Nongpoh, August 28: In a significant initiative aimed at advancing sustainable agricultural practices, the Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Imphal, Manipur, in partnership with the National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi has commenced a two-week training programme on ‘Natural Farming: Present Status and Future Prospects’.
The event is taking place at the College of Agriculture (COA) in Kyrdemkulai, Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya, from today to September 10, 2023.
The training programme, which focuses on exploring the potential of natural farming, was inaugurated today with a ceremonial lighting of lamps by distinguished guests. The event saw dignitaries being honoured with bouquets, mementos, gift baskets, and shawls. The initiative has brought together a cohort of thirty-five faculty members holding the rank of Assistant Professor and above, representing institutions such as the Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar; Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), West Bengal; Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat; and faculty members from the constituent colleges of the Central Agricultural University, Imphal.
This comprehensive training programme features over thirty renowned resource persons of international repute from across the country, who will deliver lectures and tutorials over the course of the two weeks. The initiative has been backed by the National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP), a project aimed at enhancing the capabilities of educators in effectively teaching courses related to natural farming. One of the overarching goals of NAHEP is to establish an Undergraduate Degree Programme in Natural Farming across the nation.
The opening ceremony of the training programme was graced by esteemed guests. Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor of CAU, Imphal, chaired the event. Prof. Dwipendra Thakuria, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, and Course Director of the programme, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Dr. Dinesh Kulkarni, All India Organizing Secretary and Sangathan Mantri of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh. Manoj Solanki, Farmers’ Representative on the ICAR Governing Body and Natural Farming Practitioner, also added his insights to the event. Prof. PP. Shastry, a retired Dean from the College of Agriculture, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, and Dr. V.K. Mishra, Director of ICAR-RC for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, graced the event as Guests of Honor.
A notable highlight of the inaugural programme was the release of the publication titled ‘Handbook on Natural Farming: Principles and Practices’ Volume 1. This handbook promises to provide valuable insights into the principles and practices of natural farming. Prof. Ph. Ranjit Sharma, Director of Extension Education at CAU, Imphal, delivered the vote of thanks to conclude the opening ceremony.
With a focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly farming methods, this training programme stands as a promising step towards a more resilient and ecologically conscious agricultural future.