Shillong : As part of the Meghalaya Government’s vision of taking Horticulture in the State to a bigger scale, the Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma inaugurated the Horti Hub at Zikzak in West Garo Hills district on January 4, 2012.

This Horti Hub was started as a seed farm way back in the 1950s during Assam time and over seven hectares of the land had been lying unutilized for a long time. As such creation of this Hub was sanctioned in the year 2008 and completed in 2010. Presently there are nine poly-houses, out of which two are being used for orchid plantation and in the rest of poly-houses are being used as nursery for quality arecanut seedlings. The hub will function as a demonstration-cum-training centre for the farmers on new crop technology and cultivation, commercialization and management of crops.

Dedicating the Horti Hub to the people of the area, Dr. Sangma, in his inaugural address, expressed hope that the hub would help the local farmers to replicate the new trend of farming and help them uplift their livelihood. He said that this area on the banks of River Rongkai was very suitable for orchid plantation and has thus stressed on plantation of orchids. He also informed that the Horticulture department has been asked to come up with a scheme for development of orchids in the Daru-Dilni-Rongkai valleys of West Garo Hills under the theme “Orchid Valley”.

On the Aquaculture Mission which is being implemented in the State from this year, the Chief Minister informed that an “Aquaculture Cell” would be set up in every block with the BDO as the chairman, so that farmers interested in fish farming could avail necessary assistance. He also informed the gathering that a land had been identified for setting up a “Spice Park” at Thakuranbari to encourage the farmers of the region to take up spice cultivation. He also urged upon the unemployed youth of the region to take up farming which will generate job avenues and at the same time boost the economy.

Attending the inaugural function as the guest of honour, C&RD Minister Saleng A. Sangma said that the people of the area should “not only enjoy the beauty of the Horti Hub” but make full use of its services for their own benefit. He urged upon the AECs/VECs also to see what projects could be taken up under MGNREGS in their respective villages in convergence with the Horti Hub.

Director of Horticulture, Dr. C.O. Rangad in his brief address said that establishment of Horti Hubs in the State has been one of the major interventions of the department, as they give quality services to the farmers and a major boost to the economy.

Among others who also spoke on the occasion were the Chief Executive Member, GHADC Mr. P.K.Sangma, Joint Director, Horticulture, Mr. G.K. Sharma, District Agriculture Officer, Tura Mr. A.B.Savio Chisim and Additional Deputy Commissioner Mr. V. K. Mantri, who presided over the inaugural function.