By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: With an aim to bring holistic approach to development in the agricultural sector, the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), a strategic policy initiative to secure overall development of the Scheduled Tribes was introduced by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at Mawpyrshong village in East Khasi Hills District.
In accordance with this initiative, ICAR in collaboration with the Meghalaya Youth Foundation (MYF) and the Inner Wheel Club, Shillong conducted a “Distribution of Potato Seeds of 5000 kgs (5 tonnes), Cabbage Seeds and Tomato Seeds Carrot Seeds and capsicum seeds programme” along with fertilizers to about 300 farmers at Mawpyrshong village on Friday.
The TSP is on “securing budgetary allocations for tribal development at least proportionate to their population, in order to bring them at par with other sections of society and to protect them from exploitation.”
Principal Scientist Crop Improvement Dr Satish Chandra, who spoke at the function as the chief guest informed that the ICAR has taken all efforts to support the farmers by imparting training on the new technology to the farmers. With modern technology taking pace, Dr Chandra informed that the ICAR is all set to give demonstration of technology for cultivation of potato, method of application of lime, organic manure, fertilizers to crops, establishment of vermicompost production units besides others.
“Our aim is to educate the farmers on the various new and improved technologies so as to bring in growth in the production of cultural crops”.
Earlier, Dr Samar Hazarika while highlighting the farmers on the new and improved technologies said that the TSP has four main objectives which includes substantial reduction in poverty and unemployment of the STs, Creation of productive assets in their favour and provide them with livelihood opportunities on a sustainable basis, Human resource development of the STs by providing adequate educational and health services and Provision of social, physical and financial security to them against all types of exploitation and oppression.