The Meghalaya government has released Rs 19 crore under its flagship FOCUS (Farmers’ Collectivisation for Upscaling Production and Marketing Systems) scheme, aimed at bolstering rural livelihoods across the state. Of this, Rs 8 crore has been disbursed to over 4,600 Producer Groups (PGs) in the Garo Hills, reflecting the administration’s sustained efforts to empower grassroots communities and promote self-reliance in agriculture.
The announcement was made during a public event at Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma Athletic Stadium in Tura, where Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma also laid the foundation stone for the Additional Secretariat Complex. The move is part of the government’s broader push to decentralise governance and increase regional access to administrative services. FOCUS has emerged as a key intervention in rural Meghalaya, having transferred nearly Rs 120 crore directly to more than 22,500 Producer Groups since its inception.
According to official data, the scheme has impacted over 2.1 lakh rural households, supporting farming-related activities such as piggery, poultry, and horticulture. “These aren’t just grants — they’re investments in the potential of our farmers and the promise of our rural economy,” Chief Minister Sangma said. “FOCUS is not a one-time scheme; it’s a long-term vision to empower communities, especially women, with over 60% of beneficiaries being women farmers.”