Shillong, May 16: Coffee and cocoa plantations will be encouraged by the state government as a means to provide alternative livelihood to the people.
The purpose is to protect catchment areas and water sources across the state.
Soil & Water Conservation Minister Marcuise N Marak told reporters that he recently visited the arabica coffee plantation in a village in North Tura and Cocoa plantation in Aguragri village.
The projects are being implemented by the soil & water conservation department.
“During the inspection, I have seen that coffee is growing well. I have talked to the villagers there and spoke about the importance of coffee plantation,” Marak said.
Coffee plantation is also being implemented in East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi and Jaintia Hills.
“We have a good potential for arabica coffee, which is a good variety and we are growing it here and other varieties, which are grown in low line areas are also being grown in Garo Hills,” he said.
When asked, the minister said, “Why soil and water conservation is taking up this is because in the long run this kind of alternative will protect the springs and sources of the rivers and water supply schemes.”
“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 said.
The minister said the government has taken up several projects for rejuvenation and to give alternative livelihoods to the people from different departments including agriculture, horticulture, forest, MBDA, C&RD.
Regarding his visit to the cocoa plantation in Aguragri, Marak said, “I went to see the project there. Cocoa is in high demand for chocolate.”
He said the Cadbury company has already sent a signal that they would be a big buyer for cocoa plants/products from Meghalaya.
“The plantation in Aguragri is doing well. In Aguragri I have seen in one plant, fruits have come up. It was only three years back that we have started the plantation and the trees are bearing fruits. We have reported it to the chief minister that it is doing well and it can provide alternative livelihood to our people,”Marak said.
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