Shillong, May 17: Coffee and cocoa have emerged as key ingredients of Meghalaya’s endeavour to protect its water catchment areas across the state.
The government has initiated alternative livelihood projects by promoting coffee and cocoa plantations for people to encourage them in protection of the vital catchment areas and water sources.
Minister in-charge Soil & Water Conservation, Marcuise N Marak, narrated about successful implementation of such coffee and cocoa plantations that he witnessed during his recent visit to Garo Hills.
The minister visited an Arabica coffee plantation at a village in North Tura and a cocoa plantation at Aguragri implemented by the Soil & Water Conservation department.
He said he witnessed good growth in the coffee plantation and that he spoke to the villagers about importance of the plantation.
Such coffee plantations are also being implemented in East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi and Jaintia Hills, the minister said.
“We have a good potential for Arabica coffee, which is a good variety,” the minister said while informing about coffee plantations coming up in low-lying areas of Garo Hills.
In the long run, the plantations that will earn livelihood for the local people will in turn help protect the springs and sources of rivers and water supply schemes, he said.
“The village in North Tura is a catchment area of Ganol river from where the Tura Supply Scheme has been taken up. Several water supply schemes are dependent on Ganol river. Therefore, it is very important from that point of view,” he asserted.
Further, the minister informed about several projects taken up for rejuvenation of water sources by providing alternative livelihood to the people through various departments – Agriculture, Horticulture, Forest, MBDA, and C&RD.
About his visit to the cocoa plantation at Aguragri, Marak said, “I went to see the project there. Cocoa is in high demand for chocolate.”
He also announced that Cadbury company has already sent a signal that they would be a big buyer for cocoa plant/products from Meghalaya.
The cocoa plants at Aguragri have started bearing fruits in just three years, he said.
“We have reported it to the chief minister that it is doing well and it can provide alternative livelihood to our people,” Marak added.
