By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 16: An initiative aimed at enhancing the livelihood opportunities and improving the living conditions of the rural population in the North Eastern Region (NER) of India, was launched by the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR). This initiative, titled ‘Scientific Organic Agriculture in North-East India,’ is part of the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North-East (PM-DevlNE) scheme.
In collaboration with the BioResource Development Centre (BRDC) and the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society (MSRLS), NECTAR organised a six-day training programme for 35 farmers from the Khasi, Jaintia, and Ri-Bhoi districts of Meghalaya. These farmers received comprehensive training from experts at BRDC and the Central Agricultural University (CAU). Upon completion, they will disseminate this knowledge to fellow farmers at cluster-level demonstration farms established by NECTAR.
The training covered essential aspects of organic farming, including vermicomposting, integrated pest management, organic concoctions, green manuring, and energy pillar technology (EPT). Additionally, it addressed the package of practices for various crops, the importance of organic certification, seed preservation and conservation, particularly of local seed varieties, through theoretical lessons, practical sessions, and exposure visits. The program culminated in the distribution of certificates to the participating farmers.
The primary goal of this initiative is to educate and train farmers across the North East in organic farming practices and organic certification. It also focuses on developing demonstrative farm labs, providing testing kits, setting up soil testing laboratories, and integrating Management Information Systems (MIS) and digital agriculture. These efforts aim to connect farms to markets, promoting health and wellness benefits.
The second phase II of the master trainers’ training is scheduled to take place in Garo Hills from May 20 to 26 in Tura. This phase will further expand the programme’s reach and impact, ensuring that the knowledge and practices of scientific organic agriculture are widely adopted across the region.