SHILLONG: There is immense opportunity for organic farming in the northeastern region and it needs to be implemented properly, said director general of Indian Council of Agricultural Research Trilochan Mohapatra on Saturday.
Addressing a gathering on Day 1 of the exhibition-cum–workshop on ‘Traditional Farming and Indigenous Foods of North East’ at ICAR Research Complex in Umiam, Mohapatra said, “Organic farming needs to be effectively implemented. Also, scientists need to validate indigenous farming and food product for enhancing the livelihood security of famers here.”
Mohapatra, who is also the secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research Education, also stressed on the need to tap the vast natural resources in the region.
“The institute (ICAR) has produced wonderful technologies and various products for the benefit of hill farmers… the institute needs to focus on the prime task of bringing the youth back to agriculture,” he said.
The Meghalaya Government is already promoting organic farming in almost all the 11 districts. Several villages in Umiam are also practising organic farming. It has also earned accolades from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture for its endeavour.
More than 1,000 farmers from eight northeastern states are attending the three-day workshop.
