Editor,
Meghalaya, the “Abode of Clouds,” is celebrated for its scenic beauty and rich agricultural traditions. Recently, the State has seen a growing movement towards natural farming, a shift driven by the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Meghalaya has adopted the “Meghalaya State Organic and Natural Farming Policy 2023” to become a national leader in organic farming. On January 9, 2024, Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, inaugurated the B.Sc. (Hons.) Natural Farming degree program at the College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Meghalaya. Natural farming avoids chemical fertilizers and pesticides, instead using organic inputs and traditional methods. Natural farming reduces input costs, enhances soil health, stabilizes yields, and commands premium prices. It improves self-sufficiency, diversifies income, lowers health costs, benefits from government support, and boosts market access. Natural farming also resonates with Meghalaya’s cultural values, where communities have long lived in harmony with nature.
Meghalaya’s hilly terrain, rich soil, high rainfall, and moderate temperatures create ideal conditions for natural farming. Traditional practices like ‘jhum’ shifting cultivation, mixed cropping, and indigenous knowledge enhance sustainability, biodiversity, and soil health, allowing diverse crop cultivation while reducing the need for chemical inputs and irrigation. These sustainable practices not only protect the environment but also improve the livelihoods of small farmers, contributing to the state’s overall economic growth.
Padma Shri awardee Subhash Palekar is popularly known as ‘Krishika Rishi’ by many farming communities in India. He is an agricultural scientist who pioneered the concept of Natural Farming in the country. Additionally, natural farming helps preserve local seed varieties and encourages the use of local resources, making farmers more self-sufficient. The central government has supported this transition through initiatives like the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). These programs provide essential training, financial aid, and market connections, ensuring that organic farming remains sustainable and profitable. As Meghalaya continues to adopt natural farming, it sets an inspiring example for other regions. The state’s dedication to sustainable agriculture promises a healthier and greener future, securing food security and environmental health for future generations. Through the promotion and adoption of natural farming, Meghalaya is building a robust agricultural system that respects its natural heritage and ensures ecological balance for the years to come.
Yours etc.,
Ibalahun Nongbsap,
Via email
MPSC: With great Power comes great Responsibility
Editor,
Following the release of the MCS (Prelims) 2023 supplementary list, a number of circumstances have arisen. In my opinion, if someone had complaints about the MPSC, they need to have addressed the Commission and sought detailed clarification. Since the candidate who filed the petition claimed to have been wronged, they had every right to do so. When the results were announced, any candidate who thought they had passed the cut-off would undoubtedly examine their scores and look for an explanation because they would be concerned. Errors can occur in MPSC test questions, just as they happen in other reputable exams like UPSC, SSC, NEET, GATE, and JEE. Although MPSC committed a mistake, I believe that by admitting 62 applicants rather than only the petitioner, they have done right. Since the MPSC is a constitutional body and has demonstrated transparency in a recent case when it took the subject seriously and sought an expert review, no one can contest the MPSC’s judgment. According to the KSU Education Secretary, they tried to find out why, in the absence of such a system, the MPSC had approved the petition in the first place. The answer is straightforward: since each State Public Service Commission has the authority to accept and administer justice to anyone who approaches them, an irate candidate who felt confident that he or she had cleared would surely be unhappy and would petition the Commission. The MPSC is not an exception if other state public services commission tests, including central exams like the SSC, allow for answer challenges.
Even though the Commission made mistakes, they were rectified, and it takes time to go over the contested responses. It cannot be eliminated in a single day. I concur that a resolution should have been reached by March, the earliest possible time, in order to avoid elections. It became much longer when the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was put into effect. I would prefer that KSU petition the MPSC to allow only those candidates who successfully challenged incorrect answer keys and received their meritorious marks to be allowed to write their exams since they had found out the mistakes instead of allowing everyone to rewrite their exams. The answer keys should also be posted on the website after exams are over, giving candidates two weeks to contest answers if they so choose, provided they can provide supporting documentation.
Finally, the MPSC should change a regulation that would otherwise charges of Rs 50 -100 for each question that is challenged in SSC and NET exams
Yours etc.,
Samuel R Marak
Tura Town -1
Non-resumption of 5th semester classes in Umshyrpi College
Editor,
I am writing this letter to express my concern about the prolonged closure of Umshyrpi College after the 4th semester exams held in the month of June. Other colleges in Shillong affiliated to the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) have already resumed classes for the 5th semester from the first week of July whereas the resumption date for classes for Umshyrpi College is still unknown.
As a student, I am confused as to why the administration of Umshyrpi College is not resuming classes for the 5th semester students since classes for the Higher Secondary section and the NEP batch are already in session. This prolonged closure is really affecting the students of 5th semester as it delays the academic calendar making the students from Umshyrpi College lag behind their counterparts from other colleges.
We are in the month of August and till now no notice has been issued for resumption of classes. In the coming months, several co-curricular activities are expected and in such a scenario the academic syllabus cannot be completed owing to the protracted delay in resumption of classes.
The students would appreciate it if Umshyrpi College would resume classes for the 5th semester students as soon as possible keeping in mind the welfare of the students.
Yours etc.,
A concerned student of Umshyrpi College,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
Compromised tourism sector
Editor,
We cannot let Assam assert so much power over our tourism. Why should it be that just because HNYF checks Assamese tourist cabs, that tourism should take a hit? I’m not supporting HNYF but just making a point that the whole tourism industry cannot be so compromised. Is it the Assamese media, or the word on the street that is deterring tourism? It is utterly silly that tourists should stop visiting just because of a scuffle between HNYF and Assamese cab drivers. This is not acceptable. Our tourism is based on our own natural bounty. It should not be compromised by any section of tourists. We do need the Umroi Airport to develop faster and better to bypass Assam totally for our tourism. Otherwise, we need a strong government that will ensure that Assam cannot hamper our tourism in any way. It is our right to see how best our state and our people benefit from it.
Yours etc.,
John Saitkhuid,
Shillong