SHILLONG, May 29: Meghalaya State Planning Board Co-Chairman Olan Sing Suin on Thursday called for the large-scale promotion of azolla cultivation across the state, describing it as a promising agricultural innovation that could boost farmers’ income, reduce livestock feed costs, and strengthen sustainable farming practices.
Speaking at a one-day workshop on “Formulating a Strategic Approach for Mainstreaming Azolla Cultivation”, organised by the Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission at the State Guest House, Taraghar, Suin said scientific and innovative interventions were essential to ensure long-term agricultural progress in Meghalaya.
He said azolla cultivation holds immense potential to improve productivity while offering farmers a low-cost and sustainable alternative for livestock feed and soil enrichment.
Commending the Farmers’ Commission for its field-based initiatives, Suin said he closely followed its work over the past few years and appreciated its efforts to introduce practical solutions tailored to local farming conditions.
Recalling his experience, he referred to a long pepper propagation initiative in his constituency, where concerns over ineffective nursery practices prompted a review of the project after consultations with indigenous farmers.
According to him, the episode demonstrated the Commission’s willingness to adapt its strategies based on scientific findings and grassroots feedback.
Suin admitted he was initially sceptical about azolla cultivation, particularly its use as animal feed, but said interactions with experts had convinced him of its potential.
He said such interventions could play a critical role in enhancing farmers’ earnings and promoting sustainable agricultural and horticultural development in the state.
Expressing full support for the initiative, Suin said successful pilot trials could pave the way for its inclusion in future government policy through the State Planning Board and the Agriculture Department.
He also offered financial assistance for pilot demonstrations in his constituency, stating that successful field-level implementation would encourage wider acceptance among farmers.
Meghalaya Farmers’ Empowerment Commission (MFEC) Chairman P.S. Thangkhiew said the workshop was organised following extensive district-level consultations over the past three months, during which azolla emerged as a highly promising intervention.
He said the focus now was on developing standardised and locally adaptable models suited to Meghalaya’s farming ecosystem.
Thangkhiew noted that the Commission seeks to create practical solutions that would enable small-scale farmers to improve livestock rearing sustainably and cost-effectively.
Delivering the technical keynote address, senior scientist P. Kamalasanan Pillai described azolla as a potential answer to the growing global protein deficit affecting livestock production.
He said conventional protein sources were insufficient to meet rising demand, while azolla offered a highly efficient and sustainable alternative.
Highlighting its productivity, Pillai said azolla could generate significant protein-rich biomass within a short period and contribute to carbon-negative agricultural practices.
He also assured technical support for scaling up cultivation in Meghalaya, stating that a state-wide azolla programme could significantly improve agricultural productivity, lower feed costs and promote self-reliance.
