Agar & Bamboo:Good for livelihood

WILLIAMNAGAR, AUG 27:  Large scale plantation of Agar and Bamboo is the answer the state government’s was looking for in its search to provide alternative sustainable livelihood to the people and also address climate change.

Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma revealed this alternative during his address to Williamnagar residents during the launch of bamboo and agar plantation in the district under horticulture and agriculture departments at Rongrenggiri playground on Thursday.

Sangma said, “This programme is part of fulfilling the responsibilities of the state government to design alternative livelihood activities that can reverse the adverse effects of climate change with the involvement of the stakeholders.”

Sangma explained at length on how agar plantation should be done, how and when to inoculate the plants to enhance their value and the policy being framed by the state government for harvesting and selling of Agar wood.

Explaining the concept of green economy, Sangma said that the state has learnt its lessons from NGT ban and stressed the need to look at various sources for generating revenue. “Government can earn huge revenue from Agar business”, he added and informed the gathering that Agar would be planted in partnership with the government from next year, out of which the partners would get 90 percent while 10 percent would go to the government.

Sangma urged the people to cultivate various species of plants along with bamboo and agar to regenerate vegetative coverage as well as to recreate biodiversity around.

Sangma also briefly highlighted on programme of Chief Minister’s Clean and Green Meghalaya exhorting the community to maintain cleanliness and greenery to create livable habitations around them and attract visitors from outside.

Parliamentary secretary Rophul S. Marak, Deputy Commissioner CVD Diengdoh, IG (Western Range) LB Sangma, SP Davis Nestell Marak and officials of horticulture & agriculture departments were among many others who were present on the occasion.- From Our Correspondent