Meghalaya Governor, Phagu Chauhan on Thirsday inaugurated a two days National Conference on “Rebooting the hill farming for future sustainability and livelihood” at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Ri Bhoi District in the presence of Dr. V. K. Mishra, Director ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Dr. Uttam C Sharma, Vice President, International Commission on Water Resources Systems and Dr. K M Bujarbaruah, Former Vice Chancellor, Assam Agriculture University, Jorhat.
The conference was organized by the Indian Association of Hill Farming and ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam as part of celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the Institute.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Phagu Chauhan stressed on the need for conservation of forest, water and land resources for the overall and sustainable development of the tribes of the north east region. Adding that agricultural production systems in the region are known to be complex, diverse and at risk, he opined that scientists should go to the fields of the farmers and discuss their problems, and accordingly develop technologies to address the problems.
Pointing out that the North East Region has a large amount of biomass, he stressed on the need to adopt organic and natural farming keeping in mind the balance between food security and environment. He also said that 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. 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 rain water harvesting and in-situ soil moisture conservation, so that we can utilize part of the vast water resources for the benefit of the farming community of the region.
On the occasion, the Governor released a Souvenir cum Book of Abstracts and gave away the Indian Association of Hill Farming Awards (IAHF). 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.
