Meghalaya CM Seeks Tech Collaborations to Drive Agricultural Innovation

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, speaking at the Digital Governance & Emerging Technologies Workshop on April 24, emphasized the transformative power of technology in governance, healthcare, agriculture, and overall development. He underscored the importance of using emerging technologies to address real-world issues and improve the lives of citizens.

“Technology holds a special place for me—it must drive positive change and solve real issues to be truly impactful in governance and the private sector,” Sangma stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter), reiterating his belief that technological integration should yield tangible benefits for the people.

Highlighting the state’s healthcare advancements, the Chief Minister pointed to the success of the MOTHER program. By integrating technological tools to track high-risk pregnancies, the initiative has significantly improved maternal and infant health outcomes across Meghalaya. “Through technological intervention in our MOTHER program, we successfully tracked high-risk pregnancies and initiated timely actions, significantly reducing MMR and IMR in the state,” he explained, referencing reductions in maternal mortality rate (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR).

In addition to healthcare, technology is also playing a critical role in early childhood development (ECD) initiatives. Sangma highlighted how the state’s ECD mission is using digital tools to promote holistic and cognitive growth in young children. “Under the ECD mission, we leverage technology to promote cognitive and holistic development in children,” he said, underscoring the long-term benefits of these investments.

Meghalaya’s approach to environmental sustainability is also being supported by digital solutions. The Chief Minister shared that the government is deploying technology to map natural resources, including watersheds, catchment areas, springs, and forest cover. “We are also utilising technology to map watersheds, catchment areas, springs, and forest cover, and this data is crucial in helping us manage our water resources efficiently,” he noted. This data-driven approach is enabling more informed decision-making in environmental conservation and water management.

Sangma also turned attention to agricultural innovation, revealing his interest in advanced agricultural practices observed during a recent international visit. “Was impressed to see Japan's innovative use of technology in agriculture during my last visit,” he said. Inspired by these models, the Meghalaya government is now exploring partnerships aimed at enhancing agricultural quality and productivity in the state. “We aim to explore partnerships to enhance agricultural quality and productivity in Meghalaya, benefiting our farmers through smart, sustainable solutions,” Sangma added.

Looking ahead, the Chief Minister outlined a broader digital vision for the state, including the development of Shillong as a regional IT hub. “Our IT-driven governance is a key aspect of our broader vision to establish Shillong as a leading IT hub. Recognising the significance of emerging technologies is essential to our strategic approach, enabling us to enhance governance and improve the quality of life for our citizens,” he said.

Sangma’s address reflected a forward-thinking approach that positions Meghalaya as a state ready to harness the full potential of technology in shaping its future across sectors.