MP Inaugurates Five-Day Training Programme on Integrated Farming System and Fishery-Based IFS Model at Hailakandi

1 September 2026, Hailakandi, Assam

A five-day training programme on Integrated Farming System (IFS) for Rural Youth and a Fishery-Based Integrated Farming System (IFS) Model were inaugurated today at S.S. College, Hailakandi, Assam, by Shri Kripanath Mallah, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Sribhumi, Assam.

The training programme and IFS Model were organized and established through the collaborative efforts of ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Hailakandi, and S.S. College, Hailakandi, with the objective of promoting practical learning, sustainable agriculture, livelihood diversification and agriculture-based entrepreneurship among rural youth and students.

The Fishery-Based IFS Model, established by ICAR–KVK Hailakandi in collaboration with S.S. College, was inaugurated as part of the programme. The model serves as a practical demonstration platform showcasing the integration of diverse farm enterprises for efficient utilization and recycling of farm resources, diversification of income sources and enhancement of farm productivity and sustainability.

As part of the inauguration, Shri Kripanath Mallah planted fruit crops and released Nageswari breed ducklings, marking the operational initiation of horticulture and duck-rearing components of the model alongside fishery. The integrated approach demonstrates the potential of combining fish production, duck rearing and fruit cultivation within a single farming system for resource recycling, risk reduction and generation of multiple income streams for farm families.

The IFS Model Unit at S.S. College has been envisaged as a live demonstration and experiential learning centre for students, rural youth and farmers. It provides an opportunity to understand the practical functioning of integrated farm enterprises and the principles of resource recycling, enterprise diversification, climate resilience and sustainable farm management.

The five-day training programme aims to enhance the knowledge and practical skills of rural youth on different components of integrated farming and their economic and ecological interrelationships. The programme focuses on promoting IFS as a viable approach for livelihood diversification, income enhancement, efficient resource utilization and agriculture-based entrepreneurship.

During the inaugural programme, speakers highlighted the importance of integrated and diversified farming systems in strengthening farm income, livelihood security and employment opportunities in rural areas. The role of KVKs in providing location-specific technical knowledge, capacity building and practical demonstrations to farmers and rural youth was also emphasized.

The importance of engaging youth in agriculture and allied sectors through entrepreneurship and innovative ventures was underlined. Such initiatives can help bridge the gap between academic learning and field-level application while encouraging students to explore agriculture and allied activities as viable avenues for employment and enterprise development.

In his inaugural address, Shri Kripanath Mallah emphasized the significance of Integrated Farming Systems in promoting sustainable agriculture, efficient utilization and recycling of farm resources, income diversification and livelihood enhancement. He encouraged students and rural youth to consider IFS as a viable model for livelihood generation and agriculture-based entrepreneurship. He also shared his experiences and observations related to integrated farming and stressed the need for diversified and climate-resilient agricultural practices to strengthen the economic sustainability of rural households. The Member of Parliament appreciated the collaborative efforts of ICAR–KVK Hailakandi and S.S. College in establishing the IFS Model and organizing the capacity-building programme for rural youth.

The programme also highlighted the importance of ICAR–KVK–educational institution convergence in promoting experiential learning, technology dissemination, entrepreneurship development and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The IFS Model established at S.S. College is expected to serve as a valuable demonstration and training platform and facilitate wider awareness and adoption of integrated and climate-resilient farming practices in the region.

A total of 83 participants, including KVK officials, faculty members, students of S.S. College and other participants, attended the inaugural programme.

(Source: ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra Hailakandi, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Hailakandi, Assam)