College of Agriculture Pasighat Hosts Interactive Meeting to Advance Sustainable Farming in Northeast India

To improve agricultural practices in the border regions of Northeast India, the College of Agriculture, Pasighat, in partnership with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tawang, and ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VI, Guwahati, hosted a crucial interaction meeting May 28, 2024. The event centered on enhancing agricultural methodologies, leveraging technology, and promoting sustainable farming to ensure the long-term prosperity of local farming communities.

Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Imphal, underscored the necessity of capacity building and financial literacy among Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). He highlighted the critical role of crop diversification in boosting farmers' incomes and advocated for the use of decision-support systems in marketing strategies. Dr. Mishra also stressed the importance of introducing quality parameters for chemical profiling to improve marketability. "Farmers should capitalize on their inherent strengths and integrate sustainable practices into their farming," he urged.

Sang Khandu, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Tawang, spoke passionately about the significance of organic farming. He urged scientists to delve into traditional agricultural methods and explore the potential of local wild fruits and vegetables. "Local farmers should aim to dominate the local vegetable market with indigenous products," he said, promoting agricultural diversity and sustainability in the region.

Dr. G. Kadirvel, Director of ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, highlighted the need to boost the agri-allied sectors in the border areas of Northeast India. He emphasized the development of horticulture, value addition, processing, and the enhancement of the livestock sector to improve the economic resilience of border communities. "Strengthening these sectors is vital for the economic stability of farmers in these regions," Dr. Kadirvel stated.

Dr. A.K. Tripathi, Dean of the College of Agriculture, CAU (I), Pasighat, addressed the importance of empowering agricultural organizations with scientific methods. He noted that such empowerment is crucial for fostering sustainable development and economic growth. "Scientific agricultural methods are key to sustainable development in our farming communities," Dr. Tripathi explained.

The interaction meeting witnessed the participation of senior scientists from various ICAR-KVKs, alongside state and central government officials, and representatives from Farmer Producer Organizations. This convergence of expertise aimed to create a collaborative approach to improving agricultural practices and promoting sustainable farming in Northeast India.