SHILLONG: Facilitating Agricultural Regeneration Measures (FARM) Northeast phase-II was launched at Moreau Institute of Integral Training (MIIT) on Thursday.
FARM Northeast II, which is the first of its kind in Shillong, is a cluster programme of Caritas India being implemented in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland. This programme is in its second phase of three-year implementation.
Caritas India works for the most vulnerable and marginalised sections of the society for inclusive sustainable development.
It is a member of the larger global Caritas confederation that exists in 165 countries and serves 200 countries and territories.
Speaking as the chief guest, Soil and Water Conservation Minister Ronnie Lyngdoh said agriculture can be a remunerative, lucrative and productive occupation.
“Some people take up agriculture as they do not have any option. Farmers in the North East are the most marginalised section of society as they can barely make ends meet,” he said, adding, “Since 70 per cent of the people depend on agriculture for livelihood, we need to make this occupation lucrative.”
Speaking on the constraints, Lyngdoh said marketing of products is a problem.
On organic farming, the Minister said it needed to be encouraged and that crops which are resilient to climate change needed to be planted in the state.
Meanwhile, James Sangma expressed concern over introduction of GM and hybrid seeds, non-indigenous species which may lead to cross pollination.
“We should preserve agricultural seeds endemic to our culture,” he said.
Another point he brought about is the low proportion of irrigated lands.
Highlighting the need for agricultural regeneration, he said in view of climate change it is an important concept.
He also flagged the problem of stagnant agricultural growth in the North East and the region’s dependence on imported foodgrain.
He also addressed the problem of food security while at the same time reduce the pressure on land by turning to agricultural regeneration.
“We would like to increase the acreage of farm land but we need to protect land. We need to increase production but maintain sustainability,” Sangma said.
The launching event is witnessed by 15 implementing organisation directors, staff and community representatives from seven north eastern states.
