By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 26: As many as 32 people took part in a three-day training programme on ‘Building Sustainable Livelihood through Integrated Farming System in Hill Ecosystem’, which concluded recently. According to a statement here, the programme was jointly organised by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, and funded by the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society (MSRLS) under the Farm Livelihoods component of the DAY-NRLM scheme. The training brought together Self-Help Group (SHG) members, MSRLS functionaries, Community Resource Persons (CRPs) and progressive farmers from various districts of Meghalaya.
Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. BP Singh, Head of DTAC, ICAR RC for NEH Region, encouraged the all-women participants to actively learn the scientific principles behind the Integrated Farming System (IFS) so they can effectively share this knowledge with farmers.
On the other hand, Shanlang F. Lyngdoh, Chief Operating Officer of Livelihood Promotions, MSRLS, highlighted the relevance of IFS as a multi-income avenue, particularly suitable for the livelihood promotion of tribal farmers.
He added that the mission aims to reach 5 lakh households across 52,000 SHGs in Meghalaya through targeted capacity-building initiatives in partnership with ICAR and state functionaries.
The technical sessions covered all critical aspects of IFS, including crops, livestock, fisheries, horticulture, agroforestry, soil management, insect pest management and subsidiary enterprises like mushroom cultivation.
“The technical sessions of the training programme consisted of all the critical components of IFS including crops, livestock, fishery, horticulture, agroforerstry, soil management, insect pest management and subsidiary enterprises such as mushroom cultivation implemented through interactive class room lectures and demonstrative field visits. It was aimed to equip the participants with technical knowledge on management of multiple agri-enterprises on the farm for income and nutritional security,” the statement said.