Jowai, January 23, 2026: Farmers in West Jaintia Hills district received a major boost with the distribution of farm machineries and Agri Response Vehicles (ARVs) under the Horticulture Cluster Development Programme (CDP), West Jaintia Hills Cluster. The distribution programme was organised by the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) through its District Project Management Unit (DPMU), West Jaintia Hills, and the State Project Management Unit (SPMU-CDP), Shillong.
The programme was held on January 22, 2026, at the Laskein C&RD Block Hall and was funded by the National Horticulture Board (NHB) and the Planning Department, Government of Meghalaya.
Shri Comingone Ymbon, MLA of 3-Raliang Constituency, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Shri F Passah, MCS, Assistant Commissioner, West Jaintia Hills, attended as Guest of Honour.
The programme was also attended by Dr. F. R. Shadap, Block Development Officer, Laskein C&RD Block; Smt. Lucky Diengdoh, Joint Director, Directorate of Horticulture; Shri D. Lyngdoh, Assistant Director, Horticulture, West Jaintia Hills; Shri A. S. Suting, Deputy Project Director, MBMA; Smt. M. Syngkon, District Project Manager, MBMA, West Jaintia Hills, along with other departmental officials.
A total of 111 farm machineries and seven Agri Response Vehicles were distributed to Community Based Organisations (CBOs) under the cluster by the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, and other dignitaries. These assets will provide farmers access to modern farm equipment at affordable hiring rates through 12 Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) established across the cluster.
The seven Agri Response Vehicles are expected to improve logistics support by enabling farmers to transport agricultural produce efficiently to packhouses, processing units, markets, and other destinations.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Comingone Ymbon said that the distribution of farm machineries and ARVs would make farming easier, enhance productivity, and help farmers increase their income. He urged beneficiaries to use the resources carefully and effectively.
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Highlighting Lakadong turmeric, renowned for its superior quality, the MLA stressed the importance of maintaining high standards during processing and proper packaging to preserve its unique identity. He also appealed to villagers to collectively maintain cleanliness in roads, public spaces, Kupli tourist spot, and other tourist locations. Emphasising responsible waste management, he said a clean and well-maintained environment would promote tourism and support sustainable development in the region.
Earlier, Shri D. Lyngdoh, Assistant Director of Horticulture, presented a brief report on the implementation status of the Horticulture Cluster Development Programme in West Jaintia Hills district.
