SHILLONG, June 8: Governor Phagu Chauhan has accentuated the need to adopt organic and natural farming, keeping in mind the balance between food security and environment.
The Governor was addressing the inaugural programme of the two-day national conference on ‘Rebooting the hill farming for future sustainability and livelihood’ at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Ri-Bhoi.
The conference is being organised by the Indian Association of Hill Farming and ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, as part of the institute’s golden jubilee celebrations.
In his address, Chauhan stressed on the need for conservation of forest, water and land resources for the overall and sustainable development of the tribes of the Northeast.
Stating that agricultural production systems in the region are known to be complex, diverse and at risk, the Governor opined that scientists should go to the fields of the farmers, discuss their problems and accordingly develop technologies to address the same.
Pointing out that the Northeast is home to large amounts of biomass, he stressed on the need to adopt organic and natural farming, while keeping in mind the balance between food security and environment.
Emphasis should be laid on the development of local livestock, especially local breeds of cow, which is a main pillar of the natural farming principle, Chauhan said.
Citing the example of deficient rainfall in Meghalaya and other parts of the country, the Governor said that concerted efforts should be made in water conservation, especially through rainwater harvesting and in-situ soil moisture conservation.
Doing so, he continued, will enable the people to utilise part of the vast water resources for the benefit of the farming community of the region.
On the occasion, the Governor also released a Souvenir-cum-Book of Abstracts and gave away the Indian Association of Hill Farming Awards.
“In recognition of their immense contribution in scientific research and extension the Honorary Fellow Awards were bestowed upon Dr. U C Sharma, vice president, International Commission on Water Resources Systems, and Dr V. K. Mishra, Director ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam. The IAHF Fellow Awards were awarded to 8 scientists,” a statement in this regard said.
To mark the occasion, the Governor also planted tree saplings within the premises of the institute.
Others who were part of the programme include agricultural research managers, scientists, academicians and young student researchers from different parts of the country.
