SHILLONG, Jan 9: Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan called for closer collaboration among ICAR, agricultural universities and the Meghalaya government to create a roadmap for sustainable agricultural growth in the region.
Addressing the golden jubilee celebration of ICAR at Umiam, Ri-Bhoi, on Thursday, Chouhan harped on the critical issue of logistical challenges for transporting perishable food items. He assured support for Meghalaya’s request to establish a logistic hub in Guwahati, as perishable goods, during transit, often get spoilt before reaching other states or countries.
“Meghalaya is a treasure trove of agricultural wealth,” said Chouhan, highlighting the state and the Northeast as potential hubs for fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants if given the right guidance. He praised the variety of produce, including chillies, pineapples, ginger, turmeric, bananas and orchids.
“The Northeast can truly outshine other regions in agriculture and horticulture,” he added.
Acknowledging the challenges being faced by farmers in transporting their produce, Chouhan emphasised the need to develop crop varieties with longer shelf lives, better logistics and stronger connections between scientific research and practical implementation. He stressed the importance of the lab-to-land approach and suggested that ICAR focus on increasing the shelf life of crops to ensure they reach consumers in optimal condition.
“Natural farming, innovative technologies, and the unique potential of crops like bamboo, honey, and mushrooms must be leveraged to uplift rural livelihoods,” he stressed.
The central minister called for collaborative efforts among ICAR, agricultural universities, and government departments to craft a sustainable agricultural roadmap for the region. He proposed quarterly coordination meetings to address issues and work on long-term plans for the next 50 years.
In a recorded message, President Droupadi Murmu congratulated ICAR for its 50 years of outstanding service and dedication. She praised ICAR for developing hundreds of varieties of crops and climate-resilient technologies suited to the region’s agro-climatic conditions, thereby enhancing food and livelihood security.
She highlighted the 30% increase in food grain production and 40% growth in horticultural crops over the past decade.
President Murmu also noted the importance of agri-based enterprises in providing livelihoods and attracting youth to the agricultural sector.
In his inaugural speech, Governor CH Vijayashankar emphasised that agriculture lies at the heart of India’s economy. He acknowledged ICAR’s leadership in agricultural research and development, particularly in the development of crop varieties, livestock breeds, and integrated farming systems, which have been immensely beneficial to farmers.
He also highlighted the region’s rich resources in specialty crops like ginger, turmeric, medicinal plants, and their growing significance in Ayurveda and agricultural products.
