Coffee, cocoa emerge as means to protect Meghalaya’s catchment areas

advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

advertisement

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.

advertisement

Hot this week

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Three militants arrested in Manipur

Imphal, Jun 30: Three militants belonging to different proscribed...

No party can dominate AIADMK, says Edappadi Palaniswami

Kallakurichi (Tamil Nadu), Jun 30: Strongly defending his...

Police in Jammu intensify security ahead of Amarnath Yatra

Jammu, Jun 30: Jammu police has set up several...

President Murmu pays tributes to tribal warriors on ‘Hul Diwas’

New Delhi, Jun 30: President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute...

Ayush clinches maiden BWF World Tour title at US Open; Tanvi finishes runner-up

Iowa (US), Jun 30: Rising shuttler Ayush Shetty notched...

India blank Timor-Leste 4-0 in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers

Chiang Mai (Thailand), June 29: The Indian senior women's...

Gold mine collapse kills 11 workers in Sudan

Cairo, June 29: A gold mine partly collapsed in...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img