Shillong: The Meghalaya government has announced several schemes for the primary producers in Shallang, which was inaugurated as a C&RD block on December 20.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma handed over Rs 79.70 lakh to 1,594 producers in Shallang in West Khasi Hills district under FOCUS+ scheme.

The government’s FOCUS scheme allows 10 or more producers to come together and reap the benefits of Rs 10,000 per farming household. The scheme was extended to urban pockets a few months ago.

On December 20, Sangma also distributed benefits under the state’s animal husbandry schemes under which 400 pig farmers received piglets and 100 poultry farmers received kroiler birds.

The Rural Backyard Piggery and Poultry scheme, called Progress, is meant to ensure sustainable livelihood through different livestock farming activities. The scheme was launched in August 2022 in Ri Bhoi.

The chief minister also handed over Rs 39-lakh bank loans to 14 self-help groups that "will enable them to further them in their entrepreneurial journey".

"Continuing our efforts to bring development in all corners of Meghalaya especially those left behind, we inaugurated the Shallang C&RD Block in West Khasi Hills District. This move will ensure the 95 villages under the new Shallang C&RD Block receive the benefits of Government schemes. We dedicate this to the people," Sangma tweeted.

Shallang has been in news for illegal coke plants which have been overlooked by the government monitoring system. Last week, the Meghalaya High Court pulled up the state government for being complicit about taking action against these factories.

ALSO READ: Meghalaya Cabinet nod to Building Amendment Byelaws, 2022