There is a need to scale up the achievement, disbursement of funds as well as to scale up hand holding of all IVCS partners. Similarly, Shri. Pariat stressed on the importance of data collection and stated that without proper data it will become difficult to move forward with the initiative, therefore he said that data collection and monitoring is one of the aspects that needs to be focused upon.

SPEECH BY SMT. SUCIELIA MYLLIEMNGAP, ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCE

The Performance Link Incentive which will soon be made into practiced within the organization was highlighted. She also spoke about Key Performance Indicator (KPI) and how KPI is connected with the PLI. Therefore, she suggested that all DPMs will have to assess the KPI of their team members. Stating that if the member achieved then incentives will be provided. Similarly, she said that the incentives will be credited twice a year. It was also mentioned that all staffs are to use the HRMIS. Further, she also spoke about the type of leaves that the employees can availed that is Annual Leave, Sick Leave and Compensatory Leave.

SPEECH BY SHRI. AUGUSTUS SUTING, GENERAL MANAGER, INCLUSIVE SUPPLY CHAIN & ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

Speaking at the gathering Shri. A. Suting mentioned about the Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) and spoke on the initiatives that should be taken by the project to help in uplifting the community.

SPEECH BY DR. VIJAY KUMAR D, IAS, CEO MBMA, PROJECT DIRECTOR

Megha-LAMP While addressing the Megha-LAMP members, Dr. Kumar expressed the essence of the Project which is Livelihood and Access to Markets stating the importance of access to market linkages for people in rural areas. Dr. Kumar recommended the team not to confuse the villagers with jargons such as ISC&ED or RF, but to go to the field as members of Megha-LAM Project.

Referring to the Chief Minister’s Mobilization Support for Producers event held earlier in the day, Dr. Kumar stated that the idea is about scaling up the LAM Project to the whole state. Normally in projects, extra agency would invest some money and would be conducting work in selected villages; but, however, if the government thinks that the project is doing a meaningful work than it would be implemented across the entire state. Dr. Kumar stated that the Megha-LAMP has become a model for the state in terms of livelihood promotion and access to markets.  

Further, clarifying the name given to Chief Minister’s Mobilization Support for Producers, Dr. Kumar explained that it would be renamed as Entrepreneurship and Access to Markets (EAMP) project. Dr. Kumar further informed that the Soil and Water Conservation Department has taken over the full responsibility of initiating Natural Resources activities across the state which was started by the Integrated Natural Resources Management (INRM) component. A drive to identify people at village level is being conducted who would be leading the natural resources management in their regions. Therefore the model of LAMP has been up scaled and would be fully taken over by Soil and Water Conservation Department.

Regarding Rural Finance (RF) and Inclusive Supply Chain & Enterprise Development (ISC&ED) components, Dr. Kumar stressed on the need for the two components to work together, in creating financial opportunities, and generating marketing and aggregation of produce. Commenting on the structural setup of the formation of Producer Groups (PG), Service Providers (SP) and Collective Marketing Centers (CMC) Dr. Kumar said the system begins with the framers who stand as the base of the pyramid. Through these farmers PGs for different sectors would be formed who would be receiving seed money of Rs. 5000 per member per household. Thus the Window 1 initiation under ISC&ED has now become universal in the state. However, Dr. Kumar also stated that a monitoring system should also be generated such that the use for these funds can be followed. Dr. Kumar stated that the Project the target is to achieve is 4.5 lakh Households as members of Producer Groups, out of which 1 lakh each will be covered under Megha-LAMP and PRIME. While the remaining 2.5 lakh would be covered under KMW Farmer’s Mobilization project which would flag off next year, and RF and ISC&ED would remain as the main components for the project.

Regarding Service Providers, Dr. Kumar explained the concept is about extending services to farmers at village level. Therefore chosen people from the village would be given training (paravets) who can provide various forms of services for their own village. These SPs would receive a minimal fund through which they can utilize to purchase tools and equipment which would enable them to provide services in their villages.

And at the top of the pyramid are the CMCs for whom infrastructure would be provided to run the collection centers, food processing, markets, etc. Dr. Kumar said that it is full self-sufficient model which would be owned by farmers, run by farmers and is completely independent. Dr. Kumar further added that the CMC loan is an interest free loan. So as per the model the PGs will become cooperative societies who will take charge of credit linkage and value chin as well.

In order to manage any duplication of members from the same household, Ration Card would be used. Out of the 4.5 lakh Households as members of PGs, and 15-20 thousand people would be SPs of different trade. So there would be 7-8 hundred Cooperative societies in the whole state.

 In his conclusion, Dr. Kumar encouraged the staff to assist and facilitate the community people in 3 nights order to uplift their wellbeing and livelihood

Interaction of staffs during M-LAMP Retreat

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.

The Chief Minister’s Mobilization Support for Producers fund provides support to farmers of Meghalaya to help increase production and overcome challenges that relate to the cultivation of agricultural produce and the rearing of livestock. Each block was provided with a fund of Rs 5000 per Producer Group (PG) member while 18 Service Providers (SP) or paravets received a fund of Rs. 50,000 each. Further, 18 Collective Marketing Centers (CMCs) were provided with support funding of Rs. 7 lakhs each for pre-fabricated storage.

The initiative will encourage producers to sell and trade directly at the CMCs that are set up in those villages or clusters which have strong Integrated Village Cooperative Societies (IVCS) and big potential for improving incomes through the provision of support services that include aggregation, processing, and marketing of produce.

OPENING REMARKS

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

Dr. Vijay Kumar D. spoke about the importance of the collectivization of agricultural produce. While mentioning that Meghalaya is known for quality agricultural produce such as Lakadong Turmeric, ginger, various handicraft works, and other products, he stated that production has always been done at the individual level and therefore, farmers often face numerous challenges such as subsistence-level practices, cultural or geographical constraints, production and marketing issues as individuals, inadequate access to credit, and poor market linkages.

To overcome these challenges, the IFAD-supported Megha-LAMP Project has in the past 2 years conducted intensive studies to identify innovative ways to address existing challenges, and the idea of setting up CMCs in different clusters and villages materialized. These CMCs are primary farm gate infrastructures that are nodes for aggregation, processing, and marketing of produce in the villages and clusters under the project. The CMC is also an input supply unit. Hence, it serves as a one-stop-shop at the village level.

On the role of Service Providers, Dr. Kumar informed that the project has built a cadre of people that can provide extension services such as vaccination, crop advisory, supply of input and feed, and aggregation of output to communities including those that reside in hard-to-reach villages with difficult terrain and poor or no means of transport.

He stressed that it is essential for farmers that are engaged in similar types of activities with high potential for income generation to form a PG so that collectively, earnings would improve.

Started their piggery PG through the initiation of Meghalaya Basin Management Agency. They have a separate activity for pig breeding and pig fattening. Five members are in charge of breeding while six others take care of fattening.

Started their piggery PG through the initiation of Meghalaya Basin Management Agency. They have a separate activity for pig breeding and pig fattening. Five members are in charge of breeding while six others take care of fattening.

Started their PG for potato cultivation after attending an awareness programme conducted by the EFC staff of Khatarshnong-Laitkroh Block. Since the inception of the PG, they have more knowledge about new technologies to further their skills. With the support fund they hope to produce more agricultural products to market outside the State.

CONRAD K. SANGMA, HON’BLE CHIEF MINISTER OF MEGHALAYA

While announcing the launch of the Chief Minister’s Mobilization Support for Producers fund, Shri Conrad K. Sangma informed that when his Government came to power, the vision was to improve the lives of every citizen of the state in every sector. To reach these targets, they had to first identify the gaps that remain front and center within the system to cope with the challenges in entrepreneurship, farming, artistry, sports, music, and education. Once these gaps were identified, it became clear that entrepreneurship was the base that could touch many aspects of life. To facilitate our entrepreneurs, support funding and services are being afforded in the form of awards, guidance in starting a business, and professional trainings so that value is added to their work while the entrepreneurial ecosystem, on the whole, is strengthened.

Shri Sangma put special emphasis on the need to create a robust ecosystem for entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. Training in various hospitality services will improve the quality of experience of the tourists while strengthening the sector will also create job opportunities for Meghalaya’s youth. Similarly, in the farming sector, challenges continue to exist for the government and the producers concerning the production and selling of individual produce. Under Megha-LAMP, the concept of PGs and SPs was created so that larger numbers of produce are sold directly at the CMCs which in turn will not only benefit the farmers but will eliminate middlemen.

Shri Sangma congratulated the MBMA team for structuring the entire process in the right way – for conceptualizing and creating the different sections and core areas, and for finding the right resources moving forward.

He urged the farmers to make the best use of this funding support whereby they could grow their PGs into cooperative societies and avail benefits not just from the state government but also from the central government. He cited Padma Shri Awardee Nanandro B. Sangma’s contributions to the State’s agriculture sector and invited the farmer participants to look at the Black Pepper farmer’s success story for inspiration and encouragement.

The Chief Minister’s Mobilization Support for Producers fund is purely to provide the best measures in assisting the producers in all forms.

Initially, they found it difficult to be part of the long 45-day training. They are however grateful because now, they can provide many services to members involved in piggery. They can easily provide vaccination for the pigs in their villages without having to travel to veterinary centers.

As a registered partner under M-LAMP, he has been able to attend various trainings such as beekeeping, pig rearing, agriculture, and other allied activities. In 2019, he was identified as a service provider for piggery. He is now able to serve many villages under the cluster by providing services in vaccination, medicines, and others. He has also provided trainings on pig rearing and beekeeping within the cluster of villages.

Shri Marcuise N. Marak stated that the Chief Minister’s Mobilization Support for Producers scheme will provide support to the agricultural sector and assist in the marketing of produce. He added that this is an inspiring initiative of the government that can help raise the living standards of the people at the grassroots.

Shri Thomas A. Sangma lauded the Chief Minister of Meghalaya for the first-of-its-kind initiative in the State adding that it will help to further improve livelihoods. He encouraged the farmers and producers involved in the agriculture and allied sectors to come forward and make the most of the support provided by the government.

Earlier before the CMCs were formed in their village, they used to sell their products on their own at low rates. A big challenge was how to market their produce at better and more competitive prices. In this aspect, the CMCs have been great sources of aid for the community. He stated that by starting the food processing activity of products like ginger, areca nut, cashew nut, and turmeric, which are highly available in their village, they can now also offer income-generating jobs for their youth.

From 28th January to 3rd February 2021, the Ginger PG got an opportunity to promote ginger for trial marketing in partnership with India Harvesting Company Limited to export ginger to South Africa. The vision and mission of their IVCS is to reduce poverty and to develop their village by providing access to financial services including savings and loans. With the support fund, they plan to set up a processing unit for ginger.

Nanendro B. Sangma being felicitated with an award from the International Pepper Cooperation Ltd by Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma and Shri Dharmender Das, Deputy Director of Spice Board of India

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.

The Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, or CIMAP, is a multidisciplinary research institute of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) established to carry out high-quality research in biological and chemical sciences in an effort to extend technology support to farmers and entrepreneurs of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). In Meghalaya, the Technology Window was open to facilitate support services to farmers that are engaged in the cultivation and production of MAPs under the State’s Megh-Aroma Mission.

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. Since its inception, a total area of 110 hectares has been created across the State purposely for aromatic plantation. The primary crops introduced include citronella, lemongrass, geranium, palmarosa, vetiver, and others. To facilitate large-scale area expansion, 5 Central Zone Nurseries have been established at different agro-climatic zones of the State. INR has also commissioned 6 distillation units and processing facilities, while the extension support of CIMAP Lucknow has facilitated the production and validation of essential oils.

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. P. Shakil Ahammed stated that he would like to express on record, his gratitude to CSIR-CIMAP for coming forward to open a window in the State, not only with the provision of planting materials but for potentially offering the State’s young entrepreneurs with an opportunity for a long-term tie-up with major buyers, and our farmers with an improved linkage to bigger markets. He added that without the resources of the farmers, no technology can prevail, and suggested that the stakeholders – institutions like CIMAP, MBDA, and Farmers’ Groups – must pool in their resources and collaborate so that our farmers are not forced to sell at compromised prices.

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. Sastry stated the stakeholders must come together to work for the collective benefit of the community and its economy. He informed that the Jorhat lab is actively participating in achieving the targets set under Phase 2 of the Mission. Under this Window, the complete CSIR technologies from across the country will be accessible to ensure access to new planting materials, post-harvesting methods, and sustainable agriculture applications, etc.

On 19th February 2021, the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) and the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) organized the PRIME (Promotion and Incubation of Market-driven Enterprises) Entrepreneurship Awards 2021 at the State Convention Centre, Shillong to celebrate entrepreneurship and to spotlight the State’s most inspiring entrepreneurs for their stand-out achievements and role in enterprise development in Meghalaya. Shri. Conrad K. Sangma, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

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

Dr. Vijay Kumar D., IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Planning Department, Government of Meghalaya, and CEO MBMA stated that PRIME is a brand created to promote entrepreneurship and to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the State. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic impeding activities, progress was made in several key areas since the inception of the initiative.

Dr. Kumar explained that PRIME was launched on 2nd January 2020 to make entrepreneurship the preferred career choice for youths of the State. The initiative ensures easier access to credit, technology, skilling, and mentoring support that is centered on a linkage to markets. The mission of PRIME is to provide systematic and targeted support to aspiring entrepreneurs via the creation of a network of PRIME Hubs across the State. The focused program component includes providing incubation support and access to credit, creating support through the PRIME Fund, setting up PRIME Hubs, and reaching out to rural areas to identify entrepreneurs.

He stated that the Government has been facilitating support to up-and-coming entrepreneurs and referenced the Chief Minister’s e-Championship Challenge, a novel way of identifying entrepreneurs through an open challenge. The 2020 edition witnessed over 700 applications of which the top 100 entrepreneurs were chosen for support. Further, he presented the Chief Minister’s Entrepreneur of the Month programme which was initiated in November 2018, wherein an entrepreneur is selected monthly for support, mentoring and skills up-gradation, etc. About 15 entrepreneurs were selected through this intervention.

The Kick Start Fund

Dr. Kumar stated that the Kick Start Fund will provide support funding of up to Rs. 5 lakhs and will be awarded to a promising business idea. If the business shows potential for productive and sustainable growth, a scale-up innovation loan of Rs. 25 lakhs will be further provided.

He informed that the first PRIME Hub created in a rural area was in Songsak, East Garo Hills, and added that presently, identification of entrepreneurs from rural areas is being carried out in 29 blocks, and 13 value chains have been identified. While 2020-21 has been a prototype phase, Dr. Kumar mentioned that 2021-22 would be a scaling-up phase, and would include the second round for the search of entrepreneurs under the Chief Minister’s e- Championship Challenge 2.0. This financial year, at least 15 PRIME Hubs will be created and another 30 will be set up by 2022.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Kumar informed that under the Kick Start Grant and Scale-up Grant support mechanisms, the target of identifying entrepreneurs is ambitious but achievable- 15,000 people and 1000 people respectively. The process of identification will be determined on a merit basis.

Ateliers Meghalaya

Dr. Vijay Kumar D. stated that the Ateliers Meghalaya programme was initiated through the Tourism Department to support craft entrepreneurship and to ensure that the State’s creative enterprises have a place in big niche markets. He stated that the goal is to make the process simple – to sell these products in studios and allow tourists to experience the state’s artistic inventions personally.

Dr. Kumar informed that a Meghalayan Age Store will be set up in Connaught Place, New Delhi to showcase the innovative and diverse art and culture of the State. Further, opportunities will be provided to all the Ateliers to showcase their products at the store. Similar stores may then be set up in Mumbai and Hyderabad. Grassroots ateliers can approach the studio to be trained so that they can in turn train others.

Shri. Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya

Shri. Conrad K. Sangma congratulated the PRIME Entrepreneurship Awardees and thanked MBMA and the team from PRIME for organizing the programme, adding that he is a strong believer in entrepreneurship and remains a big proponent of its importance and value to the State. While explaining the need for nurturing entrepreneurs in the State, Shri Sangma stated that every year, about 50,000 youths are primed to join the workforce in Meghalaya. Therefore, it becomes imperative that the state has a structured system in place to cater to the large demand for jobs. This number will only increase in the coming years. And since there are limitations of jobs in the formal sector, entrepreneurship is the avenue that can fill the gap.

THE CM’S 5Ps OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

1. The Purpose, the aim must be purpose-driven;
2. The Passion, which should drive the purpose;
3. The People, who will provide support in the purpose with passion;
4. The Position, which should not hinder the passion or dominate the people; and
5. The Paisa, which would only be generated if the purpose is met.

Shri Sangma stated that Meghalaya has an economy of roughly 4 billion dollars and a total population of about 38 lakh people. Comparing it with Iceland, which only has 3 lakh people and an economy of 90 billion dollars, Meghalaya has to improve its level of productivity. And while the government can provide the proper ecosystems, the onus is on the entrepreneurs to multiply the impact and assist with developing the present economic condition. He stressed that entrepreneurship is about adding value to what already exists. This can be done with better packaging, innovative marketing techniques, and quality of presentation.

Shri Sangma stated that the culture of entrepreneurship will reflect in different aspects consisting of artisans, musicians, sportsmen, etc. and will spread into different sectors. He informed that there will be programmes to award one sports person monthly as recognition for hard work. Further, there will also be a monthly Chief Minister’s Music Award.

On banks and credit, Shri Sangma stated that banks need to get better at customer service and be more adaptable. He thanked the North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB) for its role in providing credit and loans to aspiring entrepreneurs. He urged other banks to follow their example and is hopeful that new MoUs will be signed in the near future. In his concluding remarks, Shri Sangma informed that a corpus fund of Rs. 125 Cr will be available as part of the entrepreneurship PRIME fund for the next two years. This fund will enable a complete transformation in the economy of Meghalaya and will augment a potentially robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state.