Meghalaya signs 13 pacts to turn agri-waste into rural wealth, boost farmers' incomes
The initiative also aims to promote the production of health foods from millets, sorghum, and maize as part of a broader push to boost rural entrepreneurship, improve farmers' incomes, and reduce environmental waste through value addition, they said.
The pacts were signed during the Summit for Rural Empowerment at the State Convention Centre here and form part of the state's efforts under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) to transform rural livelihoods through innovation, technology, and market linkages.
Officials said six more pacts are likely to be signed and are expected to further strengthen livelihood initiatives in tribal and remote areas of the state.
The government aims to shift from low-value primary production to high-value processing of local resources in a manner that is both economically and ecologically sustainable.
Activities under the new MoUs include producing compost from fruit waste, extracting essential oils from medicinal plants, converting flowers into natural dyes, and developing nutritious food products from indigenous crops, officials added.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, speaking at the event, said the summit showcases the government's sustained commitment to farmers, women, and rural communities.
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News18
2 hours ago
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Meghalaya Cabinet approves reforms in building by-laws, MCS exams, DCA
Shillong, Aug 7 (PTI) To improve ease of doing business, the Meghalaya Cabinet on Thursday approved amendments to the building bylaws 2025, enabling a simplified online building permission system to be operational from August 11. The Cabinet also cleared key reforms in the Meghalaya Civil Services (MCS) examination pattern and delegation of financial powers to the District Council Affairs (DCA) department. 'Under the new bylaws, all applications for building permits must be submitted online," Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who chaired the meeting, said. He said, 'For low-risk buildings — residential, commercial, and industrial — with a built-up area of 2,500 to 3,000 sq ft, a G+1 structure, and a maximum height of 7 metres, no technical approval from the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) will be required." Applicants can use empanelled architects or engineers and submit self-attested designs online. Construction can commence immediately after submission. For larger buildings up to 7,500 sq ft (G+2), empanelled third-party verification agencies and licensed architects and engineering firms registered with the government will assist in submitting verified designs for faster approvals, he said. To ensure fairness and relevance, a new mandatory subject on Meghalaya, covering its history, culture and economy, will be introduced. The change aims to better prepare future civil servants while aligning with emerging national standards, he added. The Cabinet also amended the Delegation of Financial Power Rules, 2006, by delegating financial powers to the joint secretary of the DCA department. Since the DCA has no head of the department (HoD), the joint secretary will now function with HoD-level financial authority. The DCA will also act as the single nodal department for disbursing revenue shares to district councils, previously a fragmented process involving the transport, mining, and forest departments. Officials said the reforms will streamline the process, improve transparency, and ensure the timely flow of funds to autonomous district councils. PTI JOP MNB view comments First Published: August 07, 2025, 19:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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2 days ago
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Floriculture Mission 1.0 set to make Meghalaya NE's flower hub
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