The state’s Agriculture and Arts & Culture departments have been recognised for innovative projects promoting sustainable farming and cultural development at a national platform.
Meghalaya: Meghalaya has earned national acclaim after two state-led initiatives were awarded Silver honours at the SKOCH Awards, a recognition that highlights innovative governance and impactful public programmes across the country.
The accolades were presented in New Delhi, where projects from the state’s agriculture and culture sectors were acknowledged for their contribution to sustainable development and community enrichment.
In the agriculture category, recognition went to the State Biological Control Laboratory (SBCL), functioning under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The award-winning initiative focuses on reducing dependence on chemical inputs by promoting environmentally responsible alternatives for cultivation.
Through its bio-input production programme, the laboratory has been developing and supplying biological solutions such as eco-friendly fertilisers, pest-management products and beneficial organisms that support healthier crop production systems. The initiative was showcased before the jury by Dr Pynhunlin Nola K. Dohling, Scientific Officer (Rice), who outlined the laboratory’s work in advancing sustainable farming practices across the state.
The Directorate of Arts and Culture received the Silver Award in the cultural category for the LARITI Performing Centre at Mawkasiang, a project aimed at creating a dedicated space for artistic expression, cultural exchange and the preservation of Meghalaya’s rich heritage.
The proposal was presented by Camelia Doreen Lyngwa, Special Secretary and Director of Arts and Culture, who highlighted the centre’s role in nurturing local talent and expanding opportunities for cultural engagement.
The twin recognitions reflect Meghalaya’s broader efforts to pursue development through innovation while addressing sector-specific needs. While the agriculture initiative emphasises environmentally conscious farming and long-term ecological sustainability, the cultural project underscores the state’s commitment to strengthening institutions that support arts, creativity and heritage conservation.
Officials said the awards serve as an acknowledgement of Meghalaya’s ongoing efforts to implement transformative programmes that deliver tangible benefits to communities while promoting sustainable growth and cultural preservation.
The recognition also places the spotlight on the state’s growing emphasis on combining innovation with public service delivery, an approach that has increasingly gained attention at national platforms.
