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Meghalaya Rafting program launches by Meghalaya CM

Shillong, July 07,2023: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma officially launched the “Meghalaya Rafting” program at Whitewater Village, Umtham, in Ri-Bhoi district, with the aim of promoting rafting in the state.

For several years, the Ri-Bhoi Water Sports and Tourism Cooperative Society and the Meghalaya Canoe Association have been actively promoting the sport in Umtham village and engaging with the government. Recognizing the potential of rafting, the government has now initiated the “Meghalaya Rafting” program.

Umtham village has hosted numerous national and international events organized by the Ri-Bhoi Water Sports and Tourism Cooperative Society and the Meghalaya Canoe Association to popularize the sport. Local youth, both boys and girls, have been trained in rafting and are now participating in various national and international events.

The Megha Kayak Fest held in Umtham has gained international acclaim. The picturesque natural beauty of Umtham and its river has been highly appreciated, and the local organizations aspire to develop the course as the world’s most thrilling perennial slalom course.

During the launch event, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma commended the efforts of the team that pioneered rafting and canoeing activities in the area. He assured the organizations promoting the sport that the government would extend full support to elevate and promote rafting to new heights.

“As a government, we believe in promoting innovative ideas and interventions. Rafting in Umtham has tremendous potential, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we support and go the extra mile to leverage this exciting sport, which will not only empower our youth but also attract global attention,” stated the Chief Minister.

Highlighting the potential of rafting and the passion of the state’s young enthusiasts, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that they would bring laurels to Meghalaya in the future. The government of Meghalaya is committed to scientifically developing talented sportspeople in the coming years.

Regarding the promotion of Umtham as a tourist destination, the Chief Minister emphasized its enormous potential and pledged to address immediate challenges, improve network connectivity, and explore infrastructure enhancements. He further assured that Umtham would be developed as a tourism circuit, with the government introducing programs that enhance the overall experience for visiting tourists.

Initiatives : Agriculture

Launch of “Restart Meghalaya Mission’ on 15th August 2020

The Mission comprise of a series of interventions to support farmers and entrepreneurs by enabling them to build growth-promoting basic infrastructure and services. Under this Mission, 1917iTEAMS – the IT Platform aimed at enabling farmers access to agricultural information, crop advisories and markets will be expanded logistically through induction of another 100 vehicles.

Creation of the Directorate of Food Processing on May 2018

With the objective of seizing opportunities in the sector and the untapped food processing potential of the state for uplifting the livelihoods of farmers and value chain actors, the Government of Meghalaya created the Directorate of Food Processing (DFP) as a one-stop agency to handle all matters relating to food processing in the state and to deal with all central government Ministries and Agencies (viz. Ministries of Agriculture, and Food Processing, SFAC, NCDC, NABARD, etc.) in all matters pertaining to the development of agricultural food processing sector.

First Ever Farmer’s Parliament held on 4th - 5th December 2018

The parliament was organised by the state department of agriculture in collaboration with Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) and the Hill Farmers' Union (HFU). As a step toward the promotion of new technologies, HFU with the support of Meghalaya government, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence App for farmers — called Nongrep (nongrep in Khasi language means farmer) with its software partner Impetus Solutions from Hyderabad — as a social innovation project. This app will address matters of farm aggregations, soil health and disease identification, crop yield, farm produce pickups, market linkage and retail sellers app.

Launch of the Farmer’s Portal on 7th May 2018

The Meghalaya Famers’ Portal (www.megfarmers.gov.in) of the Department of Agriculture is a platform for farmers to seek any information related to agriculture. Detailed information on farmers’ insurance, agricultural storage, crops, extension activities, seeds, pesticides, farm machineries, etc. is provided. Details of fertilizers, market prices, package and practices, programmes, welfare schemes are also given.

Awards & Recognitions
  • Meghalaya has been selected for the Commendation award in 'Total foodgrains Category-III' for 2017-18. The award consists of a citation and an amount of Rs. 1 crore.
  • Meghalaya Agriculture Department and the MIE Meghalaya Team won the '7th eNabling North East (eNorth East) Award 2019-20' in the 'Agriculture & Rural Development' category for 1917 iTEAMS project which is a project in collaboration with Digital India.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded Meghalaya on May 2018 the Krishi Commendation Award for the year 2015-16, in recognition of the commendable foodgrains production achieved by the State.
  • Meghalaya has been adjudged the Most Improved Small State in the category of Agriculture and received the India Today – "The State of the States” Award on 23rd November 2018.