By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, East Khasi Hills under the Department of Agriculture, celebrated the World Food Day 2012 on Tuesday with the theme ‘Agricultural Cooperatives – Key to Feeding the World’.
An inter-college Debate competition was organized on the topic ‘Everything else can wait but not Agriculture’. The Debate, presided over by Mayfereen Ryntathiang, Senior Programme Officer, Voluntary Health Association of Meghalaya, witnessed a healthy exchange of arguments and rebuttals from all the participants.
St. Anthony’s College represented by Irilang Lyngdoh Mawlong and Subhajit Paul were declared the best team while Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) represented by Comfortableson Nongsiej and Ginia Carissa Langstieh bagged the runner-up title. Sophya Dkhar of Lady Keane College was adjudged the Best Debater.
The competition was attended by E Shanpru, Retired Joint Director, Agriculture, as the chief guest and HK Najiar, Retired Horticulture Officer, as the guest of honour apart from other officials and invitees.
Speaking on the occasion, Shanpru reiterated the role played by the Agricultural Cooperatives in bringing about food security in the world. He also stressed on the need for a balanced approach towards development among all the sectors of the economy.
The afternoon session included an open forum in which the gathering was given an opportunity to share their views and observation on the topic.