SHILLONG: FoodSTART+ annual partners’ meeting and launch of Farmer Business Schools (FBS) was held at State Convention Center on Tuesday.
Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong launched FBS. Six FBS pilot projects were started in Meghalaya, including three in Khasi Hills and three in Garo Hills. These included Wahlyngkien, Mawngap, Nongwah in Khasi Hills and places in Garo Hills included Bokchugre, Gadarugre and Dilsigre.
FoodSTART+ project coordinator, Diego Naziri said the project goal of FoodSTART+ was to enhance food resilience among poor household in upland and coastal communities of the Asia-Pacific region through introducing Roots and Tuber Crops (RTC) innovations primarily within the framework of IFAD investments.
Stating that the opportunities for RTCs in Meghalaya comes into play as the state is prone to disaster (earthquakes, floods, storms and landslides), he said there is a great diversity in RTCs produced by small holders although potato is the only RTC produced at large scale for the market.
RTCs production can greatly benefit from enhanced access to quality planting material of higher yielding and disease resistant varieties.
“Opportunities exist for enhanced post harvest management and marketing including by promoting RTCs health and nutritional benefits, exploiting value adding opportunities and better integration with the livestock sector,” he said.
Speaking to Farmer Business Schools (FBS), Naziri said FBS is for strengthening farmer entrepreneurship for enhanced livelihood and resilience.
FBS is a participatory action learning approach to support farmer groups participation and benefit from agricultural value chains.
Through FBS, participating farmers groups are able to develop market-driven product innovation, establish and expand market linkages, generate additional profits, through increased volume and value of their products.
