Umiam, Meghalaya
ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, organised a one-day workshop on “Connecting Science, Technology and Farmers for Sustainable Agriculture” to deliberate on strengthening linkages among agricultural research, technology development, extension and farming communities for sustainable agricultural development in the North Eastern Region.
The workshop brought together scientists, officials from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and other stakeholders engaged in agricultural research, extension and technology dissemination.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Dr Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, emphasised the pivotal role of KVKs as an institutional mechanism for effective agricultural extension and technology dissemination. He stressed the need to enhance the efficiency, outreach and farmer-centric functioning of KVKs, along with stronger coordination among ICAR institutes, Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARIs), KVKs and other stakeholders.
Dr Singh also underlined the importance of developing and promoting location-specific and climate-resilient technologies suited to the diverse agro-ecological conditions of the North Eastern Region. Expressing concern over the impact of climate variability on agricultural productivity, he noted that the region is currently experiencing a significant rainfall deficit of around 49%. He stressed the need to promote climate-smart and hill-specific crops and production technologies to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of agriculture in the region.
Dr Alpana Das, I/c Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, Guwahati, highlighted the crucial role of KVKs in strengthening the agricultural extension system and facilitating the dissemination of appropriate agricultural technologies to farmers across the region.
Dr A. K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone VII, Umiam, emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts among KVKs, ICAR institutes and other stakeholders to strengthen farming communities and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Addressing the participants, Dr G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR-RC NEH, Umiam, highlighted the role of KVKs as a vital interface between agricultural research institutions and farming communities. He emphasised the need for region-specific approaches and stronger research–extension–farmer linkages to ensure that technologies developed through research reach farmers effectively.
Dr Kadirvel also stressed the importance of adopting an end-to-end approach for developing commercially viable products from horticultural and allied crops, thereby creating greater value for farmers and strengthening agricultural enterprises in the region. He highlighted the Institute’s focus on expanding natural farming across the North Eastern states, with a target of bringing approximately 2 lakh hectares under natural farming.
Dr Kadirvel appreciated the leadership of Dr Rajbir Singh in initiating innovative, non-planned schemes aimed at strengthening agricultural extension and expanding technology outreach.
The workshop provided a platform for scientists, extension functionaries and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening the science–technology–farmer interface and promoting sustainable, climate-resilient and farmer-centric agricultural development in the North Eastern Region.
(Source: ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya)
Like on Facebook
Subscribe on Youtube
Follow on X X
Like on instagram