SHILLONG: To commemorate the visionary programme of the Prime Minister for doubling income of farmers, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam organised a training cum awareness programme for farmers on ‘Integrated organic farming system (IOFS) for livelihood security and doubling of farmers income’ at Division of Crop Production, ICAR Complex, Umiam on Wednesday.
A total of 110 farmers from different villages of the state participated in the programme, which started with the introductory address by Dr. Jayanta Layek, Scientist (Agronomy) and Project Investigator of Organic Farming project. He highlighted the need of Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) for enhancing the system productivity and cropping intensity of the region.
The net income from an IOFS model with an area of 0.43 ha has been recorded at Rs. 62,531 per year which is much higher than the income of farmers’ common practices of rice mono cropping or rice-vegetables cropping system.
Rajesh Kumar, Head in-charge, Division of Crop Production highlighted the scope of organic farming in the Northeastern region for livelihood security of the farmers.
The Director of the Institute, N. Prakash said that the Central Government is promoting the region for becoming organic hub of the country.
He further added that there is a need of organic certification and proper marketing of the products for enhancing farmers’ income.
During the programme, farmers interacted with the experts and enquired about improved seed, production technology and organic insect pest and disease management options.
