With over 80% of the population of Meghalaya living in rural areas, agriculture remains the main source of income and livelihood. Therefore, to improve the lives of the people, agriculture development becomes crucial. Agri-infrastructureplays a pivotal role in taking the production dynamics to the next level. It is only through the development of infrastructures such as polyhouses that the produce can be optimally utilized with the available resources.
Polyhouses address the vagaries of natureand provide a controlled environment for the plants therebyenabling a transition towards achieving enhanced production volumes of fruits, vegetables and flowers from the State.
The scheme aims to address the agri-infrastructure gaps in rural areas by establishing polyhouses for improving production of agri and horti produces, through a government scheme by providing subsidy-based assistance to the selected beneficiaries.
The scheme would cover subsidy for two types of polyhouses:
- Naturally ventilated polyhouse: This type of polyhouse will have natural ventilation and systems to prevent insects and pests. This type of polyhouse will not have special automated environment control system.
- Hi-tech polyhouse: This type of polyhouse is automated with control systems for temperature, humidity, irrigation etc.
The objective of the scheme is to establish polyhouses across the State to enhance and improve the production of agri and horticrops. By introducing the method of protected cultivation through polyhouses, cultivation of wide variety of plants with higher yields will be promoted.
Through polyhouses, cultivation of exotic plants can also be promoted. The scheme is expected to generate income and livelihood for the communities engaged.
The Government of Meghalaya is promoting establishment of polyhousesin villages across the State. Broadly, the benefits ofpolyhouses are listed below:
- Higher yields with careful crop management practises
- Optimal use of resources such as nutrients, water, and land
- Cultivation of wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers
- High-quality produces due to continuous monitoring
- Higher income due to increased production and reduced costs
- Generate income and employment for the village
As the scheme is aimed at setting up polyhouses at both household and village level, individuals as well as village-based institutions are eligible for applying for the same. Village-based institutions include DorbarShnongs, Integrated Village Cooperative Societies, Village Organizations, Self-Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organizations, and other such community-based organisation/society. The applicants should fulfil the following criteria:
- The applicant must have land available for construction of the polyhouse.
- The applicant must be involved in a local income generating activity.
- The applicant should not be a defaulter under any financial institution.
The Meghayala Basin Management Agency, Government of Meghalaya shall be the implementing agency for the scheme.At the district level, District Project Manager (DPMs) will be the nodal officers to help in the implementation.
The applicants can apply for the scheme through an online process on the official portal of the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency at:
Applicants can visit the portal and apply for the scheme on their own and upload the necessary documents. In case of any assistance required, the beneficiary may approach the DPM.
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Application assessment process and criteria
The verification of the applications will be done by
All beneficiaries of the scheme must agree to the terms and conditions of the MBMA, Government of Meghalaya. A tripartite contract agreement will be signed with MBMA, the financing bank, and the beneficiary. The terms and conditions of the contract are mentioned below:
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- Beneficiaries cannot transfer the polyhouse ownership to any person or organization within the contract term of five years without being issued a ‘No Objection Certificate (NOC)’ or release letter jointly signed by MBMA and the financing bank
- Beneficiaries can neither foreclose the loan with the bank and nor can make excess EMI payment.
- Beneficiaries must repay the loan/EMI on time as per bank guidelines
- Beneficiaries must keep their contact numbers updated as enlisted with MBMA
- Beneficiaries must ensure maintenance and cleanliness of the polyhouse and its premises
- Beneficiaries should ensure location of polyhouse with good road connectivity for transport of polyhouse produce to nearby markets.
Monitoring and Evaluation
MBMA will monitor the project closely through coordination with the banks and take corrective measures based on the performance of the beneficiary.