SHILLONG: The Horticulture Division, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam organized a field day cum awareness programme on September 28 to showcase the latest technologies including high yielding varieties of guava, tomato, ash gourd, colocasia turmeric etc. developed by the institute to augment production of horticultural crops.
The day attracted 130 farmers of Khasi, Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts. The queries of the farmers related to crops and livestock sectors were addressed during the scientists- farmers’ interaction. During the field visit farmers were also exposed to vertical cropping system, meadow orcharding and a variety of lesser known crops viz. Yam Bean, Elephant foot yam etc.
On this occasion, Daniel Ingty, Director Horticulture, Govt. of Meghalaya was the chief guest and highlighted the issues like how to upgrade the production of Sohra oranges and Arecanut orchards. Apart from this he also stressed on the need for technologies for organic cultivation of horticultural crops and subsequent marketing of the products. While addressing the farmers, Dr. S. V. Ngachan, Director ICAR Complex Umiam lamented the efforts made by the institute. He asked the farmers to conserve the bio resources for future generations. Regarding farmers’ rights he emphasized that ICAR will act as facilitator for the farmers to register their crops under PPV&FRA act.
