Tura, June 22 : In a significant boost to grassroots communities and rural livelihoods, the Government of Meghalaya has commenced the disbursement of nearly ₹19 crore 1 in financial grants to Producer Groups (PGs) across the state under its flagship FOCUS (Farmers’ Collectivisation for Upscaling Production and Marketing Systems) program2. A substantial ₹8 crore 3 of this allocation has been disbursed to over 4,600 PGs in Garo Hills alone4, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s drive for rural economic self-reliance.
The announcement and disbursal ceremony were led by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma 5 at the Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma Athletic Stadium in Tura, coinciding with the foundation stone laying for the Additional Secretariat Complex6, a move towards decentralized governance.
The FOCUS initiative has grown into a transformative platform, reaching over 2.1 lakh rural households 7across Meghalaya and channeling close to ₹120 crore 8 in direct benefit transfers over the years9. The scheme encourages farmers to collectivize into producer groups and provides strategic financial support of ₹5,000 per member for productivity-linked initiatives, particularly in sectors such as piggery, poultry, and horticulture10.
The scheme has made significant strides in both Garo Hills and Khasi–Jaintia Hills, ensuring inclusive growth statewide11111111. In Garo Hills, nearly 12,000 PGs and 1 lakh beneficiaries have received support 12, while Khasi and Jaintia Hills have seen grants reaching over 10,000 PGs and more than 1.09 lakh families13. The cumulative total disbursed under FOCUS now stands at ₹120 crore 14, supporting over 22,500 Producer Groups15. The current FY 2025–26 tranche adds nearly ₹19 crore 16 to this expanding outreach, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a resilient rural economy17.
While handing over the cheques, Chief Minister Sangma emphasized, “These aren’t just grants – they’re investments in the potential of our farmers and the promise of our rural economy. 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”18.
In addition to the FOCUS disbursements, the day also saw the disbursal of ₹10 crore 19 to the Nokrek Midan Cluster Level Federation (CLF) under Rongram Block through the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS)20. This initiative benefits over 1.9 lakh women 21 and more than 19,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) 22 in Garo Hills, significantly enhancing women-led development.
Producer Groups in Garo Hills are engaged in diverse activities including piggery, banana and cashew cultivation, poultry, and mustard farming 23, which not only enhance food security but also create sustainable income streams and job opportunities at the village level24. The event also included grants under the Climate Adaptive Community-Based Water Harvesting Project (ADB) 25, highlighting the government’s multi-pronged approach to climate resilience, livelihoods, and decentralized development26.
The FOCUS scheme continues to be a cornerstone in Meghalaya’s rural transformation, fostering collective action, enabling enterprise, and building dignity, opportunity, and prosperity for every farming household27.
