IFAD Delegation Inspects Rural Livelihoods and Agroecology Projects During Meghalaya Visit A 21-member international delegation from IFAD toured Meghalaya from November 2 to 4 to review rural development, market access, and sustainable agriculture initiatives. Shillong: A 21-member delegation from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which included eight members from its Executive Board, conducted a multi-day visit to Meghalaya from November 2 to 4. The visit was arranged to evaluate various development initiatives focused on strengthening rural livelihoods, enhancing market access, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the state. Beginning of the Tour and Initial Visits Undertaken as a key part of IFAD's Annual Country Visit to India, the tour offered the international delegation an invaluable opportunity to examine firsthand how different projects are being implemented and what impact they are having on the ground. The delegation kicked off its itinerary at the 100-acre Experiential Farm operated by the Eastern Region Marketing Cooperative Society in Jirang, which was followed by stops at a PRIME Hub and the Jirang Agro Farmer Producer Company Ltd. Global Representation in the Delegation The visiting group brought together representatives from a diverse array of nations. Delegates from Brazil, China, Eritrea, Finland, Indonesia, Nigeria, Norway, and the United Kingdom participated in the tour, reflecting broad international interest in the state's rural development strategies. Reviewing Infrastructure and Interacting with Locals On the second day of the itinerary, the team traveled to Umwang IVCS Ltd. to review several developmental undertakings implemented under the Meghalaya Livelihoods and Access to Markets Project (MLAMP). These featured a Collective Marketing Centre, a Custom Hiring Centre, a community fish pond, and a storage facility. During these stops, the delegates interacted directly with local residents and community members to understand how these interventions have practically enhanced their daily livelihoods and expanded their economic horizons. Hub Tours and Meeting with the Chief Minister The schedule continued with visits to the ERIFA PRIME Hub and the Organic Spice Processing Plant located at Lumdaitkhla in Bhoirymbong, Ri Bhoi district. Following these field visits, the team traveled to Shillong to hold official discussions with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Grant Assistance and Key Officials On the concluding day of the itinerary, the delegation stopped by the PRIME Startup Hub in Shillong to learn more about the Investments in Agroecology Value Chains Project. Meghalaya currently holds the third position among Indian states regarding IFAD grant assistance under this specific project, having secured ₹8.19 crore. The delegation featured prominent officials including IFAD Secretary Claudia Ten Have, Donal Brown who serves as the Associate Vice-President of the Department for Country Operations, Indran Naidoo as Director of IFAD's Independent Office of Evaluation, and Reehana Raza as Director of the Asia and the Pacific Division. Conclusion of the Three-Day Program Additional members accompanying the team included IFAD Country Director for India James Marc de Sousa-Shields, S. Divyadharshini who is a Director in the Department of Economic Affairs under the Government of India, and senior consultant Jay K. Sharma. Wrapping up the three-day program, the delegation expressed deep satisfaction with the overall progress and the positive interventions carried out through MLAMP. Ultimately, the visit underscored Meghalaya's ongoing commitment to building robust community-based institutions, expanding agricultural value chains, and improving market accessibility for rural populations. What this means for you This high-level visit directly influences the trajectory of rural development and agricultural support systems in the region. • In Meghalaya: Local farmers and rural communities can expect sustained support in market access, modern storage, and community infrastructure. These improvements will strengthen agricultural value chains across the state. • Across India: International oversight of rural livelihood projects encourages transparent implementation and reinforces best practices in agricultural funding nationwide. Why this happened The visit was organized as part of IFAD's standard annual country assessment to evaluate the real-world performance of its funded initiatives. • Annual Review Protocol: IFAD routinely dispatches executive delegations to member nations to inspect project implementation and assess developmental impact firsthand. • Substantial Grant Funding: With Meghalaya securing ₹8.19 crore in grant assistance, executive board members visited to verify the deployment of these financial resources. • On-Ground Verification: Inspecting specific facilities in districts like Ri Bhoi and Jirang allowed the international team to gauge the effectiveness of community-based agricultural projects. Questions & Answers 1. When did the IFAD delegation visit Meghalaya? The IFAD delegation visited Meghalaya from November 2 to November 4. 2. How many members were in the IFAD delegation? The delegation consisted of 21 members, including eight members of its Executive Board. 3. How much grant assistance has Meghalaya secured under the project? Meghalaya has secured ₹8.19 crore in grant assistance under the project. 4. Which prominent leader did the delegation meet in Shillong? The delegation met Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma during their visit to Shillong. 5. Where does Meghalaya rank among Indian states for IFAD grant assistance? Meghalaya ranks third among Indian states in terms of IFAD grant assistance under the project. https://trendkia.com/en/meghalaya/ifad-delegation-visits-meghalaya-reviews-rural-livelihood-and-agroecology-projects-57156 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.