By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 19: As part of its project, ‘Promoting Scientific Organic Cultivation in Northeast India’, NECTAR distributed smartphones to farmers from various districts of Meghalaya.
According to a statement, the project, sanctioned by the Ministry of DoNER under the PMDevINE scheme, aims to create 250 organic-certified clusters across the Northeast.
In Meghalaya, the initiative includes establishing 55 farm labs across all districts in collaboration with Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS) and the Bio Resources Development Centre (BRDC).
“55 lead farmers were earlier trained as master trainers by BRDC who will manage the demo farm labs and train 100 farmers in the respective clusters for organic farming,” the statement said.
In a bid to support digital agriculture and the management of information systems, smartphones were distributed to the master trainers during a programme at NECTAR’s Shillong Office on Friday.
During the programme, Director of ICAR-ATARI, Dr. AK Mohanty, emphasised reducing the use of chemical fertilisers for long-term agricultural benefits.
He also stressed the importance of bio-stimulant and bio-control startups with rigorous lab and field trials.
The programme also saw farmers engaged in one-on-one interactions with scientists, including Prof. Pranab Dutta from CPGS-CAU, Umiam, who shared his expertise in organic farming in Meghalaya and discussed local solutions for local challenges.
On the other hand, NECTAR Director General, Dr. Arun K. Sarma, expressed concern over inefficient market linkages between farmers and consumers and assured that the project would address this issue, benefiting 25,000 farmers across the Northeast.